[Talk Host]

I have thought about it all my life, but never had the opportunity to learn to Scuba dive. Over the past two weeks, I completed the open water scuba certification program from Aquatic Center in Ocala. We did our classroom work at their shop and classroom on 20th street. Then we did the initial dives at the Central Florida Community College pool. Over the weekend, we did the actual "Open Water" certification at Blue Grotto in Williston.
I sure would like some diving buddies. Anybody game?

The underwater picture is at about 60 feet and I have my hand on an "air bell" that is full of compressed air where divers can come up inside and chat or take a break.

[chacam]

Can you give us an idea of the cost for training and certification?
NAUI or PADI?

Thanks

[graciegirl]

Does it mess up your hair?

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by chacam

Can you give us an idea of the cost for training and certification?
NAUI or PADI?

Thanks

The course is a SSI (Scuba Schools INternational) course and the complete open water certification was $250. It was necessary to have some basic equipment, fins, mask, mouthpiece, boots. But if you already have those, it's $250.

[gowens1]

You have now found another fun way to spend money. Before my wife got sick we enjoy'd diving throughout Central Florida, and off the east coast. Our favorate was Blue Springs in Orange City, only 10 min from home and only 6 dollars, but if you live in the villages you have 5 or 6 dive sites within an hour drive. I'm think there is an active dive group in the villages that would be able to help you with a buddy. I would be more than happy to dive again, but as I work, weekends are the only free time for me.

gary owens
Deltona, Fl

[BillArmyRet]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

I have thought about it all my life, but never had the opportunity to learn to Scuba dive. Over the past two weeks, I completed the open water scuba certification program from Aquatic Center in Ocala. We did our classroom work at their shop and classroom on 20th street. Then we did the initial dives at the Central Florida Community College pool. Over the weekend, we did the actual "Open Water" certification at Blue Grotto in Williston.
I sure would like some diving buddies. Anybody game?

The underwater picture is at about 60 feet and I have my hand on an "air bell" that is full of compressed air where divers can come up inside and chat or take a break.

I am an SSI Master Diver still trying to sell current home and then will be moving to TV. Once I get there I will be looking for a dive buddy. When I move I'll check in with you.
Bill

[Talk Host]

Hi Bill,

I certainly am not a master diver, but by the time you get here, I will have my advanced open water. I would really enjoy the opportunity to dive with somebody who is experienced. I am ready (like any new hobby) to dive anytime.

[chelsea24]

hmmmm, yes Jan. I always suspected that you were certifiable!

Great pictures! I especially like the third one down. I'll have nightmares tonight!

[Hawkwind]

He must of spotted a gator. There is just something about swiming in the lakes and rivers of Florida and that is the presents of gators. I will take the cement pond at least in Florida.

How about the guy in Florida who was diving for golf balls and lost an arm or was badly bitten by a gator this summer in Florida.

[tony]

I, too, have made a special comment about Jan's third picture.

The comment is not fit for mixed company on this genteel forum.

Ask Jan when you see him.

[militarymom]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

I have thought about it all my life, but never had the opportunity to learn to Scuba dive. Over the past two weeks, I completed the open water scuba certification program from Aquatic Center in Ocala. We did our classroom work at their shop and classroom on 20th street. Then we did the initial dives at the Central Florida Community College pool. Over the weekend, we did the actual "Open Water" certification at Blue Grotto in Williston.
I sure would like some diving buddies. Anybody game?

The underwater picture is at about 60 feet and I have my hand on an "air bell" that is full of compressed air where divers can come up inside and chat or take a break.

hey we are planning to move to TV soon (as soon as the house in KY sells)....husband and I are both divers....BUT he would rather golf. I understand there is a scuba club there....Is that true? Have not had our preview visit yet.

[militarymom]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

I have thought about it all my life, but never had the opportunity to learn to Scuba dive. Over the past two weeks, I completed the open water scuba certification program from Aquatic Center in Ocala. We did our classroom work at their shop and classroom on 20th street. Then we did the initial dives at the Central Florida Community College pool. Over the weekend, we did the actual "Open Water" certification at Blue Grotto in Williston.
I sure would like some diving buddies. Anybody game?

The underwater picture is at about 60 feet and I have my hand on an "air bell" that is full of compressed air where divers can come up inside and chat or take a break.

hey we are planning to move to TV soon (as soon as the house in KY sells)....husband and I are both divers....BUT he would rather golf. I understand there is a scuba club there....Is that true? Have not had our preview visit yet.

[militarymom]

Hi my husband and I have our preview visit planned for June. I'm a diver and have been looking for information (and dive buddies) at TV. Husband is a diver but I would probably have a hard time getting him off the golf course. Isn't there a scuba diving club there?

[Talk Host]

Yes, there is a scuba club here and it is quite well organized. They meet every month on the first Wednesday. They don't plan dives for the group, the members do the planning and the club announces them. The trips seem to be pretty energetic and expensive. I was hoping to find some of the members who like to dive locally, but it appears they are mostly on a higher level of experience and interest than I am.

I joined the club several months ago, and it seems that many of the members are very experienced divers and in fact have traveled to many exotic places. It's kinda hard to feel like part of the group when you are a new diver. They use terms and abbreviations that I'm not familiar with and I'm embarrassed to stop the meeting and ask for translation. I think that is usually the case in most clubs when a newbie joins. Since I am a relatively new diver, its hard to join in conversation with the others. At the end of the meeting, they all get up and leave. There's no way to socialize or get to know them.

[SABRMnLgs]

I lived in Orlando for almost 30 years. I know of a few good dives but none of them are underwater.