Anyone in SCUBA club?

SVMMom
Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:57:36 +0000

gidget63-

This is SVMMom’s daughter.

It is true that you need to get your own mask, fins, snorkle. mouthpieces, and booties for the course (which can range anywhere from $100-$200 in addition to the cost of the course, and you’ll want to own those anyway, because the fit is very personal) - however, Underwater Unlimited is within walking distance (granted, it’s a bit of a hike) of the school, and they give a UM discount (just say you’re from UM). Austin’s is a little farther away (you need to drive), but they tend to have better stuff and a nicer, more knowledgeable staff. Again, with them, say you’re with the UM SCUBA club and ask for a discount, and they’ll usually give it to you. If you coordinate with upperclassmen in the club, there is usually someone who’s gong to make a run to the dive shop, and can give you a ride.

As for the OW dives you need to finish off your certification, those are part of, and scheduled into, the course. Yes, you do need to pay for the dives (when I took the course two years ago I think it was around $50 for two days of diving, with two dives each day) and coordinate rides to get to the dive site, but usually it’s not that difficult, and if you really need it, Charlie (the instructor) does rent a van and charges $10 for a spot in the van. You don’t need to rent any additional equipment (ie BCD, reg, tanks, weights, wetsuit if needed, etc) for the course - it’s all included, and Charlie brings it to the pool and OW session in his pickup truck.