QM3Bass wrote:BillZ wrote:Welcome to the board!
Just a suggestion, but I would take back the wetsuits and boots before you use them and get drysuits. Typically, Most folks that regularly dive in our NW waters dive dry.
Thank you for the suggestion. I will look into that.
+1!!
QM3Bass wrote: Funny that you mentioned buyers remorse. I have been struggling with that for weeks. I feel like I’ve been talked into buying a lot of things I don’t teally need. But that’s what I work for - to spend it.
Yeah, it goes with the territory, fortunately and unfortunately.
I rented for 6 months, and then bought gear that served me well - 12 years ago! I still dive the same regulator, but everything else has changed and I am really, really happy with what I currently dive, although because of budget reasons it took me a long time diving in gear that I felt was less than optimal until I could afford different.
I am grateful to the many dive shops in our area, and understand that to stay in business they need to sell stuff!
Unfortunately, we don't know what we don't know, and so make equipment decisions that we later regret as we dive more and learn more.
Leave the regret behind, and just go dive and have a good time! We all eventually end up spending way more $$$ than we thought we would in this wonderful joyful addiction, and your purchases will get better. The priority is to DIVE! ...as often as you can.
Talk to divers. When you see someone in a gear set up you don't recognize, ask them "What do you dive and Why?" Listen. Learn. Lots of opinions and opinionated divers! But you will start seeing a pattern that will help you make decisions based on the kind of diving that you do, what seems to work best in those situations, and who you mostly dive with. Ask questions! Most experienced divers are more than happy to tell you why they dive a particular kit or style. The differing perspectives will help you form your own.
Good luck!
