Help a noobie cave diver save some bread?

[nic160]

Don't be in a hurry, the caves aren't going anywhere. Take the time to learn what you are doing and be comfortable with what you are doing. Part of diving is pissing away money....(trial and error, what gear works for you) As for cave diving practice by standing on the steps at Ginnie and throwing $20.00 bills in the water.

[aw]

Part of diving is pissing away money.... As for cave diving practice by standing on the steps at Ginnie and throwing $20.00 bills in the water.

ROFLMAO. These are two truths worth remembering.

[caverdave]

I don't write much, but sympathize with the question...

I'm a newbie (diving about a year and half, and just did intro to cave in Feb), and pretty easily recall similar question.

Your concern is very valid in my opinion. From the short period of time that I've been diving I have quickly noticed that every dive shop I walk into offers what I am told to be is the absolute best gear, used by most of the cave & wreck divers and should be considered in place of what I currently have and/or am considering...

The suggestion of finding a cave instructor that happens to do OW is probably excellent. Pay very very very close attention to who you are talking too, and try to do everything you can to buy in due time with lots of patience. The closest LDS talks about cave diving etc and sells a whole bunch of gear to folks after they take OW. Had a close friend buy everything that he would ever need with his intention being that he would become a cave diver. His story dates back 6 or so years, but he bought the absolute best sherwood regulator, 7mm wetsuit and aluminum 100 tanks with yokes, and tech ready black diamond BC, and air integrated computer that the shop advised him was the way to go. Turns out they teach cavern, do so very rarely, and go cave diving almost as rarely (been about 4 years maybe?!?). After a year or so he quickly felt "lost" in the confusion of how to do it and "need different stuff" and I think just felt completely broke... hasn't dove and has given a lot of the gear away... I was in the shop a couple months ago and heard them advising a 20'ish year old about the adventures that await in the caves and that he should be looking at this nice flashlight with handle and lanyard which was "really bright".

Pay attention to who you are talking to, ask lots of whys, do lots of reading, meet lots of folks. Find out their experience level- - how often are they going and what in particular they are doing when they go.

Dive a whole lot and get your skills and knowledge ready all as part of the preparation...

well that's my 1 cent worth!

Several books out there... start reading away, at least for when you aren't diving...

worst case ask some folks here and/or read the posts... lots to reflect upon.


Dave

[Gibby]

Hey sandman.
As you can see you are getting one agreed answer.
Invest in your brain gear first.
And do it slowly.



G

[BabyDuck]

i really understand where you're coming from, and feel for you, but i don't think starting in the gear i use now would have been any advantage *at all*. i spent about $1500 on an openwater setup. i've replaced EVERYTHING. just the *lights* for cave diving are up to $1500 each, as are computers, and doubles with a manifold, and drysuits - see what i mean?

starting off in doubles with a vr3 isn't a good idea.

now, that being said, there *are* some things that you can get from the ground up. basic paddle fins like jets, turtles, or rockets. two good second stages, one on a long hose and one bungeed under your chin. a backplate or transplate with continuous webbing. a simple, good-fitting mask. a nice wetsuit & booties (yeah, you'll most likely go dry eventually, but start wet since you live in the warm). if you're going to go computer, go ahead and get one that does nitrox. you'll have to get other stuff, but put your money in these things since you'll be continuing to use them.

but the most important thing is a buddy willing to be a mentor, because the skills are different than what you'll be taught in open water. i'd never have been able to do this without bobby and jason. never. find one of these magical creatures, dive dive dive every chance you get, and in a year or so you'll be ready.

all personal opinions, but backed by personal experience!

[Mike B.]

PM sent.

[john]

i really understand where you're coming from, and feel for you, but i don't think starting in the gear i use now would have been any advantage *at all*. i spent about $1500 on an openwater setup. i've replaced EVERYTHING. just the *lights* for cave diving are up to $1500 each, as are computers, and doubles with a manifold, and drysuits - see what i mean?

starting off in doubles with a vr3 isn't a good idea.

To be fair if we were smart enough to ask questions as he is doing right now maybe I would have opted not to buy those 2 al 80s and bought 2 steel tanks that could be set up for doubles later after training progressed.
And I wouldnt have bought that 600 dollar aladin air computer that required a 115 dollar battery replacement that was a console.
And lights why not buy one that can serve as a backup?
I just saved boatload of money and can dive Open Water.

now, that being said, there *are* some things that you can get from the ground up. basic paddle fins like jets, turtles, or rockets. two good second stages, one on a long hose and one bungeed under your chin. a backplate or transplate with continuous webbing. a simple, good-fitting mask. a nice wetsuit & booties (yeah, you'll most likely go dry eventually, but start wet since you live in the warm). if you're going to go computer, go ahead and get one that does nitrox. you'll have to get other stuff, but put your money in these things since you'll be continuing to use them.

but the most important thing is a buddy willing to be a mentor, because the skills are different than what you'll be taught in open water. i'd never have been ab

I agree completly.

Im jealouse this guy he had a better plan then I did when I got certified.
Not knowing where I was going with this at the time and buying the wrong things that could have been used as I progressed still is upsetting.

I would have liked someone to say hey dont buy that octo just buy another set of regs you may not need that second first stage now but later it may come in handy.

I dont want this to be taken as bashing to anyone but I really liked his question and would have liked to find a place to ask the same.

John

[Jason B.]

maybe I would have opted not to buy those 2 al 80s and bought 2 steel tanks that could be set up for doubles later after training progressed.

Believe me, you'll be wanting some Al80's for stages. Keep 'em.

[john]

maybe I would have opted not to buy those 2 al 80s and bought 2 steel tanks that could be set up for doubles later after training progressed.

Believe me, you'll be wanting some Al80's for stages. Keep 'em.

True but.

The guys question revolved around what to buy now.

It was kind of an answer that could be used closer to the future. And not having to keep current vis and hydros in place until the time came.

I see where he is coming from the expence is overwhelming why not try to find out if you can buy something like a tank that would be useful in the progression.
The 80 is long in the future if your going to do Ow then do it in that tank that can be converted quickly that will have the same cost either way(valve or none) and still be able to enjoy the sport and not have to worry about paying for something that you already bought.

Like I had said I wasnt trying to bash in this just suggest a plan not to spend as much.
Mask fins (throw that away) Most can be converted and used if bought properly.
He asked a hell of a question and think hes just as welcome as Matt...

[andrebasso]

Mr. Sandman,

It seems you want someone to give you a price/gear list. If you really think you NEED cave gear NOW, this is it. You'll never need anything else, IMHO. This is all best of breed and not cheap.

Mask - ScubaPro Frameless $100
Fins - Scubapro Jetfins w/ steel spring straps $100
Suit - DUI CFx200 drysuit custom fit $3,000
Regs - 2 Atomic B2's or Scubapro s600's (DIN) $1,000
BC- DiveRite Alum backplate w/ Trek wing $500
Cpu- VR2 or VR3 $1.5 -$2,000
Backup Lights- 2 Tektite Excursion LS4 $350
Primary Light- Salvo 9.6 Amp Li-Ion 21 Watt HID $1,400
Tanks- 2 galvanized steel PST E8-130's banded $1,000
Manifold- Diverite 300 bar manifold. $300

There it is, let the money pissing begin. The only thing - if you plan to do OW and cave diving, there is the whole saltwater issue. Many cave divers don't like the salty seawater rotting out their life support gear (tanks, regs, hoses, etc...) and typically will have multiple sets of gear for this purpose. That's when the REAL money pissing begins.
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