So I've been out in the water latey with the missus. She's expressed an interest in maybe diving and getting licensed for diving. Anything to get her more outdoorsy. One of the perks of my job, I signed up for diving for 2 at the end of this month.
 
I've done a lot of resear-...........googling. I've done a lot of googling. Approximately $400+ to get the open water cert for starters. Gear price is astronomical. $800 for basic starters. Thousands for the good shit. Renting is about $50 a pop. Of course, it's going to take a while to come up with such funding.
 
Any of you guys have experience with this?
 
Any of you fine Navy fellows happen to come across such surplus gear from supply or other?

That 400+ sounds expensive... find a "local" to do the introductory stuff.  I paid 175 for my class, about 4 years ago.

(Unless that was for both of you).

You could rent, but as you said, it is expensive. You don't need dive computers, but they let you dive longer. I don't use one, but I would.

You can get gear off craigslist, just be careful. If they don't have maintenance records -- don't buy it. (Dont even look at it, this is your life talking).

Good first stage + regulator, go with a standard octo for reserve air, no need to spend the money on an AIR2.    Get a weight integrated BC, it is really worth the extra hundred bucks.  You probably don't need wet suits, unless you get cold easy.  I have done quite a few dives without and usually didn't wear one for recreational diving. if it was a rough entry or going spear fishing I did.

You should come over to my house one weekend we can talk about some of this stuff.

As far as experience I have about 50 dives, nitrox, advanced open water, rescue, and I have paid for a deep diving course but stopped last year lol.

My diving was during the late 70s.  Local style.  No BC, NAUI certified.

Commercial Single arm aluminum backpack.

Still have my stuff

The Most important thing Not to do is Panic.  Think things out before you do anything.

Always be prepared for any Emergency.
. 
I still have a few 100 cubic feet steel tanks, made by ScubaPro.

Wow. That was more than I hoped for! Thanks!! $175. That's a great ass deal! I saw Aaron's dive shop has a special for the Open Water cert for $390. Then there's that other one that's huge with their own pool and 4 boats, $495 for them. We're doing the "discovery intro scuba tour" with a certain company that gives a certification after it. I'm guessing it makes the OW cert cheaper through them. I'll find out then anyway. I'll have to search for the type you found!

I looked at craigslist the other day, and as good as some deals are, like you and many others on forums and what not said, don't skimp on gear since your life literally depends on it. So I'm probably going to buy new and one of those packages ($750ish). I'd LOVE to have a rebreather, but lack the spare $12,000. lol.

Thanks man!!

OG - I'm actually scared shit-less of the ocean. Always have been. I think we're not designed to tread water - but there are things that are designed to tread water - they have sharper teeth than me and swim faster than I can.
 
But I went snorkeling the past month. Once deep out in Waikiki off a catamaran. Another in Kaneohe bay also off a catamaran. Then the most recent one was out in the Waianae side off a catamaran from Ko'olina. The Waikiki one was about 35 feet deep. That one I actually saw a shark as well as turtles. Kaneohe Bay, I was actually scared the most in this one. Poor visibility. Dark waters. But at least if I had to I could put my back to the coral and scan the area. Not like the other open water ones. Saw cuttlefish as well as tons of other fishies. That Ko'olina one was the best though. Very nice blue clear waters. 30 - 40 feet deep. Whales, dolphins, and turtles along the way there.
 
After all that this past month, gf expressed she wants to go diving and get licensed for it. I'm still scared shitless of the ocean, but I like to expand my horizon and expose myself to those fears. So I signed up through my job, shook out the internets for information, and asked here!
 
I used to go spearfishing before. Sliding above/under/through coral and meeting a shark and tons of eels as well as some takos. Oh and some fish too lol. After running into that sleeping white-tip reef shark so close though.........I remember the swim back was terrifying. What if it woke up and is chasing me? lol. I stopped going after that O_o.

Think I found one - by Ocean Concepts. Two for one Open Water cert $200 + $60 per person for books. $160 per person.

http://www.oceanconcepts.com/diver_training/two_for_one_open_water

Dregs, don't be *too* scared of buying used gear, at least in the BC and gauges.  Lots of people here *think* they want to go diving, buy the packages... and never go.

Sometimes the Navy stores have deals... call Ocean Concepts and find out when they are doing the next "tent" sale at the Navy Exchange, and I will take you.

Awesome man. Thanks! You are absolutely right. We'll see how we like it on the 29th. I just like to get my ducks lined up way ahead of time. Thanks man!!