Scuba diving the poosy paradises

[El Chinito loco]

Where would be the best places to learn / what should you look for in a school etc? Scuba is something I've always wanted to try.

For a beginner there's nothing wrong with learning in a place like Thailand where you can meet a lot of other beginners and party at the same time. Plus it's pretty cheap. However, as you get a little more advanced i'd seek out serious instructors in more underwater diverse diving locations in Indonesia or the Philippines.

Just make sure the classes are small enough where you get individual attention and that the diving shop is rock solid when it comes to safety and instruction. Don't go with a place because it looks like fun go with the one that has the best rep and best instructors.

You're essentially putting your life in the hands of strangers.

 

[Grit]

In terms of equipment: the real trick is to be friendly in the industry as much as the tourist/instructor side.

Guys who are thick into diving service all their own gear. You have a really nice setup and can make it last for twenty years, if you don't wear it to pieces beforehand.

You become an authorized dealer before companies certify you for repairs. Once certified for repairs, they send you parts kits. Access to parts and certified knowledge let you extend the life of your equipment indefinitely.