Admirer wanting to try something soon!

[AcesofSpade]

Hi everyone, I've always love to be in the water no matter what! I've always wanted to try scuba or freediving. But I never had a chance until now...
So... If I ever get a chance to head over to the coast, I'd love to finally make a efforts in one of those activity.

However I'm really divided between those two.
On one hand I really want to try freediving more than scuba. But the thing is... I don't know if it is even popular at the beach I'll be able to make to regularly (Red Triangle part or just bit north from there) And all information I have seek out on freediving in that area turn out to be worthless.
I know people abalone dive all the time, but I'm not too interested in hunting at this stage. I'm more interested in just getting used to the ocean and seeing what's down there and having fun.
Also I don't want to frustrate people during they're hunting because I'd be new to this stuff.
However the big plus is, I can start out doing freediving and buying gears and work my way up to eventually buying scuba gears.

As for scuba, I'm interested and I'm very aware that there are a good amount of people doing that around bay area. But I've not even got my license yet, so that's why I'm not doing it already.
However I can imagine if I was to scuba, I'd probably be really interested in exploring some wrecks and seeing sharks (not sure if that's a good idea in Red Triangle...)
But the problem is, I don't know if I'll be able to find partner to go with and due to my work, I will not be available much during the summer.
Other issue is, it is much more expensive as well so I'd have to buy all of things at once.

Any input would be extremely helpful.

Thanks

 

[AcesofSpade]

BTW here may be something that help... For some reason I'm terrified of going down to bottom of the lake if it get murky... I'm more terrified of actually getting snagged in line or hitting broken glass or even something hard (Once tried a freediving technique I read about and OUCH! Bumped on a piece of cement at appx. 12 ft in the water and that HURT! LOL)

So I'm not sure how I'd feel in the ocean though.

 

[Kars]

Go practice snorkelling in a pool first, find a buddy, learn and grow together.
Do a freediving introduction course, do a scuba introduction course.

Do not go freediving AFTER scuba, you'll have the bends.

Freediving helps people to learn a lot about their own inner selves, mind and body. In scuba it's more like learning to operate a small sub and visiting alien worlds. Both have their strengths and charms, and one can enjoy both.

Think before you do.

Best thing is hook up with a local diver and go from there.

Buying gear, I recommend first to meet up with divers, test their stuff, and get a bearing on what your needs and preferences are. Assume in you investments that it's very likely that your preferences will change, as well as the equipment available.
Good equipment is stuff you'll forget wearing.

Train relaxation concentration, condition, strength etc.
Explore and enjoy every discovery. Take note of what your mind and body is telling you.
On Scuba, usually the more slow and relaxed divers see the most. The 'hunters' usually only cover a lot of empty space, because the life has fled in fear before they came into view.

Take your time.

Love Courage and Water,

Kars

 

[AcesofSpade]

Thanks so much for the reply. However the problem is... Are there even any group that do freediving in bay area?
Also... Is it a bad idea to try and see a shark in Red Triangle? Also how hard would it be to find a diving partner?
I don't even want to try ask anybody from my area. It is a major pain in the ass! Tried that last summer, everybody say they want to do it until few days before then bail out! So frustrating!
Now I'd just rather to look for a diving partner that are actually looking for another diving partner. Hell I'd even go down and take a class in area I plan on freedive/scuba at most just to increase my chance of meeting a diving partner.