Starting out -

[Ingalsbe]

I recently moved to california and i'm looking to get into diving. All my life I have always wanted to but I never had the time or the recourses. Now I have the time and the opportunity to get started, yet I don't know where or what to do?

I have never dived before and from what I have read on these forums I need to take my time to get into this hobby. I'm not that interested in Scuba Diving but rather free diving and over the years eventually spearfishing.

-Are there courses I need to take? (It can't hurt)
-Certifications I need?

Thanks in advance ~
Ingalsbe

 

[Jonny250]

Hi Ingalsbe, welcome to DeeperBlue!
I dont know about your specific location, although hopefully someone from cali will read this and point you in the right direction, but for sure if you can find a course, that will be the best way to start. Also check out the beginner freediving section on here which has loads of good info....

 

[Brandiego]

Hey there Ingalsbe,

There are plenty of quality freedive instructors along the coast here. Taking a freediving course will make you safer and put you years ahead of the curve, safely. An instructor can also help you pick out the right equipment. I can help you get in contact with the right person if I knew where in California you are located.

Brandon Gross
deepfreedive.com

 

[hteas]

Another point is dive clubs. There is a lot of knowledge in the Fathomiers in LA, and with the San Diego Freedivers. There are also clubs in Northern California.
They would be the place to start. Then get into a course from FII (out of Florida) or through Performance Freediving. Both groups offer classes in California from time to time

 

[Ingalsbe]

Thanks to everyone with the replies

@Brandiego I'm living in the Los Angeles area, Mission hills. A class would be very nice but i haven't had much luck into finding one!

 

[Brandiego]

If you feel like coming down to Oceanside for a weekend, I've got a couple of classes in July.

Thanks to everyone with the replies

@Brandiego I'm living in the Los Angeles area, Mission hills. A class would be very nice but i haven't had much luck into finding one!

 

[monkeyhatfork]

take a ferry over to catalina

 

[j_c_w]

Hi Ingalsbe: a DeeperBlue welcome to the forum! Hope you had a great July 4 weekend.

I know it's been awhile since you posted this, but if you're looking to develop added skills, I highly recommend my FII instructor Dan Koval. Thanks to him I have L2 certification. Trust me, it's worth it!

I'm also looking for another LA area dive buddy, so PM me if you have an open weekend.


Thanks,
Jon