transporting my gear

[scubarobin]

Buy.
Rental gear is never taken care of the way you will do with stuff you own and use. People abuse rental gear, they puke in regulators and don't rinse them out well, they pee in wetsuits and don't rinse them out, .... especially in warm humid climates, dive gear sits around wet and develops a funk, fuzz, and who knows what growing on and in it. BCs are never serviced until they fail (a bit late at that point). I used rental gear for my OW cert and then immediately bought my own stuff. Never ever regretted it and I probably dive more because I own it all.

[Diver Kat]

Yup ... buy you're own ... you learn to travel with less & less clothes. We just did 2 weeks in the Florida Keys with 3 checked suitcases and two carry-ons - a reg bag, and a small overnighter that fit under the seat. All 3 checked bags were under 45 going, a tad closer to 50 coming back. (Got to bring hot pepper sauce back from Key West!)

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by ohiodiver

wow, responses are coming quick............part of my reluctance is because of some new airline restrictions.
I can definately see the being use to your own gear part, I have had issues ( not serious ) with finding air dumps using different bcs at some times.

Only thing missing in this carry on are fins, lights, sausages and cameras.
Lights, sausages and some fins and mini cameas will fit.

[ohiodiver]

my daughter lived in hawaii for some time and I got certified there and spoiled there. I still go back occasionally, she now lives on a island in the puget sound..............big difference. anyway I have taken mask,fins and snorkel before but was afraid adding bc, reg, etc. would put me over size or weight.....................

[obrules15]

I do a couple of dive trips a year and I carry on my Reg and Computer and pack everything else. I would say it is worth bringing your own dive gear everywhere except if you dive off a cruise ship. It makes diving so much nicer.

[Travelnsj]

I have to vote...Your own gear!

1. It is very important to know how to use your BC.
2. Have you own wetsuit, I do not want to rent one that people have peed in.
3. Have you own reg again I would not want to rent one a hundred other people have had their mouth on.
4. Fins learning how to use new fins on a dive big mistake. Learn in a swimming pool at home.
5. Mask nice to have one that does not leak.

Snorkel rent that if you need.

[violakat03]

If you're concerned about weight, you can pick up a baggage scale fairly cheap. I know my LDS sells them, you can probably find them at department stores and maybe even Wal-Mart if you keep an eye out. Basically, it hooks onto the handle of your bag, lift using the scale and it will weigh your bag. Helps you rearrange things as necessary to stay under the limit. Pack it and take it with you to make sure you don't overpack on the way home too.

As for owning your own equipment, YES. I'm still working on assembling my gear setup and I know that it's keeping me from diving as much as I'd like to. I hate renting things, and hate diving without a computer. Unless I can borrow missing equipment from a friend, I pretty much don't go diving. And there are plenty of places in Ohio to dive. I went to Gilboa a couple weeks ago and am hoping to hit Natural Springs soon. Circleville Twin Quarries aren't that far from you, and a couple hours north puts you into some of the best Great Lakes wreck diving straight off the Ohio coast. I was certified in Florida and got a little spoiled, but I'm willing to brave the murky, cold and uninteresting water around here just to get some bottom time.

[sravin1]

should definately get your own gear. mask, fins, snorkel, bc regs and comp. get yourself booties and wetsuits for your most frequently visited places. i dont like the idea of wearing wesuits that somebody has peed in to. remember, if they are wearing booties, the pee is going to be inside the wetsuit keeping them warm

[ohiodiver]

violakat03,
did you go thru a dive shop in lake erie? ( was it lake erie )

[Sansho]

If you have your own equipment, you know it's condition, and know how to use it. You can always rent tanks and weights where you'll be diving.