Hi From Texas!

[MikeJ7]

Hey I'm Mike from the central Texas area. I'm new to diving and just recently got my certificatioin with C&J Divers. The owner Chris mentioned Larry a few times and Scuba Toys. I never realized he was talking about a website until I found it the other day. Thought he was just talking about a friend of his who collects alot of Scuba gear. Guess I wasn't really tuning into what he was saying then. Anyway, thought you might know him Larry.
Unfortunately I was too young when my family was stationed in Hawaii so I never got to experience it there. My dad used to go diving every weekend and now that I got my certification I realize how unsafe his diving probably was since he'd go by himself alot and be gone for hours (can't figure out what he did about air since I'd be on the beach waiting for him now that I think about it). He always did the spear fishing and we just recently found out that that requires a certification/license. Lucky he didn't get caught I guess. Ah and don't get me started on his night dives. Eh sorry for rambling on but now that I can start doing this myself the whole subject is really interesting. I can't wait to get my own gear and go with him if he still remembers how to do this. Any recommendations for diving in Texas? I doubt lake diving will impress him at all, but I've got to get some dives aside from the certification ones under my belt.

[Beecharmer]

Howdy from one Texan to another! You will love diving! Please be safe and do it sensibly. I'm sorry I can't help you on where to dive in your area. I personally dive at Balmorhea for the weekend. I get to take two dive trips a year. Going to Cozumel in Jan. and Cayman Brac in July. Happy Diving!!!!

[ladyfish]

Hey Mike! Tell Chris I said "Hi"! I used to instruct for him before I moved (husband is military). He'll know who I am if you tell him Cathy from VA said "hi".

You can dive Lake Travis--did you get trained there? There's Clear Spring Scuba Park near Dallas. Chris can tell you where else they dive. I'm drawing a blank on the river they dive. I'm terrible with names!

The greatest thing about Central TX is the great deals on Cozumel trips. Chris runs them very often. You can get down there and dive cheaply.

You can also dive the Flower Gardens. It's a liveabord trip out of Galveston. You need to get some experience under your belt before gong there. Lots of weather, current, and depth to deal with.

Congrats on your certification!

[dutchman]

Welcome Mike. Be sure to explore all the site including the local dive clubs.

[DiverBry]

Hi Mike,

Welcome! Lake Murray's Mairetta Landing is a popular, free spot in Oklahoma...about 40ish miles north of the Texas borrder along I35.

Clear Spring Scuba Park is "clearly" different and Athens Scuba Park - Texas Scuba Diving Facility are two others.

[RoadRacer1978]

Hi Mike, welcome to the board. You are right, lake diving may not be that great after diving in Hawaii, but it is what you make of it. If he just enjoys blwing bubbles, I bet he will get a kick out of some locla diving as well. If in doubt, just ask him.

[CaptainRon]

Welcome. Any of the highland lakes, including Lake Travis would be good, although it might me a little cool this time of year. If you want to get some additional practice, Balmorhea is a good place to get some winter diving practice in. I just took my newly certified kids there to get some practice before we go to Cozumel next month since the lakes are all a little cool this time of year. Water stays a constant 72-74 degrees and excellent visibility since it is spring feed. If you go, just don't take hotdogs down to feed the fish unless you are ready to get mugged by thousands of fish. Nothing like getting slapped in the face by a bunch of catfish tails....

[riverrat]

Welcome. Glad to see someone else had the oportunity to spend their childhood in Hawaii. Like you, I was too young to dive so I snorkled up in Waianlua Bay, down in Hanauma Bay with all the fish, and on the eastside somewheres (but I can remember all the coral and little eels there). Even went back there when I got older but I did not get into diving then (Uncle Sam kept me pretty busy then). But as for diving in Texas other family memebers say Lake Travis is a good place. I did my OW in San Marcus last winter when the cold front came in. But if you are down by the beach there are places here. I havent been to them as of yet. The local diveshop has built a 30-40 acre lake with all kinds of stuff in the bottom and it will be 50-60 feet deep (should open in March). Enjoy!