Need help getting started

Been watching from the sidelines and wanting to at least try.
The other day on the way to work I spotted some Thule bars in a yard sale so decided to stop and check it out. Unfortunately they wouldn't work on my wife's vehicle but I spied a bunch of dive gear in the corner. When I inquired about the gear the lady said it was her husband's and he was about my size and she want to get him. When he came out side sure as s%$t he was the same hight and approx the same weight (BIG GUY). I asked him why he was selling and he replies he had only worn the suit for about 1 hour before he realized he got claustrophobic under water and it wasn't for him. Well bad for him and good for me We sort through all the gear and this is what he has:
Henderson Aquatics 7mm 2-Piece Suit
Mares Plana LX Fins
Ocean Master Mask & Snorkels (2)
Deep Sea 5mm Titanium Gloves
Trident Belt w/ 30lbs. of lead 
We talk and swap stories and than I ask the question - HOW MUCH?
Now I don't know the value of this stuff and I hope you guys can tell me if it was a good buy or not, but he said he was giving me a good deal at $50.00 I knew I couldn't go wrong but the salesman side of me made me ask ... WOULD YOU TAKE $40.00 ... and he said sure   Well I told him if he ever wanted to try going out on TOP of the water I would be more than happy to accommodate him.
 So Now that I have what appears to be all the gear I need to know what else I might need and what I need to do to get started.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

See Ya Soon,
Eric  / Yakhopper

You'd be lucky to get the gloves for that ... you know you stole it form him. Good for you . Warning its addicting especially once you start shooting your fish

Can't believe he only wore it for 1 hour ... looks like a new suit

wow u got the lead too?

Some pics of the haul

More of the steal

Almost forgot the hood

steal!

 So Now that I have what appears to be all the gear I need to know what else I might need and what I need to do to get started.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

See Ya Soon,
Eric  / Yakhopper

Eric,

Did it also have booties or neoprene socks?  Sounds like what you need now is time on the water. 

You were very helpful with the bow, so I'd like to return the favor.  if our schedules jive, I can meet you in Monterey or any other calm cove to go over basics. 

Nate

Thanks Nate,
By the way I still have a few extras that went with that bow.
If we get a chance to get together I'll be sure to bring them.
Curious if the neo boots I use for yaking would work (4mil)?

You could go to a nearby dive shop and pay nearly $100 for weights and belt!  WOW. 
Look forward to seeing you UTW

4mm should work fine, but they should be long enough so they overlap with the bottom of the wetsuit legs by 3-4".  They usually go underneath the wetsuit bottoms.  If the booties have a zipper on them, I think they'd be more comfortable going on top of the wetsuit.

Dang, my trip to Albion was so last minute.  I didn't even think to look for you there.  Next event. 

Dang, my trip to Albion was so last minute.  I didn't even think to look for you there.  Next event.

No worries,
I had to work and wasn't able to make the trip
Sounds like I missed the biggest event of the year ... Maybe next year.

you damn thief! that hood is worth more than your stinkin 40 dollars!!!!


 

       Just add water !        You'll need a speargun unless you're thinking of taking your rod under water...   

     Great buy,   I guess we'll see you at SWS soon.