How do I get started?

I'd like to start Ab/Scallop/Uni diving this year. What do I need to know? What do I need to have? What are some good resources?

Any/all help is appreciated.

Here is some info on gear wise for freediving, others will chime in.  Rick added his comments on this also on this link.

http://bit.ly/GYSDkl

Maybe we can help answer your questions better if you let us know a little about your diving background like have you free dive or SCUBA dive before or how comfortable are you diving in the tempest/cold water, etc...

Ok, well, other than snorkeling in tropical environs I have no "dive" experience at all. I'm pretty comfortable in cold water, e.g., my chest does not tighten up my body does not stiffen up. I'm a smaller guy, 5' 3" and 145# (low body mass) so I do need a good suit to keep from getting too cold. I have no dive gear but the link to FDA (thanks chaeki) was helpful except that I could use some recommendations as far as quality/brands and purveyors are concerned. I prefer smaller, independent, local (sonoma county) business. Even better if it's recycled/used gear form private parties.

Ok, well, other than snorkeling in tropical environs I have no "dive" experience at all. I'm pretty comfortable in cold water, e.g., my chest does not tighten up my body does not stiffen up. I'm a smaller guy, 5' 3" and 145# (low body mass) so I do need a good suit to keep from getting too cold. I have no dive gear but the link to FDA (thanks chaeki) was helpful except that I could use some recommendations as far as quality/brands and purveyors are concerned. I prefer smaller, independent, local (sonoma county) business. Even better if it's recycled/used gear form private parties.

Check the local dive shops, Bamboo Reef in Rohnert Park or pinnacles dive shop in Santa Rosa. They might have a couple used rental suits to sell. I wouldn't worry about getting super nice gear if your just starting out. I use a 5/4mm suit. I don't dive that deep, 10-15' max. Mostly 6-10'. I find plenty of abs at that depth. Hope this helps

Anthony

I might have a 7mm Henderson Gold Core FJ would let go for cheap. I will see if it will be the right size.

My buddy is interested in going diving again, but I don't have the gear or experience.  He talks often about going alone, is that just crazy?  I have already told him that I think it is a really bad idea.

My buddy is interested in going diving again, but I don't have the gear or experience.  He talks often about going alone, is that just crazy?  I have already told him that I think it is a really bad idea.

There's always a level of danger, whether you're diving with a buddy or alone.

Most of the diving around here is done alone anyway, even if you have a buddy. When I dive with a friend or group, it's for added fun and camaraderie, not necessarily for safety. I realize the one up, one down system is somewhat safer, but I'm not a fan of it and only do it when I'm making an abnormally deep drop or completing a task like freeing an anchor, untangling something, or pointing out a fish or hole. Other than that, most of my diving is done alone.

Still, I highly recommend that anyone with no prior experience should dive with a buddy. Once you get more experienced and comfortable, you'll gain more confidence to go out by  yourself (though it can be a danger in it of itself, as the comfort can result in unnecessary risks being taken).

FishKraft,

You might want to consider renting most of your gear the first few times diving.
Many newbies to this sport and or SCUBA diving don't adapt well to the cold water as compared to that of tropical destinations. It's night and day and you are either going to love it or not. A lot of equipment is purchased and used only once or twice before either winding up in storage or Craigslist.

You shouldn't invest until you know whether your hooked or not.

My two cents.

Antonio

Thanks for the advice.  He's been itching to go, maybe I should tell him to get an account on here to hook up with others?