Scuba / Hooka Diving Thoughts & Opinions?

[BigB9k]

Hello!

so recently I decided I wanted to give scuba diving a go.
Equipment is expensive, and certification isn't exactly easy and low cost.
I then stumbled across a craigslist add for a use Brownie Third Lung.
I really liked this idea, it easy, portable, and aside from fuel, it doesn't require anything further (like finding a shop to fill your tanks)
Turns out his unit was 18-20 years old, and a new unit was only $400 more.

Im in southern California, I doubt there is any good diving around here.
This isn't a place like the keys with clear water. Ocean here have a visibility of probably 8 feet.
But, I frequently travel to the Colorado river.
My main diving goal is swim along with the river current and look for lost/sunken stuff.
The brownie unit would be nice, as I doubt there is a place to fill your tank in Needles, CA.


They say the hooka system doesn't work well in a river current, but If I'm swimming along with it- would it matter?

I ask those with none to a lot of expireance.
Which way should I go?

Or is this idea dumb and I should just invest in a new bimini top for my boat instead?


Or, should I just buy and engine, a compressor, a hose, and make my own?
...$2000 for a new unit. Which would be better?

 

[alldodge]

Please STOP

You need training even to use a hooka. The training you need is what to do WHEN you get in trouble not IF. You will find times that your training will be needed. The hooka can take you down 60 feet and even if you stay closer, you need to watch the depth and the time you stay under.

Don't use a hooka where there is current, the current on top the water can be different then under it.

 

[ahicks]

My concern would be swimming up current after a leisurely ride down. Not only will you be fighting the current flowing against you body, you're going to have the weight and drag of the hooka on the surface added to that. Unless you are a really strong swimmer, seems like you could place yourself in danger pretty easily.

 

[rallyart]

You need training to breath compressed air under water because it can kill, maim, and injure you easily. That's why the certification takes time.
If you are not concerned about being dead or crippled think about the people who have to recover you or assist you walking after. They won't appreciate it.

Diving with a hookah setup is easy in some ways but actually harder in others and requires someone on the surface with the pump. With practice, and some skill, you can snorkel to 25' or deeper and stay under for 2 minutes and more while active. That idea saves you the $400 and the time it would take to get the Brownie.

 

[robert graham]

Check around your area for a good active dive club....they'll help you with training/certification, equipment, dive locations and dive trips which can be all- inclusive and a great bargain for many.....it's a great sport and not all that expensive....but you don't want to die in the bottom of a river, spring, reef, etc....