Ive logged prolly 60-80 dives while i lived in FL. Im really not sure where a school would be in NYC. But i would recommend some group classes where you learn your dive tables etc. As far as gear could i recommend goggles without a split as they give you a wider field of few, also goggles with some sort of purge valve are nice for when you get water in your mask underwater it allows for easy clearing. Fins, I myself prefer fins that you wear booties with as for the most part ive found the ones you wear on your bear feet, they cut into your skin after awhile. Lastly I also prefer a soft weight belt filled with tiny pellets that doesn't dig into your sides.

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"The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes"

Thanks a lot and thanks for explanation. It does make sense!

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Freedom to me is diving into the heart of the Ocean

i'm thinking of going diving in europe this summer

should be cool

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Sveta, u can ALWAYS MUFF dive...