Just found this site and thought I would ask this question here (already asked it at D2D). How is the rental equipment at Buddy Dive.

My wife and I are staying there from May 29 - June 5. We are fairly new to diving (AOW for me and OW for her) and haven't invested in the scuba equipment yet. We already have mask, fins, snorkel and boots. When we dove on our honeymoon the rental equipment was horrible. I already checked with my LDS and it will be around $7 per piece of equipment (regs, BCD, etc...) Obviously buying equipment is the best option but we are tight on money and would like to rent if the equipment is in good condition. Thanks for your input.

Trent

Trent;

We don't rent Buddy's equip., but we have stayed there several times and dove through their dive shop. So I do not have the actual experience of renting it. That said, it appears to me that it is good quality equip. The dive shop is first class, so I would not be concerned.

I would rent Buddy's stuff, and have no concern myself.

Enjoy, Buddy's, it is great.

Dave

We have rented regs from Buddies on several occasions. Never had a problem.

If you are worried, I could come down and test dive them for you...can you send tickets? ;-)

Welcome to the board Trent.
I have never rented from Buddy but having stayed there several times and knowing the staff, I would not have any concerns. They are a first class op.

Thanks for the quick replies everyone. It looks like renting from Buddy Dive will save us some money right now and still be safe (I know my wife will like that idea). However, hopefully after this trip my wife will agree that we need our own equipment so we can dive more!!

Dean, what is the address...I will send you the ticket right now. Oh wait, I forgot that money doesn't grow on trees here in Charleston, SC !

Thanks again, Trent

I suggest you get your own mouthpieces and a hose holding clip or two for each of you. For the few dollars it costs it's just nicer to have an unused mouthpiece. You will need to find a way to secure your octo and gauges, usually a clip works pretty well. Don't be a danglediver!

I can't speak to Buddy Dive, but when we were in Bonaire the rental regs at Bonaire Dive & Adventure were ScubaPro. I was VERY impressed with the overall quality of the rental gear at Bonaire Dive & Adventure and wouldn't hesitate to recommend using it to anyone. I would have to guess that Buddy Dive would be similar in the quality of gear they carry.

Jimmie

Trent,

Just to add my two cents, I agree with the other posts. You will have no problem renting well maintained quality equipment from any of the dive shops in Bonaire. As new divers, it is a very good idea to try different brands of equipment before you invest in your own equipment. There are differences in design, ease of use and quality of regulators and BCs and you should try as many as possible to find the equipment combination you are most comfortable with. You will have a great vacation/dive experience in Boanire. Have fun and be safe.