I have to say... I really hope I get a chance to meet you sometime. And getting to go diving would just be a nice bonus! Sadly, I'm no longer certified, but... really... it's not stuff you forget.

I got almost all my gear used, when I started out. I think the only things I bought new were my mask, and... I think I got the regulator new, because it was a major 'end of year' special. I eventually upgraded to a new BC, and tank, and so on, but it did keep the entry price low.