[Grant]

Good question, but in the end, it's much like asking, "How much is a cab ride?"

Some ballparks:

BCD: $250-700 (depending on new/used, what make, model, etc.)
Reg: $350-750
Mask: $40-80
Fins: $50-100
Suit: $140-$Sky's the Limit
Boots: $40-100
Computer: $200-$1,500+++
Tank (assume 100 cf steel): $350+

Oh yeah, then there's the instruction: $225 for NAUI OW last time I checked my local LDS.

So, say anywhere from $1,200-$1,500 to Sky for gear, and then the instructional cost, which also will include costs for checkouts above the $225 ballpark.

Then there are add-ons -- tons of them. Don't forget weights! Lights, surface markers & safety sausages, shears & knives, slates, new compasses, goody bags, lift bags, finger sppols and reels...save-a-dive kits, etc. The list is pretty expansive (and expensive).

Now, keep in mind that people typically buy the essentials (mask/fins/snorkel) during training, then add on the other stuff as they progress. Some folks take the initial courses, get a C-card, and then are content to rent gear at a resort every now and then. Others want to pursue things more aggressively and buy everything at once. Fine, if you have the dough. Still other, like me, add it gradually as they find what they want, what they like, what suits their diving style, and as they can afford it. Some buy directly from their LDS, while others buy some gear from online merchants (a sticky subject with dive shops). Some buy used stuff from other divers (shops run "flea markets" and diver often sell gear that they are replacing via eBay or through shops). Dive equipment is something you are constantly adding to, upgrading, replacing. I find myself making one big addition or replacement almost every year.

Do not skimp on life support equipment - regs, BCs, etc. You can survive a hole in your suit. A faulty reg can mean lights out. Also -- if you want to be good (read: safe), there's no substitute for good training, and ONGOING training. Take the Open Water (basic) course, get some dives under your belt, and then go back for Advanced (NAUI, PADI, SSI all offer these). Consider Rescue Diver, Equipment Specialist, NITROX, and other courses. Training not only provides new information, it also makes you dive more. It's an ongoing process. Even after hundreds of dives, you are still learning.

Sorry for the lengthy response. But there's a lot to consider. In the end, once you earn that first C-card, you'll know wha direction you want to take. In the Lakes Region, if you have questions, see the folks at Dive Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro. 603-569-8080. They do everything, including the training.