Diving is a great way to meet people. And you'll be seeing them at their happiest. There is nothing so gleeful as a land locked diver from the North hitting warm tropical waters.
Try to find a Dive shop at home that lets you try out the equipment. There is nothing like a leaky, ill fitting mask to ruin a good dive.
SEA SHELL this is a shot in the dark, but did yoou go to school in Canada?