As a new diver, you will usually rent the gear but eventually you will want
your own equipment. Choosing the right equipment is important.
Start with the mask, fins, snorkel, and weight belt.These are the basics
and usually the least expensive of the gear. Your
mask is important
because you want to see what is going on under the water. Choose a mask that
fits your face and forms a seal. You should have learned how to fit a mask
in your basic scuba diving course. If you wear prescription eyeglasses, you
may also want to get a prescription mask. Your
fins should fit
your feet as well as a pair of shoes. Do not settle on fins that are
too small or too big. It will only hinder your swimming capabilities. If
you plan on wearing booties, try the fins on while wearing the booties. The
optimum length for a
snorkel is
30 c.m. Several varieties and designs are available, but the basic function
of a snorkel is to enable you to breathe easily at the surface without
raising your head from the water.
Weight belts are
also important. The help you maintain buoyancy. Some people need them while
snorkeling, others do not.
Next, you will want a
regulator and
BCD (buoyancy control device). Your dive instructor is an excellent source for advice
on these two items. The regulator is expensive and an extremely important piece
of equipment. (It carries the air from your cylinder.) It
should have a gauge and second mouthpiece. BCD's vary in how much buoyancy
they have. A BCD is essential to neutral buoyancy. Different types of BCD's
work for different divers.
After choosing a Reg & BCD, you may want to purchase a
suit that fits
you. Water conducts heat very efficiently. Depending on the water temperature,
you will need either a wet suit, semi-dry suit, or fully dry suit. Wet suits
are used in warmer water, while dry suits are used in colder waters. The
suits come in all sizes, even children's sizes. It is best for you to try
on the suits to find the one that best fits your needs.
Lastly, you will need a way to measure your time and depth under water. You
may want to use a dive watch or a
dive computer.
A watch is cheaper than a computer, but a computer is extremely accurate.
You will have to carefully consider your decision to purchase a watch or
a computer. Other accessories divers like to have are an
underwater light,
a surface marker-buoy
(SMB), a knife, and a
compass.
A mask, fins, snorkel, and wight belt will get you started. The rest of the
equipment will come in time. The more diving experience you get, the more
you will know what type of equipment you want and need.
Like some more information? Info@Keepdiving.co.uk
