When it comes to choosing a dive vacation, there are a few factors that you ought to put into consideration. One of the most important considerations is checking that you have all the scuba diving equipment you need. If you’re a newbie diver, below are some tips that can help you choose suitable scuba diving equipment.
Tips for Buying Scuba Diving Equipment
It is very important to make sure that you choose the right scuba diving equipment as it is responsible for keeping you alive the whole time that you are under water.
- Mask – there are a number of masks available for different face shapes and sizes. Your job is to choose the right one for you. Ensure that the mask you choose is a good fit, and most importantly, is water tight.
- Snorkel – as a diver, you want a snorkel that feels good in your mouth and allows you to breathe easy and stay dry. Ensure that the snorkel is comfortable. Bear in mind that the larger the snorkel, the more drag it creates when you are in the water. Look for a snorkel that is durable and easy to attach to your mask.
- Fins – go for efficiency and comfort when choosing fins. Look for a comfy pair of fins that does not bind the arches of your feet or pinch your toes. The fins are too small if you cannot wiggle your toes. Design, stiffness and size of the fins that you choose greatly determine the efficiency of the fins. Ensure that the straps and buckles of the fins are easy to use.
- Exposure protection suits – look for an exposure protection suit that’s a perfect fit for you. The suit should fit well and comfortably. It should not restrict breathing and movement. Do not go for an exposure protection suit that is too loose. It is also advisable to go for suits that are bright colored, as they make you more visible to other divers.
- BCs – this is life support equipment that should be chosen based on the diving style that you will be using most. Pick out the right fit and size. Before you try on BCs, put on your exposure suit first. The BC should fit comfortably. It should not squeeze you when it is inflated.
- Regulators – this is life support equipment that helps convert the pressure in your air tank, which is usually high, to ambient air pressure that you can breathe. Choose a regulator that is easy to use as some have control knobs to help regulate air pressure conversion. Ensure that the mouthpiece in comfortable.
- Computers – dive tablets are invaluable tools for safe diving. Dive computers calculate your no decompression status. This gives you prolonged dive times while keeping you in a safe envelope of no-decompression time. When choosing these computers, pick out one that is user friendly. Before you buy one, request to see the owner’s manual and check it out. Ensure that the manual is complete and the instructions are easy to understand.
Where Can You Buy Dive Gear?
- Used gear from a private party – the cheapest way to go is buying used gear from a friend or acquaintance. However, this strategy comes with no guarantees whatsoever. Unless you are an equipment technician or you are very knowledgeable, you will not know if a regulator can be serviced. Your ability to breathe on the regulator out of water is just as meaningless as the statement of the seller that the regulator “breaths fine”, as you will not have any performance data about the regulator.
- Local PADI Dive Shop – here, you’ll find the most reliable gear from someone who’s knowledgeable. Normally, they’ll have well trained staff that can give you tips on getting the best gear. It will be a bit more expensive than buying from a private party.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article, I genuinely hope you find it helpful! If you’re planning a scuba diving trip – I highly recommend contacting LOS in Oahu, Hawaii! They offer some amazing and affordable dive tours.
Expert Author: Glenn D.
