Scuba diving is a sport where you can’t afford to scrimp to save a little money. Your life is literally in the hands of your equipment, so it’s important to choose the right items. The best scuba equipment will help you enjoy your diving experience a lot more, too! There are a few basic pieces you are going to need to buy before you get started with your hobby. You can find brand new, name-brand scuba gear on sites like eBay for a fraction of the cost at retail stores.
1. Booties protect your feet from the rough stuff underwater. Coral, rocks, sharp-finned fish, and broken glass can ruin your dive. Booties protect you from these elements. They look sort of like boots with side zippers.
2. Swim fins for your feet are a must-have. Ideally, you should try on a pair or at least get a professional fitting from a scuba instructor or dive expert. Don’t go cheap on fins, because they can really help you get speed and keep your legs from fatiguing.
3. You need a scuba mask. Look for one that says “anti-fog” or something similar. Cheap masks don’t keep a proper seal, nor do they stay clear underwater, so don’t scrimp on this piece of equipment. If you have bad vision, you can actually find masks that offer prescription lenses so you can leave the contacts at home.
4. Snorkels and scuba weights are another necessary purchase. It can take awhile to find the right snorkel and scuba weight for your body, so feel free to try on several different brands.
Scuba gear will last a long time if you maintain them properly. Rinse them with clean, warm water and a mild soap after each dive. It will help remove the minerals and salt that cause equipment breakdown.
The buoyancy control device you buy for scuba diving is a personal choice. Most divers wear the jacket style that buckles in the front. The side panels are filled with air and your scuba equipment straps down to your jacket using the attachments. The jacket is the most comfortable type to wear, and it is easy to customize to your body shape and size.
