If you’ve decided to dive on a regular basis, you’ll eventually want to start building your own gear. However, there are so many diving equipment and accessories on the market that it can sometimes be difficult to know what to invest in and when. As a beginner, you only need the basics, but as you gain experience and start participating in more advanced dives in deeper water, you may want to add something to your gear. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the essential pieces of scuba gear that every diver needs.
1 – Wetsuits
No list of recommended scuba gear would be complete without mentioning wetsuits! These are important not only for protection, but also to help regulate buoyancy and temperature while in the water. Choosing the right wetsuit can make the difference between a safe dive and a dangerous one! Certainly not all wetsuits are created equal and it is important to make sure you choose the right type for the type of diving you are participating in. For example, a 3mm wetsuit is only really suitable for use in tropical waters, while a 7mm wetsuit is best suited for cold water diving. It is important to consider where you will dive before purchasing your own wetsuit. You may even want to pick up more than one if you dive in a variety of different locations.
2 – End
Fins are a very important piece of your scuba gear, as they will greatly aid your mobility while in the water. There are several different types of fins on the market and the style you choose will depend on both the type of diving you are interested in and your personal preferences. The more traditional choice would be paddle-shaped fins, which are used by most divers regardless of their level of experience. However, you may also want to check out the vented fins and split fins which have their own benefits in terms of improving the efficiency with which you can move through the water. You’ll also want to decide whether you prefer open heel fins or full foot fins, depending on what is most comfortable for you personally.
3 – Masks
Diving masks are essentially there to allow divers to see while underwater and also to protect their eyes. There are several different types of masks on the market, including split lenses, single loan, and multiple lenses. It all comes down to personal preference and, of course, finding the right fit for your comfort.
These are the basics of any dive kit. Obviously you will also need an air tank and you may eventually want to add more accessories. However, this will be enough to get you started with your own scuba gear.