Thinking about buying yourself or your dive buddy a Christmas gift but not know what? Perhaps we could help you out!
9 things on the dive list you should get first if you are on the route to scuba diving or have just completed your PADI!
- Mask
Make sure you try out the mask! You need to get a good fit and get comfortable in it. Of course there after, you can start choosing the colours and see how you look in the mirror. For those whom are wearing glasses, you might want to even consider getting yourself a mask with prescriptive lens.
2. Snorkel
It may seem the most insignificant however you will find it really handy when you are out on a dive with choppy waters or when you just want go for some snorkeling
3. Dive Computer
One may consider this as a huge investment however it will definitely go a long way with your diving adventure if you invest in a good one.
4. Wetsuit
In our region, most of us would probably do good with a nicely fitted wetsuit which could accompany you to the many adventure dives that you would be enjoying around the region where temperature ranges from 25-29 degree Celsius.
5. Swimsuit/ board shorts
Not a single diver will ever say no to more bikinis or board shorts. Need us say more? You will definitely enjoy a nice Day 2 of diving in dry bikini or board shorts.
6. Fins
Some say fins is like part of you when you are underwater. A nicely fitted one where you would probably say BYE BYE to blisters and HELLO to more diving! There are a huge variety of fins available in the market when you get to choose from travel light fins – power targeted fins etc.
7. Booties
Yup indeed needed if you are using Open Heel Fins, and it could also come in handy if you are going for some nice shore dives or even heading to the waterfalls!
8. DSMB
This is merely for safety and to be noticeable when you are done with your dive or in the unlikely event you get separated from the dive group, you could then ascend safely.
9. Reel
It’s a partner in crime with the DSMB. It would make your life a lot easier when launching your DSMB with the reel but at the same time you could use it for search patterns etc.
We then ask some of our Dive Professionals….
What would you recommend for the first 5 purchases?
Martin: Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Booties, Wetsuit
– Mainly for personal use and for thermal protection
Christine: Mask and Snorkel– fits nicely and it is only me who spits in it. Long hair people, don’t save on the mask band! Fins, ever had blisters from rental fins? You know what I mean!
Rash guard.Protection against sun and stingy marine life, but pants work for yoga classes as well! Dive Computer, something you trust so much should be your own, right?
BCD– of course it is good practise to dive with different gear all the time, but do you know how much more fun it is with your own BCD. No more getting adjusted on the first dive just jump in and enjoy! Make sure it fits well and suits your needs.
Jon: Rashguard, Mask, Snorkel, Fins ,Dive Computer
Coz you simply need these for every dive and personal well being!
Matthias: Mask, because it makes the difference. Does it fit, is it clean, matches the color your eyes?
A dsmb: Because it doesn’t cost much and it is so important to be visible at the surface. Btw it is nice to know how to deploy it! Color matching not required.
A computer- sure, it costs a bit, however it is a must have for scuba divers. And again, make sure you know how it works.
A torch. Night dives are the best! But even at day a torch makes it easier to spot each other in the water.
Fins. Especially when you have feet with special needs! Good fitting fins are crucial for an enjoyable dive. Small fins make aua. Once you got your own gears you’ll never want to put a dive pleasure on risk by maybe renting poorly fitting or even poorly maintained equipment!
E Lin: Mask , Comfort strap for Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Wetsuit.
A good mask that fits nicely with nice comfy strap especially to prevent any entanglement with our hair as it can really get frustrating and messy! Snorkel in the event I meet with bad weather / sometimes to just do some snorkeling, Fins – definitely as I used to get blisters from rental fins and wetsuit is a must as I tend to get cold easily!
Any regrets in any purchases?
Martin: Split Fins- didn’t enjoy the control of the fins
– PADI Course Director, EFRI Instructor Trainer, Tec Instructor Trainer
Christine: When I was in Germany I brought expensive 5mm dive gloves and booties although I knew I don’t like cold waters and I won’t dive there often. But it was required to have your own if you want to do a course. I ended up not doing the course there and sold those cheap on the internet. Always think twice what you need and what you want to do!
– PADI IDC Staff Instructor
Jon: No regrets!
– PADI Divemaster
Matthias: I never regretted buying anything so far, but sometimes regretted renting stuff in my early dive years.
– PADI Specialty Instructor
E Lin: My 1st wetsuit, it did me well, however if I had a choice, I would have gone for the more comfortable suit then but I was a student then and I needed more time to save up and I was too eager to go diving and perhaps I should have gotten a regulator first rather than my bcd instead.
– PADI Course Director & EFRI Instructor Trainer
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2019