Tempted to try diving? This is what a dive centre will kit you up with
Scuba diving is an exciting activity that allows you to explore the underwater world and see its stunning wildlife up close. While having your own equipment is convenient, it’s not always necessary to buy it before your first dive, and we actually discourage it! (more on this later).
All scuba diving centers offer equipment rentals, which can be a great option for beginners as normally as well the rentals fees are including in your diving course fee.
That being said, it’s still important to understand the basic scuba diving equipment you’ll need to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Your instructors will give you a full explanation of how this equipment works, but let’s give you a basic headstart.
1. Mask and Snorkel
The first piece of equipment you’ll need is a dive mask, which creates an air space in front of your eyes to allow you to see underwater. Look for a mask with a silicone skirt that creates a comfortable and watertight seal, as well as tempered glass lenses that won’t shatter if accidentally knocked. Some interesting further info can be found below:
A snorkel is another essential piece of equipment that allows you to breathe on the surface without having to lift your head out of the water. Look for a snorkel with a comfortable mouthpiece and a purge valve that makes it easy to clear any water that enters the tube.
2. Fins
Fins are also important as they help you move efficiently underwater and conserve energy. Many scuba diving centers offer rental fins, but if you decide to purchase your own, make sure they fit well and are comfortable to wear for extended periods. There are two main types of fins: open-heel and full-foot. Open-heel fins require dive booties to be worn with them, while full-foot fins do not.
3. Wetsuit
A wetsuit provides thermal protection and can also protect you from stings, scratches, and sunburn. Wetsuits come in different thicknesses, measured in millimeters, with thicker wetsuits providing better insulation. Many scuba diving centers offer wetsuit rentals, but if you decide to purchase your own, make sure it fits snugly and provides adequate insulation for the water temperature you’ll be diving in. A little bit more information can be found in the below video:
4. Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
A Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) is worn like a vest and allows you to control your buoyancy underwater. It also provides a place to attach your tank and other equipment. Many scuba diving centers offer BCD rentals, but if you decide to purchase your own, make sure it fits well and has enough lift capacity to support your body and the equipment you’ll be carrying. Some more information about BCD’s in the below video:
5. Regulator
A regulator allows you to breathe from your tank and regulates the air pressure you receive. Look for a regulator that is comfortable to breathe from and has an easy-to-use purge button. Again, many scuba diving centers offer rental regulators. See a small description of how regulators work below.
6. Dive Computer
Finally, a dive computer monitors your depth, bottom time, and other information to help you avoid decompression sickness. It also provides information about your air supply and ascent rate. Look for a dive computer that is easy to read and use. While some scuba diving centers offer dive computer rentals, if you plan to dive frequently, it may be worth investing in your own.
Hold your shopping spree!
While it’s not always necessary to buy your own scuba diving equipment before your first dive, it’s still important to understand the basic gear you’ll need to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you decide to rent or purchase your equipment, investing in good quality gear and taking the time to learn how to use it properly will help you enjoy safe and memorable dives for years to come.
We suggest to shop locally however as from our experience, the price difference with importing your own stuff is negligible if any (in some cases, local is cheaper too!). Access to servicing and making new friends at the store, together with the right advice, is utterly priceless! We also do not suggest beginners to buy anything initially, as you’ll only understand what is good for you after doing a little bit of diving, discussing with fellow and more experienced divers and instructors what works for you and what doesn’t, as well as to shop around!
Note: the equipment examples provided above have not been endorsed by divinginfo.mt. We simply picked samples from local diving stores’ websites in no particular order.
