Buying your own dive gear
It only takes one great experience to fall in love with diving, but when you’re new to the sport, you might be hesitant to go out and immediately buy your own gear. At first, it might make sense to rent gear and get a feel for what you like, but when you know you’re committed to a lifetime of diving, one of the smartest investments you can make is buying your own gear.
Above all, a comfortable dive is a good dive, and when your gear is your own, you have a lot less to worry about – and a lot less tugging and adjusting to do. When you’re ready to start buying your own kit, these are the items that should be first on your list – and why you’ll enjoy owning them.
* Wetsuit – This close-fitting garment should be comfortable and just the right size, or you’ll be spending some unpleasant hours under water. Different suits have different buoyancy characteristics, which can lead to adjusting your ballast weight time and time again to compensate. Simply slipping into a suit all your own will help you get in the water faster and be better able to focus on the task at hand, rather than an ill-fitting garment.
* Regulator – If the idea of using a regulator that’s been in the mouths of countless other divers doesn’t exactly appeal to you, you’re not alone. Buying your own regulator gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing who’s used it, as well as how it’s been cleaned and maintained. You also don’t have to worry about adjusting the settings every time you dive.
* Buoyancy Compensating Device – This critical piece of equipment holds and connects all your life-support gear and lets you establish the right amount of buoyancy you need, either under water or at the surface. Having your own BCD enables you to keep all of your accessories arranged just as you want them and gives you the added comfort that comes with being totally familiar with the equipment you’re using.
Whether you buy everything at once or gradually collect all the necessary gear, having your own equipment will make diving easier and more enjoyable.
If you need advice on any particular item of gear or have specific needs then head down to your local PADI dive shop where they will help you find the right piece of gear for your budget, requirements and fit.
Get kitted out at your local PADI dive shop.
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