Whether you’re a new diver or an experienced one, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to buying scuba gear. There are so many options out there and they all have different uses, but they’ll all help you have the best dive possible. The good news is that whether scuba diving is scary or not, there is no need to spend a lot of money on these items right away: most people buy them piece by piece over time as they get more comfortable with diving! And if you’re interested in learning more about what each piece does and how much it costs, check out this handy guide which will tell you everything you need to know before diving into your next big adventure. So, what scuba gear should I buy first:
Mask
The dive mask is the most important piece of scuba gear. It’s what you’ll look through to see the world underwater, so it’s crucial that your mask fits well and provides good visibility.
- The mask should cover your eyes and nose.
- A wide field of vision is best for seeing fish or other marine life, so look for a mask with large lenses (usually 40mm).
- The skirt should be easy to clear if there’s water in it–this can happen if you’re swimming in choppy waters or if another diver bumps into you while they’re approaching their own dive site.
Fins
Scuba Fins are used to propel you through the water. They’re usually made of plastic or rubber and come in different sizes and shapes, so it’s important to find fins that fit your feet well. Most fins are sold in pairs, but you can also find single fins for use on one foot only (usually for children or people with disabilities).
Snorkel
A snorkel is a device that allows you to breathe while submerged in water. It consists of a tube for breathing, connected to a mouthpiece and mask (which forms an air pocket). The tube connects to the mask at one end and extends into the water at the other. You can use your hands or feet to propel yourself through the water while wearing it, it’s like scuba gear on steroids!
Buoyancy compensator
Buoyancy compensators are a must-have for divers who want to stay at the surface of the water. They help you achieve neutral buoyancy and make sure that you don’t float away from your buddy or other divers.
A buoyancy compensator is a jacket that allows you to adjust how much air is trapped in it, thereby adjusting how much weight you have on your body. The more air trapped inside your buoyancy compensator, the less dense (and therefore lighter) it becomes relative to water; conversely when no air is trapped inside it will be dense than water and therefore sink unless counteracted by its own weight or some external force such as gravity pulling down on it (which would also mean having enough free-flotation devices).
Wetsuit or drysuit
If you’re planning to dive in warm water, a wetsuit is the best choice for your first piece of scuba gear. Wetsuits are also easier to put on and take off than drysuits, which makes them ideal for beginner divers who want to avoid any extra complications when getting ready for their dives. However, if you’ll be diving in cold water especially when diving below 50 feet (15 meters), it’s worth investing in a drysuit instead of a wetsuit. Drysuits offer better thermal protection than their wet counterparts do; this means that they’ll keep you warm even if they don’t have as much flexibility or buoyancy control as an equally thick neoprene suit would provide
Buying the right scuba gear can make all the difference
You may have heard this before, but buying the right scuba gear can make all the difference. It’s true! Buying the right gear means that you’ll spend less time and money on repairs, replacements, and rentals over time. Plus, if you’re new to diving and don’t know exactly what kind of gear fits your needs best yet–or even if you already know what works best for your needs–buying quality equipment now will help ensure that your experiences underwater are enjoyable ones.
Conclusion
Buying the right scuba gear can make all the difference. You don’t want to be stuck with equipment that doesn’t fit or doesn’t work well, so make sure you take some time before making your purchase. There are so many options available that it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what type of gear will work best for your individual needs!