Scuba Gear Basics 101: What to Get and When

Discover What Scuba Gear is Best For Beginners

Scuba diving is an exciting activity that allows you to explore the ocean’s depths and discover new things. But before you can go on your first dive, you should consider having the right scuba equipment. Knowing what scuba gear items to buy and in what order you should buy them can confuse a beginner. So, it’s essential to consider the best scuba gear to maximize your experience. That way you can cater to your safety, comfort, and convenience. This article will explain scuba gear basics and how to buy scuba equipment in the most efficient way so you can get out there and start exploring!

The Mask: Your Window to the Underwater World

The first piece of scuba gear you should purchase is a mask. Masks are essential in the scuba diving experience because they allow divers to see underwater with clear vision while keeping a diver’s face safe from the water’s hazards. Moreover, they provide a means of communication with other divers and an opportunity to observe the vast array of marine life up close. Scuba masks are different than goggles in the fact that they cover your nose as well as your eyes. Knowing which features make for a good mask is critical when purchasing equipment for scuba diving.

The main feature differences are one lens vs. two lens masks, skirt materials, and mask straps. Some of the differences are personal preferences, while others are comfort preferences. A single lens mask gives you an open field of view in front of you without anything separating your vision from right to left.

If you wear glasses and can not wear contacts, you can order a dual lens mask that matches your prescription. Dual lens masks have a nearly identical field of view nowadays, so this is a personal preference.

The Mask Skirt, Clear or Opaque?

The materials in most mask skirts are silicone, so the difference comes down to a clear skirt or a solid skirt. Some report that transparent masks let more peripheral light come in and make them feel less constricted than with a black skirt. Others say that black mask skirts allow less glare to enter while you are trying to use underwater cameras. While mask straps are worth considering, most divers add a personalized neoprene cover or strap, which is also a personal preference.

From simple snorkeling masks to more advanced dive masks, many options for scuba gear are available today. Before making any purchases, you must understand what features you need in your mask and how much you want to spend.

A mask should fit comfortably yet snugly enough so that no water can seep in without causing discomfort or obstruction of vision. Purchasing a quality mask that fits correctly will help ensure maximum comfort and safety during your dive.

You can do a quick fit test by holding your breath and gently pressing the mask to your face. If the suction holds, it has a good seal.

A final thought on masks: Comfort and fit should be your first concern, not cost. In addition to this, consider the differences between normal and low-volume masks. Low-volume masks are typically smaller and closer to the eyes but take a noticeably smaller amount of air to clear.

Fins & Footwear: Let’s get Moving

Fins and footwear are The next pieces of diving gear you should consider as a first purchase. These items can provide crucial support when maneuvering through the water and help reduce fatigue during long dives.

Fins come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and colors to suit each diver’s needs. Footwear helps keep your feet warm while providing extra grip on slippery surfaces. Proper footwear can be particularly beneficial if you use heavy dive weights in your kit.

Consider buying diving fins rather than renting them. Why should you buy this kind of diving gear instead of renting it? First, you will want to know what fins you must use before diving.

In colder areas during winter in southern regions, the waters can get down into the 50s. Planning on renting fins may leave you with a slide-in fin that doesn’t provide adequate exposure protection. Or you may get fins that don’t fit properly and cause you to overexert yourself. Having your own set of fins means you can try them on first to ensure they work correctly, have a good fit, and allow for a balanced swim.

Lastly, fins come in two types, full foot and open heel.  Open heel fins require the use of booties, but are usable in all temperatures, whereas full foot fins can make your feet cold at cooler temperatures. If you choose a open heel fin, make sure to by a pair of booties with them! A great allround boot will be 3mm in thickness, have an appropriate sole for your walking conditions, a velcro strap to keep the zipper up, and a thicker area on the back to hold the heel strap of the fin.

Scuba divers adore a variety of fins for various reasons. Here’s a glimpse into what makes three popular models a perfect choice.

Wetsuit/Drysuit: Diving Gear That Keeps out the Cold!

Depending on where you plan to dive, the next piece of scuba gear you should purchase is a wetsuit or drysuit. A wetsuit keeps your body warm by trapping a layer of water between your skin and the suit, while a drysuit completely seals out water from entering.

Wetsuits keep your body warm using neoprene rubber that traps a thin layer of water against your skin. So you are warm and comfortable with your body heat. This layer of heat makes wetsuits perfect for warmer waters, as they can provide insulation while allowing you to move freely underwater.

On the other hand, drysuits offer an impenetrable barrier between you and the water, keeping out cold temperatures and preventing hypothermia. They come in various materials such as nylon or PVC-coated fabrics that are ideal for colder climates where divers want more protection from the elements.

It’s essential to choose the right suit for your location. For instance, in Florida, you are usually better off with a wetsuit than a drysuit while scuba diving. However, water temperature can dip into the 50s during the wintertime, especially in North Florida. So make sure you consider this before suiting up.

Dive Computer: Keeping you Safe While Tracking Your Dive

After you have the basics of the essential equipment, your dive computer is your most crucial next purchase. Dive computers are a necessary piece of scuba gear for tracking your dives and staying safe underwater. Knowing your NDL (No Decompression Limit) is a critical element in dive safety, and having a dive computer can help you keep track of this.

A good quality dive computer will provide accurate readings on water pressure, depth, temperature, and even nitrogen levels in your body, which are crucial for determining when it’s time to ascend from a dive. It also includes features like alarms that alert divers when they’ve gone beyond their NDL or other safety limits.

There are a variety of styles and types of dive computers. They can attach to your SPG (Submersible Pressure Gauge). You can wear it like a watch or connect them in other ways. The importance of a computer cannot be understated. When diving with your buddies, having something to monitor your NDL is essential. Using tables alone will suffice, but it will ultimately lower your dive times and profiles and quickly become a safety concern.

There is something else to remember with dive computers: your air integration. How you choose to integrate your air supply is a personal preference. Some people prefer to dive with a mechanical pressure gauge, and others like the convenience of having everything in one place. There are reasons for both cases. But if you are considering upgrading, look for computers that can add air integration. A significant benefit of air integration is that the computer can watch your air consumption and estimate how much longer your air supply may last.

No matter your skill level, all three dive computers here offer reliable performance and valuable dive data:

Regulator: Because You Can’t Breathe Like a Fish

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced scuba diver, a regulator is another one of the most critical pieces of equipment you can buy. A regulator helps divers breathe underwater by taking air from a highly pressurized tank and reducing pressure, allowing you to inhale it safely.

When shopping for a new regulator, consider factors like size and weight, your spending budget, and features such as cold water ratings or environmental seals.

Trying to find the proper regulator is a personal experience. Things to think about when it comes to regulators: What type of conditions will I be diving in? Do I need it to be environmentally sealed? Do I need extra HP or LP ports for drysuits or air pressure gauges?

I learned from experience that the ability of your regulator to be serviced is more important than the brand overall. It’s best to purchase regulators from reputable dealers that provide quality product support and warranties. With these tips in mind, you can be confident in finding an air supply that fits your needs perfectly!

No matter your skill level, all three dive computers here offer reliable performance and valuable dive data:

Buoyancy Compensator Device: So You Don’t Sink to a New Low

The Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD) is the last necessary scuba gear you need. It enables divers to adjust their buoyancy, and this can help them achieve precise control and maneuverability underwater while also ensuring safe ascents and descents.

With the right BCD and practice, divers can remain neutrally buoyant, so they don’t sink or rise without effort—allowing them to swim efficiently in any direction. Different styles of buoyancy exist for diving activities, such as recreational or technical, depending on the degree of control required.

There are also differences in where the air goes when you fill the BCD, the type of low-pressure inflator you want, and how your dive weight is managed. You want to ensure you are familiar with whatever type of weight system you choose.

Determine what you will be doing in your BCD. Are you going to be on the surface, providing instruction and guidance? A full jacket would suit you so you can stay vertical. Want to spend most of your time level and smooth while diving? A back inflator style is what you need.

There are many options, and many dive shops will let you try their gear in their pool, if they have one, before purchase. So make sure you find one that’s comfortable for you in terms of fit and function.

Here’s a brief comparison of the Aqualung Rogue, Women’s Aqualung Axiom, and Apex Exotec BCDs:

Accessories: Add to the Adventure

Accessories are often overlooked but can add safety, security, and enjoyment to your dives. When selecting your accessories, divers should consider their individual needs and preferences. Many of these items come in different materials and variations, so it’s essential to find the ones that fit best for you. Popular accessory options include knives, compasses, DSMBs, hoods, and gloves, which can add warmth or protection from the environment while underwater or provide navigation and safety for your dive.

If you are diving in the north and central Florida areas, a dive light is also a good investment. Whether you’re looking to illuminate your surroundings or signal other divers, they come in all shapes and sizes with various levels of intensity. They are also helpful by allowing you to see into crevices to discover hidden sea life you may have overlooked. Dive lights are relatively affordable and fit into most budgets without breaking them.

While not all dives require every accessory, a few key items can significantly enhance your underwater experience and safety:

Conclusion: Bring on the Blue

Armed with this knowledge, you have everything you need to start diving. Following all of the advice from this article, divers can be confident knowing that they have acquired the best gear for their needs. From wetsuits and fins to masks and regulators and even accessories, there’s a lot of consideration that goes into becoming a certified scuba diver. Now that you have a good understanding of what gear is necessary to dive safely, you can make an informed decision when buying your equipment.

Question: Where Can I Find Quality Equipment?

We recommend the selection at Scuba.com to find everything you need to get started, from basic diving equipment to advanced divers gear. And for those interested in learning how to dive, stop by our PADI® Open Water Certification Course located at Aegir Diving School. The PADI® Open Water Diver course is the initial phase of your scuba certification journey and provides a chance to grasp the basics of scuba diving in a comfortable and supportive setting. We are located in North East Florida.

For experienced divers, what piece of equipment was most important for you when you first started out? Answer in the comments below: