How to Buy Scuba Diving Equipment

Whether you head to Florida and swim with manatees or fly to Australia and explore the Great Barrier Reef, scuba diving is simply the best way to experience either. If you're a casual diver then you can typically rent the equipment you need, but if you're planning on going scuba diving regularly, you'll want to buy your own.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mask
• Wet suit
• Oxygen tank and breathing apparatus
• Flippers
• Depth gauge

1. Decide what you will purchase and what you feel comfortable renting. For example, having your own wet suit is generally a good idea since it will fit properly, as is owning your own mask, flippers, regulator and mouthpiece. Renting an air cylinder is a good way to save money.

2. Select your equipment based on your scuba experience and goals. For longer dives, for example, you'll want a rebreather. If you're not in the market for a rebreather, then note that you can get air cylinder packs that can accommodate more than one tank at a time for extended dives.

3. Pick up an underwater camera as an optional piece of scuba equipment. They can be pricey, but newer, waterproof digital models can take scores of pictures without having to reload, and they can record all of your adventures.

4. Buy a buoyancy compensator when diving in colder waters. Colder waters demand thicker wet suits, which can add considerable weight. A buoyancy compensator helps counteract the added weight and equalizes the push and pull of gravity and water.

5. Go all out and get your own air cylinder and compressor. The cost up front can be very expensive, but you would have everything you would need to scuba.

6. Head to DiversDiscount.com to find low prices on scuba equipment (see Resources below). Their selection is extensive, and you can order online or over the phone.

7. Take advantage of all of the online resources at Scuba.com (see Resources below). In addition to equipment, you will also find forums, manuals, tips and tricks that can help make you a much more effective diver.

Tips & Warnings

• When trying to buy scuba diving equipment it's generally a good idea to find package deals. Most scuba shops offer great deals on starting equipment for beginners and experts alike. Just shop around and compare prices of packages, as well as the relative costs of buying each piece of gear separately.
• Always speak to your doctor about your physical condition prior to taking up scuba diving. Scuba diving is more physically demanding than people realize, and dealing with an emergency underwater is all the more dangerous.
• Only buy used or second-hand equipment from a reputable source. Having your equipment fail underwater is something you want to avoid.

Who Can Help:

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

Resources

• Great prices on scuba equipment at DiversDiscount.com
• Scuba equipment and resources from Scuba.com

[scubakit]

on 6/3/2009 http://shop.aquasportonline.com is a great place to get your gear as they offer deals online, but if you're not 100% sure you can actually head to their shop in Solihull and try everything on. They are also authorised dealers which means they really helpyou make the best choice for you not them, plus they service all the gear they sell instore.Also if you do your training with www.aquasportonline.com then they will rent you equipment at student rates.