Beginner Equipment Questions

[Red Syns]

Good evening!

I am utterly new to the sport (one escorted dive to date), and while I have been reading/watching a great deal, have some questions that are not simple to find general-purpose answers to.

My specific details, to be considered for my questions:
-Minimal dive experience, moderate snorkeling (little fin experience)
-6'5" (198 cm)
-250 lbs (113 kg)
-Strong legs, good (not spectacular) endurance
-Moving to Hawaii for several years in the near future
-Expect to mostly do open water, some spearfishing (assuming it is allowed with SCUBA gear, haven't found anything contrary yet)
-30 y/o, no significant health issues, ears can be a little difficult to equalize at times

I enjoyed my first dive experience a great deal, so I expect to be in the sport for a long time to come. As such, please make recommendations based on the idea that I will be using the equipment on an extended duration and not "good for beginners but quickly replaced" without a specific reason. On to the questions!

Shoes vs Boots vs ???. I am a big guy, and honestly most anything I wear tends to wear out QUICKLY. As such, I expect that I will want to go with a heavier duty shoe/boot, with a sturdy sole. Is there any reason to not just go with the thickest/sturdiest boot/shoe I can find? What are the best things to look for in footwear?

My understanding is that for Hawaii, I will want a thinner wetsuit for warmer waters. Since it will be (less) buoyant, I will want (EDIT) neutral/lighter fins. With the understanding that I will need to try on several pairs to find a "preference," any good recommendations on where to start, and the reason for why I should start there? Is there a preferred length/shape/rigidity/material? The only preference I will have here is the fins be open heel, as I intend to wear footwear

For masks, I would prefer to do whatever is possible to minimize water intrusion. I don't have any awareness of personal issues with ear infections and such, but given the occasional difficulty in equalizing and a familial pattern of issues with water drainage from ears, I think it would be best if it could be minimized. I found ProEar Mask and the reviews seem pretty positive, but am hoping someone might have personal experience with them. I have a somewhat larger head than average, but rarely have issues with getting a good seal on masks, and my hair is kept short.

Thank you in advance for the assistance!

 

[loosenit2]

Shoes vs boots: two primary considerations for shoes vs boot are thermal/exposure protection and just plain protection of your foot. Neoprene shoes come in a lot of varieties, from a simple neoprene sock (https://www.amazon.com/Snorkeling-S...oprene+socks&qid=1566645237&s=gateway&sr=8-17) to low cut booties (https://www.amazon.com/Mares-Equato...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=) to full boots (Dive Footwear | Exposure | Dive Gear Express®). Or if the water is warm enough you can use a full foot fin with no booties at all. The decision is entirely about thermal protection and what protection you need to get into and out of the water (ie. if you are shore diving and have to walk through rougher terrain a sock with no sole would be very uncomfortable, but if you are doing a boat entry a sock is just fine). Water temps in Hawaii sit in the 70-80 degree range, in that range a 3mm low cut bootie would be a fine all around choice for me but your comfort and cold tolerance may be different.

Wetsuit: again a lot depends on your comfort. For 70 degree water I would typically use a 5mm suit if I was doing multiple dives in the day and it was colder topside; but probably only a 3mm if I was doing a single dive or it was warmer topside. For 80 degree water I would typically wear only a rash guard unless I was doing several dives in a day. there is a lot of variation in this and there is no one-size fits all solution.

Fins: Don't overthink it. The primary purpose of the fins is propulsion and maneuvering. Make sure they have enough umph to propel you in the conditions you will be diving in. For example don't chose a flimsy fin or a split fin if you are going to be diving in heavy currents, you need more propulsion in that kind of an environment. Most folks that chose heavy (negatively buoyant) fins do so because they often dive in dry suits or are very aware of their weight distribution to get in perfect trim for a purpose. Best advise is to try several pair with a Local Dive Shop (LDS) to find a pair that work for you.

Masks: Again you have to try on masks to find one that has a good fit, best bet is to get to an LDS who has a variety in stock you can try. On your ears, generally it is recommended that scuba divers don't wear ear plugs because it can cause equalization issues (DAN | Medical Frequently Asked Questions). But under certain circumstances it can be necessary. When it is there are a range of options (Diving Solutions for Sensitive Ears - AquaViews). It is best to discuss those options with your instructor and physician to figure out your specific needs.

Enjoy your journey under water.

 

[Sam Miller III]

Check out @MAKO Spearguns on this board
Great quality at a very reasonable price
SDM

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Thanks for the recommendation Sam.

Please take a look at our 3 mm freedive suit, you should fit into our largest size quite well. This suit should be warm enough for the entire season, but in the summer, you might want to wear just the top.

https://www.makospearguns.com/Yamamoto-3D-Reef-Camo-2-Piece-Open-Cell-Wetsuit-p/m2y3drc.htm

I can recommend the MAKO Minimus mask for scuba and freediving and can say with 100% confidence it will be comfortable, not leak and you will love it (see my warranty on this mask).

https://www.makospearguns.com/Minimus-Mini-Freedive-Mask-p/mmm.htm

We also offer 3 mm neoprene socks and a wide variety of long fins which are great for scuba and freediving.

http://www.makospearguns.com/Fins-s/68.htm

And if you are still not convinced, take a look at our package deals which provide a discount - and remember we have free shipping for orders over $99 in the CONUS!

http://www.makospearguns.com/Package-Deals-s/46.htm

If you have any questions, please feel free to give the guys in the shop a call during normal business hours and we are always happy to take the time to discuss options to our customers.

thanks!
dano

 

[broncobowsher]

Dive site will also dictate footware. The rockier the entry (and exit) the better footware you will need. Having to scramble over rock, the better you need. Boat dive, sandy entry, the less protection you need. Actual diving it doesn't matter as much.

Mask is such a personal fit you really need to try them. I keep threatening to just go to Mako and order all 3 and see if I like any of them. I had a Tios that worked good until I broke the frame, have never found another that fits my face the same. There is an Atomic that is really close, super soft and squishy skirt. Simplicity works best. Added features is the marketing way to make more money, not make a better product. One or two lens is a personal preference. Dark skirts work really good. A clear skirt lets in extra light, but not useful light.

 

[drrich2]

2 Near neutral fins I've used are the OMS Slipstream and the Deep6 Eddy fins (soft material version). Both have spring straps, which are nice and durable. Not sure whether you'd have access to Deep6 products in your area.

I like SeaSoft Sunray 3mm boots. Made with an 'athletic sole,' IIRC, and good for walking around on rough, rocky terrain. Go up to size 14 or so; tad snug on my size 15 foot, but I've worn them.

Masks vary and more expensive isn't always as good or better. One that seems to 'fit' in the shop (as in, put it on and suck through your nose; does it hold to your face without air leakage?) doesn't always seal well in the water. I seem to have a 'difficult' face.

Richard.

 

[diversteve]

I dive quite a bit on Maui - and once on Kauai. I'm also pretty big - 6'2" - 235 and it's never been an issue. I have also never worn a wet suit there and have dove as late as October - my standard Hawaii exposure protection is a t-shirt and board shorts. Look into dive skins/rash guards for Sun protection there as it can be brutal to be on an open boat all day - I get cooked regularly. I also have a 1mm Lycra skin which offers protection against stinging things or sharp coral when you brush up against it by mistake - you will at some shore dive sites. I'd guess of all the people diving there it's the source of most injuries.

From Maui price and dive site location drive the shore/boat decision. Boat dives off Maui are slightly over 2/$100 but you get to dive 3 islands, Maui, Lanai or Molokini Crater. Molokai is farther so more expensive.

There must also be 20+ easy entry shore dives - most off beaches although a few entries are over lava which will shred your bare feet. My go to boot is a 3MM with a slightly thicker sole.

Once you move there ask about Kaimana (local resident) rates - some shops offer a slight discount. The Maui Dive Shops sell a discount fill card also.

Hawaii is really expensive (everything is brought in) that includes rental dive gear. They even charge for weights, I've heard of people mailing weight to their hotel in a postal flat rate box - it's cheaper for shore dives.I think even some of the online dive retailers charge more for shipping if you live there.

We met some locals - I asked one what they eat - she said whatever is on sale that week. I heard Wal-Mart has the same prices there as the rest of the US? Generations of locals share small houses upcountry - I doubt by choice.

I have been cold there twice in the summer - once deep off Molokini and once in the Cathedrals in Lanai - which was a fluke since they're only about 60' dep. It might have been the shade also - they are collapsed lava formations. Maybe we just caught it at the right time (Aug) but Kauai was a bathtub.

The reason not to buy thick boots is your feet will get too warm. When you pour the water out - it's body temperature, My normal boots are 3mm.

A little dated but here's shoredive options on all the islands - Scuba Shore Diving Region: Hawaiian Islands

 

[EireDiver606]

Booties - I’d recommend fourth element amphibian 5mm boots. They are very comfortable and provide good support when walking over rocks. They’re the best booties I’ve owned.

Wetsuit - Cressi are very good but I suppose it’s whatever fits you best with the best neoprene. You mentioned that you want to stay in the sport so maybe you should think about a drysuits in the future also.

Mask- whatever fits is what’s best for you. Personally I think the Halcyon H View is very good and large. If you have a big nose it will be a good match but it’s whatever fits you really. Go to a shop and try on as many masks as possible (before they get sick of you ). Also, as you’ll be diving in very bright waters, you may want to get a black mask with no windows on the side to minimise getting blinded or unwanted light coming on distracting you from what you actually want to look at.

Fins- Scubapro jet fins are excellent fins but you may consider something lighter but in the same efficiency field like the Apeks RK3. It’s a rigid non split jet fin style fin with a very comfortable foot pocket and good efficiency. There are many others out there though and of course it is a very personal decision also but they would be my recommendations.

Lastly, if you’ll be living on Hawaii, a GUE instructor Meredith Tanguay does classes there. I’d highly recommend GUE Fundamentals when you get to 20 dives or so. It’s an amazing 4 day course which refines all your skills, teaches you a different mindset towards diving in general, opens doors down paths like technical and cave, and is a lot of fun! You could contact her to organise a class in the future if you want. I don’t know her but I’ve heard she is great especially for beginners.

Hope that helps.

Safe diving!

 

[diversteve]

Richard is right on about masks. I have a $100 Tusa, wide-angle, soft skirt, adjustable buckles. It leaks when I tip my head up and to the side.

I have a $20 Sherwood backup mask that I bought specifically to fold up and stuff in a BC pocket. It never leaks.

For spearfishing - especially if you do any free diving (SCUBA scares the fish) you want a low volume mask like the Mako.

Twice I've seen people in business dress (often a hawaiian shirt and pants) who look like they're just off work park, change and go get dinner. IDK the rules/restrictions but lobster in Hawaii are claw-less.

 

[jonhall]

You've got an inch and about 15-20 pounds on me, but I've got about 30+ years on you!

Moving to Hawaii for several years in the near future

Which island? If you are going to the Big Island, Jack's Diving Locker, unless they have changed, allows you to test out gear before you buy it - the only downside is if they don't have the particular model you want to try. Don't know if any other ops do that or not on any of the other islands.

Regarding the boot, I have a (2 or 3 mm) slip-on type that I like - a change in gear from a zip up boot I started with. The rubberized sole of the slip-on is a little more rigid. It is easier for me, not messing with the zipper, to take off after dives. Thermal protection is probably not going to be a concern so a 2 or 3 mm neoprene thickness should be good.

based on the idea that I will be using the equipment on an extended duration and not "good for beginners but quickly replaced" without a specific reason

Another possible reason to replace a piece of gear and the only other piece of wearable gear* that I have changed since I began diving are the fins. I started out with good blade fins but once I started getting more dives in, I began to have leg pain while diving. I invested in a pair of split fins 11 years ago and haven't had leg pain (from diving) since. * I did also replace my original snorkel to a dry snorkel and my analog console to a computer.

They even charge for weights, I've heard of people mailing weight to their hotel in a postal flat rate box - it's cheaper for shore dives.

Just for clarification, that's just for shore dives isn't it? If you're on a boat, weights are thrown in.