Diving Equipment???????

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My advice would be don't buy too much at this stage. You are not certified yet and don't have any experience with any equipment as far as I can tell.

I think you'd be better off getting yourself a mask and trying that out in a swimming pool before you go (rub in a small amount of toothpaste on the mask inside and out and then clean thoroughly with fresh water - this helps prevent the mask from going foggy/misty). Do a search on scubaboard for testing masks.

Secondly, find out how warm the temperature will be in Fiji before you go - this will determine the type of exposure suit you'll need. I suspect a 3mm wetsuit will be ok?
(anyone care to elaborate further ?).

Try your wetsuit in the pool - don't worry if you float a bit - you'll soon get used to that :)

I'd also buy a snorkel so you can have a bit of fun in the pool and get used to breathing it as you'll have to do an exercise with a snorkel when you certify.

Fins - if you have the baggage room, it won't do any harm to buy them too but if luggage is tight don't worry about it. Once you certify you have a logbook - in the logbook write down what equipment you used and how much weight you used. This will help you later as you'll have some experience of what you liked equipment wise and what you didn't.

If you decide after certification that you want to dive regularly (all year round and/or locally) then it might be worth buying equipment rather than renting. Having your equipment is the best thing you can do but financially you also have to bear in mind that your equipment also needs maintenance ie regulator servicing, BCD servicing, checking straps etc and this can also cost money. If you decide to only dive a few times a year on holiday then I don't personally think it makes financial sense to shell out a load of money for your kit although having your own kit will help you become a more comfortable and safer diver.
 
theblonde:
I am looking for alot of input......I am looking for suggestion on equipment for those of us that are new. Are there certian brands and if so what are better then others? Being new I am a little overwhelmed by all the equipment.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Me

As others have said: very loaded question.

Most important will be comfort and fit...and this may alter your budget. Try on lots of gear at different dive shops to get a good idea of what you might like. Do not buy used and do not buy life supporting (BC and regs) via an online site...grey area when it comes to warranties and service.

A good mask fit is essential.

A good fitting BC (depending on how far into the future of diving you plan to go)...there are different kinds of BC's out there. For most, a good jacket style weight integrated BC is good enough. For others, a more "technical" BC (backplate, air bladder) is essential for more extreme diving. I would highly recommend a weight integrated, rugged, jacket style bc with two tank bands and crotch strap...to keep it from riding up your back. I use a Dive Rite Transpac.

A good set of regulators is essential...there are two kinds: diaphragm and piston first stages with either a DIN or Yoke attachement. Most diving will have you using a yoke attachement. Next are a good set of second stage regulators with a good fitting mouth piece is essential.

A 3mm wet suit is good enough for most general diving...for others, having more than one wet suit gives them added flexibility with differing environments...depending on the kind of diving and location.

As you progress, you will find yourself purchasing more gear, redundant gear, a dive computer...lights, clips, hood, gloves, extra fins, reels, and other odds and ends.


Just some FYI.
 

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