Equipment

[Free_Flow]

I'm very new to diving in the North East and am wondering what is used for equipment up here. Myself not owning any equipment besides mask fin snorkel, I am wondering what is used for the somewhat colder water up here.


Thanks,
Russ

 

[decapoddiver]

In addition to the usual stuff i.e. BCD etc.,

2 piece 7mm wetsuit or a drysuit
3mm gloves
5mm hood

Some use more, some use less.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Min depends upon how cold you get

For me that means semi-dry suit w/built in hood (no water down the back).
Dry gloves -actually they are semi-dry, but keeps my hands MUCH warmer
Hard sole boots for shore diving

When the water is 50-55 on average, you can't be too warm

 

[ScubaNorth]

Agreed 7mm two pc. wet suit to start working into a dry suit. Unless you are rich, get used to diving NE and then make the switch to Dry, this way you can invest in the right equipment. I dive wet until November too cold after that. The intergrated hood is a great idea, I have learned the hard way about that little tid bit. Hard soled boots are a must, again ouch, I learned that the hard way also. Gloves are disposable in NE so don't be afraid to try a few different types. Most importantly listen to the Veterans on this Board they are a huge help and save you pain and money. I didn't have these guys when I started diving and now I have cold water down my back and bruises on my feet.

 

[MASS-Diver]

Drysuit (it's seldom even in the 50s at 100'), nice "cold water" regs., I prefer env. sealed.

 

[mer]

In addition to what others have said: a primary light.

Our lower visibility can make it rather dark even in the 70' range. A light also helps with buddy team communication... and, of course, finding those lobsters.

 

[gfisher4792]

Definitely anything that helps with shore diving. Hard sole boots (as mentioned above), a big ol' tarp/carpet sample to change on/set gear on, spring straps for your fins (personal choice; I like them as putting on fins with them while floating around is much easier for me than with standard straps), and anything that will keep you warm, as already posted above.

 

[waterkitty]

So true...one came in handy last week at about 40' when we hit a patch of zero visibility.

In addition to what others have said: a primary light.

Our lower visibility can make it rather dark even in the 70' range. A light also helps with buddy team communication... and, of course, finding those lobsters.