New diver here! I am curious what everyones recommendations are for gear as a beginner.

[DivingLane]

I'd say the last thing a newer diver needs is a camera. You need to learn to dive first. Get a hundred or so dives in and then consider it, maybe.

That’s exactly what I said

 

[WillieJustice]

As a newer diver, I see the attraction of a camera. But it is way off in the distance. BCD and regulator are coming far sooner. Maybe in a week for an upcoming dive so I can start to get used to them. Then a dry suit. A year or two from now, maybe a camera. Maybe.

 

[tmassey]

I'd say the last thing a newer diver needs is a camera. You need to learn to dive first. Get a hundred or so dives in and then consider it, maybe.

That’s exactly what I said

I’ve got something like 700 dives, and like 80+ full cave dives. I *just* started taking a camera into a cave — but only a stand-alone GoPro, to be used only on the way *back*, and only for a few seconds in areas of the cave I know *well*, and with no nearby navigation decisions. It’s crazy how many fatalities include a camera…

I kinda miss the days of wildly expensive underwater still image cameras. Kept the number of people using one way down…

 

[Joannnnnn12]

I will likely be diving in mostly warm water climates, should I purchase my own wetsuit? Will a full body rash guard suffice? Just a shorty or long sleeve swimsuit? Is it worth it to purchase your own computer? Brands you recommend? I welcome any advice!

Hey there! As a new diver, I highly recommend getting your own dive computer from the start—it’s a game changer for safety and tracking your dives. I personally use a Suunto Zoop Novo and absolutely love it. It’s super user-friendly, reliable, and perfect for beginners but still has features you’ll appreciate as you gain experience. The display is clear, it’s durable, and it handles recreational diving with ease. Definitely check out their range on the official website: https://us.suunto.com/products/suunto-zoop-novo-black. Happy diving!

 

[Ukmc]

I’m not familiar with Suunto computers. I would go with Shearwater, Garmin, or others before I would consider Suunto. Anyway, the original poster doesn’t seem to have returned after their initial post. I hope they continued diving.

There are many threads on what new divers should buy, but unfortunately, many don’t return to the sport after their initial trial.

 

[Ukmc]

Why?

Why they did not return? I do not know . New diver, may have given up on a sport. Or maybe they have continued diving but did not like some abrasive posters on the board…

 

[Ukmc]

No, why do you hope they continued diving.

I enjoy introducing people to diving and I hope it is a positive experience for them and like to see them carrying it on.

 

[Ukmc]

You didn't introduce this person to diving. They posted once on a message board and never returned.

What does it matter if some random stranger continues to dive or not?

Empathy

 

[happy-diver]

I've empathy for the wife of Iranian ambassador to Australia, being expelled, she must be thrilled, less for 1 post