New member needs gear advice

[2506ackley]

I am a new forum member and I need some gear advice. I used to dive a lot 10 years ago but work and family has kept me out of the water. My old snokel, mask, and fins are ruined and as you can imagine the equipment available today is different from 10 years ago.

I am going to Jamaica in 3 weeks and I wanted to take my own gear this year for snorkeling in front of our rental house. I want decent gear that I can use for many years and will work as I get back into diving but I don't need the best.

He is what I have thought about buying:

Sea dive sea lite frameless ray blocker hd mask
Aqua lung stratos fins
Aqua lung impulse 3 snorkel


What do you all think of my choices? Thank you very much.

 

[JBFG]

the mask is all about fit. as long as it fits you should be fine. if you intent do do snorkeling, you should get a dry snorkel.

 

[TMHeimer]

I snorkelled for 40 years prior to getting my OW Scuba cert. I guess a large bore snorkel is best, but I really don't think it matters. You come up, blow it out and go back down. Any fins are good for snorkelling. Split fins help with cramping. I still have my 1980 ($80 then!) mask and don't use it--I found one on the bottom 10 years ago scuba diving and use it to this day. For snorkelling, I would say it doesn't matter a whole lot what you buy. Get stuff that's cheap and works.

 

[diver0008]

The mask needs to fit your face properly and comfortably so that no water leaks in and it does not cause any pressure points. You need to try on several at the dive shop and choose one that best fits this bill.

The fins need to suit your swimming ability,

A snorkel is a snorkel.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

If the mask fits it's fine. If it doesn't, for you it's junk.

I prefer a simple j tube for snorkeling. Easier to clear, nothing to go wrong with it, and cheap. I teach all my 7 yr old and up snorkeling students with j tubes. I find it easier to teach them proper technique without the gimmicks of dry tops, diaphragms, etc.

As for fins, I have been to Jamaica and snorkeled there. If from a boat full foot fins should be fine. I would not use them for shore entries. I'd get a regular open heel fin and low 3 mil boots. Reason is because you never know what's lying on the bottom. One place was polluted with sea urchins. Those and bare feet are not a good combination.

Jamaica is also a very dirty place off of the resort properties and I have no idea what kind of trash gets tossed where. Even the resort beach had some bottles and cans littering the water in front of it. Don't want to step on those either. It can also be very hot sand to the water. You can walk in your flip flops or crocs and leave them on the beach sure, but if they "walk away" you have to walk back across that blistering sand when you get out.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

If your buying local, try on every mask in the store. One size does not fit all. A clear skirt helps with the tunnel vision feeling, a three window gives some side vision, but creates holes in the vision field too. Make sure the dealer has a return policy if it leaks. I have had masks that fit perfect in the store still leak like the titanic in the water or been uncomfortable at pressure ( not an issue with snorkeling) I have a face that is hard to fit. If buying online, most of the major online dealers have easy no fit return policies. Leisurepro, dive right in, and scubatoys come to mind. Above all, find a swimming pool before you go and give it a test run.

I'd go with open heel fins and a boot...but that's just me. For shore dives, I like to walk in and put my fins on in the water. I like a dry snorkel, but to each their own. We own 5 or 6 snorkels....and I have only used them a few times. I dive without one.

There is some great food ..... Really, really, great food in Jamaica if you get off the beaten path. Find out where the locals eat. Trip advisor and this forum will reward you!!

Safe travels,
Jay

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Just don't go looking for that food after dark.

 

[JBFG]

lol yep! especially if you are near Kingston!

 

[dmaziuk]

Can't believe nobody's mentioned this thing yet: Full Face Snorkeling Mask with Go Pro Mount

 

[diver0008]

Can't believe nobody's mentioned this thing yet: Full Face Snorkeling Mask with Go Pro Mount

Have you used it? Does it fog up?