New to Diving please help

[BarryNL]

Also, i will need to purchase a wet suit. Anything you guys recommend? Brand? Price range? I dont want to spend too much, i think a 3mm is probably enough.

Brand isn't really important - neoprene is neoprene no matter who's logo is stamped on it. What's important is good fit. Go to a dive shop that has lots and try some on. If you're lucky enough to have a standard body shape you can probably find a good fit off the shelf (though 3mm suits are more forgiving than thicker suits). If you really can't find a good fit off the shelf consider a custom made suit - they're actually not a lot more expensive and a good fit makes all the difference.

Oh, and don't get taken in by all these marketing labels on wetsuits like 'titanium coated', etc. They're all just neoprene.

 

[vixtor]

Hello all,
Mask- Oceanic 4 ion
Snorkel- Sea Elite dry snorkel
Fins- Oceanic V-16 fins
Boots- Deluxe zipper boots (size 11) My shoe size is 11 so i chose 11, is that right?
Dive duffle bag

Also, i will need to purchase a wet suit. Anything you guys recommend? Brand? Price range? I dont want to spend too much, i think a 3mm is probably enough.

Mask - I like single lens masks better. It is your choice, but fit and field of vision are the most important things. Try to get the largest field of vision available. I recently managed to get an Atomic Frameless (hard to find in my country) - and it is gorgeous.

Snorkel - I find that dry snorkels have a lower air flow (maybe because of the system which restricts water from entering it). You gain nothing from an "advanced" snorkel that a basic one will not do. Again a matter of personal choice, I like better snorkels which are pre-curved (not like this one, which stays straight when not in your mouth), because it gives you less jaw fatigue. The straight snorkels are said to be better for scuba because they don't came in the way of the second stage, but a curved one can be rotated in a position that will not bother you also. I still have my first very basic snorkel since 12 years ago, and never needed anything more from it (even though I do a lot of snorkeling also).

Oceanic V16 - they resemble with the Atomic Aquatics split fins, and some say they are good. I use other split fins - the Twin Jet Max from Scubapro, and I like them - they require less effort from your legs. Probably they are a fine choice.

Boots - the size requires a check - you cannot even buy shoes these days just by matching the size. Confort is very important. Try to find boots with hardened heels (to hold the fin strap in place) and a good sole, to keep you from slipping on wet rocks. Eventually a rubber upper part that will protect you from the contact with the upper part of the fin socket would be nice. I would say the boots you selected have a rubber heel (good but not great because it has no raised part to hook the fin strap on) and no rubber upper part over the feet to protect you from the contact with the fin socket.

 

[Tom725]

For general information on snorkels go here. It is not brand specific but give you an idea what to look for.

For Snorkeling almost any fins will do. For diving paddle fins will deliver more power and work better with a frog kick, split fins will be more comfortable and will be easier on you legs and knees. In my opinion a lighter fin is better than a heavier one.

In a mask fit is the most important but also volume is important. A small volume mask will be easier to clear than a large volume one.