Newcomer Report

[Lncky]

What equipment is essential for new divers?

 

[Allen-1]

Properly fitting mask

Means of monitoring air and depth and elapsed time. Which could be as simple as a console with SPG and Depth Gauge and a watch or as complex as an integrated air "Dive Computer".

 

[KiLLAH-WHALE]

depends, when i was just diving on vacation i started with renting everything. then i bought a well fitting mask from my local dive shop and a computer. a rashguard to wear under rented wetsuits. i was gonna buy a hood and maybe another layer to bring with me as i get cold easily and the tropical destinations mostly had shorties. i didn’t see any need owning much else when just diving on vacation a couple of times a year, seemed like more of a hassle to lug around more stuff.

now that i’m diving locally, well, you kinda have to own everything, but i don’t own tanks (yet)

 

[TMHeimer]

If you plan like once yearly dive trips I would probably rent it all-- except the mask- you want something that fits perfectly. If diving regularly locally or in combination with trips I would buy everything. I bought most of my stuff used when I was taking OW course and still use some of it 20 years later (the reg for one).