Supplies for a Newbie

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stiffany

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Location
Philadelphia, PA
Hi everyone. I'm relatively new to diving (having only dove 8 times between Cozumel in Aruba). In March, I will be traveling to Honduras with my boyfriend (who has never dived) to get certified. I was just wondering what kinds of simple equipment (safety and otherwise) you all would recommend for us to purchase. I already own fins, a mask, and a snorkle that I am comfortable with thanks to a dozen or so trips to the Caribbean. However, my boyfriend does not have any gear and is considering renting from the local SCUBA shop (if that's even an option?)]

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
 
So You Want to Dive on the Doria?

HAHAHA

Then it wouldn't let me rate it with a poor rating, Funny how the article posted links right to a sight where you you can "PURCHASE" his other books.
 
Better not to rent personal gear (mask fins snorkel boots) Fit is critical and comfort comes from being familiar with the gear. Also some shops may not rent these items or if they do they may not be of the greatest quality. Make sure when he does buy that it is DIVE QUALITY gear. Stuff from walmart or even dick's is not normally dive quality. As for safety gear I would purchase at the least some type of audible signalling device (whistle, dive alert, etc), and a visual device such as a safety sausage for each of you. Also fins normallly used for snorkeling may not have the size or power necessary for propelling one with full scuba gear on. Go to your local dive shop and ask them what they suggest. You do not however need to drop a bundle on personal gear. At the shop I manage I can set you up for around 150-250 bucks for good quality dive gear that will last the occaisional diver for a long, long time. You don't need to spend 300+ to get the gear you need. If your local place wants you to send me a PM and come to this side of the state and we'll hook you up. I don't recommend buying personal gear without being able to try it on.
 
Scuba_Cartman:
So You Want to Dive on the Doria?

HAHAHA

Then it wouldn't let me rate it with a poor rating, Funny how the article posted links right to a sight where you you can "PURCHASE" his other books.
Click to expand...

Dude, I think you got the wrong post.:D :06:
 
Things you won't find or get with most rental/dive charters:

- SMB/Safety Sausage
- Compass
- Whistle

If you plan on renting equipment, I would try and travel with these items. You probably won't need to use any of them, but like a seat belt, you'll be happy you have it when the time comes.

Have fun.
 
stiffany:
I will be traveling to Honduras with my boyfriend (who has never dived) to get certified.
Click to expand...

He wants his own personal gear. Mask, Fins, Snorklel and booties if applicable. Get these at home, from a dive shop. Get dive quality stuff, not throw away pool toys. I think you have enough experience to knoow what I mean. You don't want to spend vacation time fussing with that stuff and he wants to be training in the gear he will be diving with. Lot's to read in the gear forums if you two aren't sure about specifics. Get him involved. If he dosen't want to be involved this is a red flag that he's doing it for you and that alone is a bad sign.

Next start going to the Y or other available indoor pool with him and start skin-diving. Get his face in the water, get him doing a nice flutter kick and strat toning his legs for the load of fins. Do laps. This can lessen his risk of leg cramps by a lot. If he's doing well working his way up to duck dives would be good. Floating weightless 12 feet down in a pool will hook him! This will get him accustomed to having his face in the water and sustained oral breathing. He can also brush up for his required swim test.

Diving is an adaptation and it comes easier to some than others. I have no idea where yout BF falls but this can't hurt and it's all good fun. With a modest skin-diving foundation under his belt he will enter the class much more at ease and you will both stand a much better chance of getting the most for your vacation $$

Good tips above on safety items

Pete
 
Thanks everyone! I definitely know what you mean about getting basic equipment that works well and isn't flimsy after having a few leak problems with my old snorkeling/SCUBA mask. Surprisingly there aren't too many indoor pools in downtown Philadelphia, but I'll work on at least getting an introduction to equipment for my bf and hopefully I can convince him to maybe start by just snorkeling (since he's never done that) before jumping into SCUBA like he wants to.

Thanks again for all the great tips!
 
ScubaBoard Guys and Gal's ~great feedback on the gear for Stiffany's trip.

Please get comfortable with your equipment Before your trip.
Very important for your boyfriend especially.

Getting his feet wet (HeHeee) with snorkeling would be a great start!

How many of us did start out snorkeling?

It is just kinda a natural progression to want to move on to Scuba.

Safe and Great diving to you 2 in Honduras.....

Cheers!
 
A good (really loud) storm whistle on a large double headed stainless steel snap bolt (to easily hang on your BC) will cost you about $17.
 
Welcome to SB...
I would second everyone elses posts on gear. Is he doing the class room portion/pool part here then open water dives there?
 
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