horsemen:
anyways what all do you need to dive after the basic body covers thanks
Most scuba classes actually require that you own the basic "personal" supplies. This includes the following:
Mask - The thing that goes on your face, and allows you to see underwater. You don't want to rent this because a) It's fairly cheap and b) Fit is very important. Your scuba shop will explain how to test the fit on you.
Snorkel - The j-shaped tube you breathe through on the surface to conserve the air supply in your tank. You don't
need anything fancy, like dry versions that supposedly keep water out. Just go for a basic one, preferrably with a flexible tube on the mouthpiece for comfort.
Booties and Fins - Booties are neoprene boots that are worn on your feet when you use open heel fins. They protect your feet when walking around, diving/swimming, and keep them warm. You need to try them on before buying, real life shoe sizes do not always apply. There are two types of fins: Open heel and full foot. Open heel fins basically sit on your foot and have the heel sticking out. They're held on with a strap at the back. Full foot fins have a pocket built into them that completely covers the foot like a shoe. They're mostly used in warm water diving, where you don't use a bootie. It's best to go with the open heel strap kind simply because of the easy on/off of the fins.
That's really all you need to start diving. Take the course and see if you actually like it before investing ALOT of money in the sport. Wet (or dry) suits can wait, and are usually rented in the beginning. That's another thing you'll want to wait on purchasing until after you finish your class and have done a little research. You'll have to decide on the size based on what you'll use the most (listed as a thickness such as 3 mm, 5mm, etc).
EVENTUALLY, you're going to want to purchase:
A buyonancy compensator (or BC) device: This is the thing that looks like a lifevest that holds the tank to your back. It also provides lift, or buoyancy, in the water by pumping air into a bladder. That'll be explained in further detail later, and there are a myriad of options. You'll want to try out several and get your own because it's important you know this piece of equipment well.
The regulator: This is the thing that goes in your mouth that you breathe through and is attached to the tank. You'll learn more about in the course, and it's another main component you'll want to purchase later. It's quite possibly the most important piece of the scuba equipment since it provides you with your air. You'll want your own because it will generally be better taken off than rental equipment, and you need to be able to trust it.
Gauges (show you your depth and air supply) are usually purchased when you get your regulator, since they'll be attached to it.
A computer - Not neccessary but can be very helpful because it handles the tough calculations of the dive, and monitors several things.
Accessories - A HUGE category that covers everything from knives and shears, to whistles.
I hope this helps a little but I didn't want to overwhelm you. I also was intentionally explaining everything in a simple way since you're new and havent' started the classes yet. No offense meant.
Good luck and welcome to the boards.
