Wanting to purchase my own equipment

[Addison Roberts]

So i have quite a bit dives under my belt but I never got to purchasing my own equipment… I am more of an online shopper to get those better deals so I was wondering if anyone could tell me most if not all the equipment I will need and possibly some recommendations for products I should look out for and some I should avoid.

I am also looking into getting a kayak so I was thinking about investing in the hookah diving rig with the gas powered compressor. Or maybe just the line and keep a tank on the yak? If I use the compressor would you recommend me getting an emergency spare air system incase the compressor cuts out or something happens with the compressor? P

 

[DivemasterDennis]

First, let me endorse your idea of buying your own gear. I buy at my local shop, especially things that need servicing ( bcd, reg's, computers) but everything else ( except a mask on which I want a good fit) on line is ok even for me. As to brands, I suggest you stick with popular national brands that you can have serviced or repaired at a local shop rather than sending off. As for specirfiics, you will get a lot of different opinions- everyone thinks that what they have is the best. I have personally had good luck with Sherwood and Aqua lung regulators; Oceanic, Suunto and Mares computers, and, Seaquest BCD's. Each has required only scheduled service and each has given me years and hundreds of hours under water of excellent function. They key is to properly maintain all equipment and have it serviced regularly. Have fun putting your outfit together.
DivemasterDennis

 

[Addison Roberts]

I just got back from a dive shop in cocoa and they said the same thing. I think I am just going to go on a shopping spree locally and try to piece everything together. After talking to a guy at a scuba shop in Meritt Island he has a used hobie kayak for 1200 he is willing to part with and is willing to give me a good deal on all the equipment and the kayak. Hopefully I can scrounge up the money from my taxes and be on my way in no time.

 

[fjpatrum]

Might I recommend the following threads as a starting point: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/476857-getting-started-cheap.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/476434-absolute-minimalist-diving.html

The first thread recommends a good startup kit that will be complete with regs, bc, computer, and exposure gear to get you comfortably diving in warm(ish) waters to mildly cool waters.

The second thread, as the name indicates, is a bit more about minimalist diving than just modern gear but it gives some good ideas too.

As for the hookah, I have no experience but I'd choose a tank on the kayak rather than a compressor which might take in some of its own exhaust without a tender and give you bad air. A tank has a set fill and can be easily analyzed for quality of the air. It's also easier to secure in the kayak and lighter weight.

 

[Subcooled]

There are some excellent replies above.

I will try to offer an unconventional solution (well, more conventional than hookah...)

Take a look at the Razor sidemount harness (gosidemount.com). You could use that one with small, light, near neutral cylinders. If you manage to set up a kit that does not require a wing then life would become easy: A little bit of webbing and a pair of cylinders. The obvious safety concerns (if no air bladder) must be discussed first, of course. Result: More freedom to move than with surface supplied air. No heavy tank on the back. Cylinders can be put on and taken off (and accidentally dropped) while in the water...

Spare air? You would benefit more from a calm mind. You will never get 100ft deep with that air hose from the kayak. It would take you litterally seconds to reach the surface. And anyone can swim under water for a minute, if they must.

 

[fjpatrum]

Please don't pay $1200 for a used Hobie... that's ridiculously expensive for a used rotomolded boat. Hell, you can buy new ones cheaper than that which will suit your purpose of diving off of it.

Spacecoast Craigslist has no shortage of used kayaks significantly cheaper:
http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/search/?sort=rel&areaID=331&subAreaID=&query=kayak&catAbb=sss

http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/boa/4346788544.html

http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/bod/4272333823.html

 

[Keith.M]

Why would you just not dive with the tank?

 

[Addison Roberts]

I've used a hookah once strapped from my brothers kayak and i just felt more at ease. It wasn't anything like less effort but well I can't really explain it. It was very comfortable and felt as if I was just snorkeling. I guess if I could put something similar it's like your free to bend and miniver better. Hobie is a great brand and I would prefer to use it as a fishing kayak plus it has the foot peddle things so I can use less effort to get to my destination so I'm not wore out by the time I get to the diving location. That's the only thing I saw concient with that setup.

---------- Post added March 5th, 2014 at 07:07 PM ----------

I honestly though felt more better diving with the tank on the kayak than I did diving from a boat with the compressor. I always had that thought "what if a big wave tips the hookah over and sinks or what if water gets in the engine and it cuts out" but my brother am I that time were diving with two spectate hookahs so I also had the mindset of if it happens to mine or happens to his we can just use the buddy system till surface. And I thought its bad to go from 100 to 0 feet in a minute? Is that the pressure thing?

 

[KeithG]

Slow down?

Going from no equipment to running your own compressor is a huge leap. This thread also seems to be mixing tank diving vs hookah diving with rent vs own basic equipment.

 

[Addison Roberts]

I've used hookah diving before with rentals and my brother so i know how to pretty much dive with them. And i want to go from renting to buying