wat do i need?

[solaris]

well where to start, i qualified as open water basic ans adsvance 5 years agosince i hae only borrowed equipement for dives.
though the time i has come that i want to get the kit myselfto do it seriously.

what is it that i need?

I.e

Drysuit
Cylinder
BCD
Regulator
gauges
fins
etc.

cant rememebr the list i had

cheers

mike

 

[djkpsu]

A lot of what you need depends on what type of diving you plan on doing, but the basic list would go something like this:

Mask
Fins
Wetsuit
BC
Regulator
Pressure Guage
Dive Watch/Computer

You can add a tank and weights if you dive where you live, but if you have to fly they can be a hassle to lug along.

 

[HarleyDiver]

well where to start, i qualified as open water basic ans adsvance 5 years agosince i hae only borrowed equipement for dives.
though the time i has come that i want to get the kit myselfto do it seriously.

mike

Mike, please do not take offense at this, but the first thing you need is a refresher course. Then ask your instructor for his/her advice on gear.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Agree with HarleyDiver. If you've done fewer than 15 dives in over five years, and don't know what equipment you need, its time to find a dive instructor and work on a refresher course. Since equipment needs are influenced by where you live, and where you'll be diving, you should work with your local instructor. Remember also that what you purchase must be maintained (by a local tech), so its helpful to purchase gear that can be serviced locally. Not all equipment can be easily serviced world-wide.

Glad you're not borrowing odd items of gear anymore. Dive safe,

Doc

 

[rockbeauty]

First-like the other posters mentionned-refresher course.
Then, you could buy fins and booties, mask and snorkel--that's always usefull (and I personnaly don't like to borrow that stuff) even to go snorkeling at any destination, that's only what I had for my first diving trips in Belize, Costa Rica and Cozumel.Then before buying a lot of expensive stuff--go dive. Do a few dives-in your area and somewhere warmer and easier if you can afford it. There is a big difference in diving watm water and cold. I do dive in cold water (~50) but prefer the colorfull and easyness of carribeans or Asia one day! If you like diving and have a little money: wetsuit full 3mm for tropical region and 14 mm for England I guess (or dry suit but that's a little more $$), BCD, reg with gauges and computer. That's all that I bougth this year and went diving in Honduras with it. It's great to have your own things. For the takns, I won't buy any...it takes some much space, you have to pay for a check-up every year, and you still have to go to the diving shop before every dives to get it filled...and the price difference in filling vs renting the takn is not that big (in Mtl anyway) 6$ avs 8$ to rent the whole thing!
For the brands-look up on SB..you'll find a lot of tips on which brand to choose!
Happy diving,

 

[dbulmer]

Mike,
Since you're UK based - I'd join a BSAC/SAA club if I were you and have a word with the Dive Officer/Equipment Officer. The club structure is a good one to learn in for UK conditions but you have to be patient in finding a club that you feel comfortable in.

IMHO a refresher is not sufficient for UK diving if you were tropically trained. The conditions are harder and you have to learn about local sea conditions/customs. BTW I've assumed you want to dive in the UK because Plymouth is a good location to dive and you mentioned drysuit.

A good site is www.bitz.fsnet.co.uk - the main thing is to get a decent drysuit and undersuit and then go from there. One thing you will need is a DSMB (blob to us Brits) as it's use is practically mandatory on boat dives and you need to get training on how to do it safely and you'll need a torch. Regs - those of us who have Apeks regs love them (I love them!)

Gloves (5mm for winter 3mm for summer if you tolerate cold well)
Hood - you'll need one - I use a a Beaver and it's ok
Cylinders - 12litres normally and you'll get a good price from Kent Diving.
Dive Computer - see the bitz website - I use a Suunto Vyper and I'm happy with it.

One thing with UK diving - be prepared for early morning starts and serious p*ss taking. And above all give it a try and stick at it - you'll find a learning curve but when you get a dive like I had a fortnight ago with sea temperature at 13C and 10 metres vis it'll all be worthwhile.

I hope I've given you some reasonable advice there and wish you luck.

 

[dbulmer]

Oh and one more thing - visit www.yorkshire-divers.co.uk - I think there are a few guys from Plymouth on the web site that can offer you further advice.