Type of equipment
Posted on February 26, 2024 • 3 minutes • 551 words
Table of contents
Diving Equipment
Diving is a passion that I share with my husband, who is also my dive buddy. We wanted to dive as much as possible and train. But renting equipment every time was not only expensive, but also inconvenient and unreliable. We decided to invest in our own gear and build our diving kit gradually. Here is how I did it.
Starting with the basics
The first things I bought were the essentials: fins, mask and boots. These are the items that I use the most and that need to fit me well. I chose fins that were comfortable and easy to put on and take off, a mask that gave me a good field of vision and did not leak, and boots that was fitting my fins. I did not spend too much on these items, as I knew I could always upgrade them later if I wanted to.
Finding bargains and deals
After completing my Open Water Diver course, I was ready to buy more advanced equipment, like a regulator, a bottle and a drysuit. I was lucky enough to find some great deals from a friend who was selling his gear and from the dive center where I took my course. I bought a regulator that was in good condition and had been serviced regularly, a bottle that was light and durable, and a drysuit that fit me perfectly and kept me dry and warm and made it easier with my buoyancy. The one I used from my diving center during my Drysuit course was big and felt like big bag. It was a Ursuit and the size was not right. During the beginning I used my ski undergarments.
I will come back with more blog posts regarding drysuit and my BCD choice were I will describe about the function and material/fabric.
I realized that I preferred gear that was light, sleek and not bulky, as it made me feel more comfortable and agile underwater and more control over my buoyancy.
One thing I bought after hours of researched online and read reviews on undergarments that was thin and still kept you warm was two products. They were of course expensive and I was unsure if this was the right thing. I decided that two brand I was looking was Fourth Element and Kwark. They both have two types of thin and warm undergarments.
I decided to check online and see if anyone had my size and brand for sale. I found one that I’m very satisfied with. Artic Fourth Element. It was suitable for cold conditions. I dived at +4 this winter and there was no issue.
Enjoying my diving kit
Now I have a complete diving kit that suits my needs and preferences. I can dive anytime and anywhere without worrying about renting or borrowing equipment. I feel more confident and safe with my own gear, as I know how it works and how to take care of it. I also save money in the long run, as I do not have to pay for rental fees only for the maintenance costs and upgrade of new equipment. I am very happy with my choices and I look forward to exploring more diving sites with my husband and my diving equipment.
