Joanna James
Finally buying your very own scuba diving gear means you are ready for that adventure below the waves. Apart for the excitement here are a few tips on what to buy and what to consider. Good Luck!
If you are thinking of the one paned mask you last saw Sean Connery wear in a Bond movie think again. Scuba diving masks have evolved to offer a range of styles and fit to suit different faces. A mask creates an air pocket in front of your eyes for easy focus while the nose pockets help you to regulate air pressure as you dive; hence a mask should offer an airtight fit. There are many designs and varied pane styles to choose from. Do a seal test before choosing your mask.
A snorkel is used to conserve air in your oxygen tank when you are on the water's surface. Look for a snorkel with a mouthpiece that fits comfortably in your mouth and also stays dry. The snorkel should not feel too bulky and cause friction when dragged through water. Experiment and choose one that feels right.
If you are going to be exploring the ocean make like a fish and get yourself a pair of fins. Fins transfer power from your leg muscles to help you move gracefully and efficiently through the water; remember water is 800 times denser than air. Fins are pretty handy even if you are not scuba diving and useful on many beach holidays; for instance guests at Dhaalu atoll hotels choosing to adopt a coral reef will be encouraged to snorkel to the coral nursery and choose the 'baby' they wish to adopt; for these simple pleasures a pair of good flippers are necessary.
A good form fitting exposure suit is needed. There are various types to choose from but first understand what an exposure protection suit does for you. As you dive the cooling effects of the water causes your body to loose heat almost 25 times faster than normal weather conditions. The type of suit you require depends on the place your dive takes place. A simple Lycra suit will work well if diving around Niyama Private Islands Maldives or other tropical destinations. A wet suit should fit cosily without restricting movement; there should be minimum gaps or loose pockets as these cause heat loss.
This will be the most complicated and most important piece of dive equipment you own. A BC will hold the oxygen tanks in place and help you carry it with minimum effort. It also helps you float on the surface offering natural buoyancy. Before choosing a BC wear the exposure protection suit you will be wearing on the dive in order to gauge the best fit.
Another vital piece of equipment a regulator converts the air pressure within your tank to a more comfortable pressure for you to breathe. The regulator also delivers air to places such as your BC inflator at times you wish to surface.
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