Scuba diving is a style of underwater diving where you use specialized gear to breathe. There are many pieces of equipment and accessories that you can use to enjoy scuba diving, including a handful of essentials you must have on your checklist.
Mask
A mask is a necessity when diving to protect your eyes and allow you to see all there is to see. It is wise to get fitted for a mask by a retailer or instructor to ensure the proper fit. Some features to look for are a good, tight seal, flexible straps, a comfortable nose pocket and decent field of vision.
Fins
The fins are what propel you through the water and without them, scuba diving just wouldn't be the same. There are many varieties to choose from, including ones with webbed feet, with splits down the middle or shaped like a dolphin's tail. When you purchase fins, fit them like you would a shoe.
Booties
Booties are like a pair of neoprene socks, and serve a couple of different purposes. They can protect your feet when you are walking on the beach or over rocks, and they can also keep your feet warm while diving. For people prone to blisters, they will protect against that too. It is a good idea to buy your booties before your fins to ensure everything fits together well.
Snorkel
A snorkel serves a couple of different purposes in scuba diving. First, it enables you to keep your head in the water to conserve energy when you are near the surface. It also enables you to conserve the air in your tank if you are swimming along the surface for any length of time.
Weights
Weighting yourself down is a necessary precaution while scuba diving to offset the buoyancy of your body and equipment. Many weight systems consist of a nylon belt with weights that slide on and off. You can also try a harness or a buoyancy compensator, which is basically a weighted vest.
Wetsuit
Even in the warmest ocean waters, the water temperature will be too cold if you are diving for any length of time. A wetsuit is necessary to keep you warm. According to the scubaguide.com website, if your core body temperature falls even slightly below normal it can affect energy levels and decision making, which can be deadly when you are in ocean waters.
Air Tank
Your air tank holds the oxygen you breathe underwater and is essential for you to stay under for any length of time. Air tanks are made from either steel or aluminum. Steel is much more durable, but aluminum is lighter. The size is usually decided by how much air you will need according to your body size. Your tank also comes with the hose and regulator you will use to breathe through.
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