When you scuba dive, you need a wetsuit to keep you insulated and warm and a weight belt to help you achieve neutral buoyancy. You can rent these pieces of gear, but then you cannot be guaranteed you will have a wetsuit or weight belt that fits you perfectly each time. Buying used items provides an inexpensive alternative to renting.
Step 1
Contact the dive shop where you got certified as well as other dive shops in the area. Ask the shops if they sell used wetsuits and weight belts from their rental stock. Most dive shops update their rental inventory periodically, meaning they will often sell used rental items.
Step 2
Visit the shop to try on the wetsuits and weight belts. If your wetsuit does not fit you properly, it will not keep you warm.
Step 3
Look for a thick, full-body wetsuit for cold water diving or a thin, shortie wetsuit for warm-water diving.
Step 4
Try on a wetsuit in your size and zip it all the way up.
Step 5
Take a few steps in the wetsuit and move your arms up and down to test the fit. The wetsuit should fit snugly. You should feel a slightly reduced range of motion. The wetsuit should feel this tight. Once you enter the water, the wetsuit will loosen slightly but remain tight enough to provide insulation.
Step 6
Try on several weight belts and select one that fits your waist with room to spare.
Step 7
Estimate the amount of weight you will need to wear. Most divers need to wear a weight belt as heavy as 6 percent to 8 percent of their weight in freshwater and 8 percent to 10 percent of their weight in saltwater. Factor in the weight of your tank and gear when determining this percentage. For example, if you weigh 120 lbs. and carry 40 lbs. of gear, you will need about 9.6 to 16 lbs. of weight. If you will be diving with a thicker wetsuit, you will need more weight to compensate for the wetsuit's buoyancy. Purchase slightly more weight than you think you will need. Buy several individual weights so you can add or subtract weight over time.
Step 8
Wash your used gear before you use it.
Tips and Warnings
- If you cannot find used gear for sale at any area dive shop, you can look for used gear at online classified listings or auction sites. This method does not allow you to try the gear on in person, however.
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