1. Wet Versus Dry
Most divers need to wear either a wet suit or a dry suit to keep warm while in the water. Body temperature can drop quickly in water, which can disorient divers and slow their physical response times. In warm water temperatures, a wet suit is sufficient. Wet suits work by trapping a small amount of water that is warmed by the diver's body heat. Dry suits are significantly more expensive than wet suits, but necessary in colder climates. Dry suits are made of waterproof materials and keep the diver warm and completely dry during the dive.
2. See Clearly
Scuba masks allow divers to clearly view sea life, plants and coral. You need a nearly custom fit from your scuba mask, and it's one of the pieces of gear you'll have to buy rather than rent. Different brands of masks fit differently, and you'll likely have to try on several before you find one that properly fits your face. It's important not to settle on a mask you just think will work. If it doesn't fit properly, you'll be uncomfortable during your dive and the seal might leak water.
3. Like a Fish
Swim fins transform you into an efficient underwater creature. Fins allow you to easily propel yourself through the water, even while carrying heavy diving equipment. Without fins, you'll expend a huge amount of energy just trying to move through the water, and your dive will likely be short and exhausting. When kicking with fins, you should need to use only the muscles in your thighs and your legs shouldn't cramp, even during long dives. Your fins should fit comfortably without pinching your heel or toes. If your fins cause discomfort and cramping, try a different shape and flexibility.
4. Conserve Oxygen
Using a snorkel when you're near the water's surface allows you to conserve the air in your scuba tank. Divers should always have either a snorkel or a regulator's mouthpiece in their mouths. The length of the snorkel is important because if it's too long, carbon dioxide can build up in the shaft, and it will fill up with water if it's too short. Breathe through the snorkel for several minutes to make sure you don't get lightheaded before you get in the water. The mouthpiece should fit comfortably in your mouth.
5. Lead Weight
Divers need to wear weights while diving to offset the natural buoyancy of their bodies. Most scuba-diving weight systems consist of a nylon belt with either solid weights or scuba-diving weights, which are bags filled with pieces of lead, weight harnesses and buoyancy compensation devices with an integrated weight system.
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