Whether it is scuba diving or free diving, diving can be intimidating for many people. Especially if you are a newbie, it is easy to be discouraged because of the fear of being in the water. Nonetheless, armed with the right knowledge, things can be a lot easier.
While knowledge is power, it is not enough that you know things. You also need to have the right diving equipment. That said, keep on reading and let’s talk about some of the most important things that you will need for scuba diving and freediving.
10 Must-Haves for Scuba Diving and Freediving
1. Diving Suit
Whether it is a dry suit or a wetsuit, a diving suit is one of the
most important gears you will need. It protects you from the underwater environment. For instance, if the water is too cold, this can offer the warmth you will need.
When choosing a diving suit, durability and comfort are important considerations. With this, you need to pick one made using high-quality materials. Neoprene is a popular material of choice.
2. Diving Gloves
Like diving suits, diving gloves will help to keep you warm in the water. It also protects your hands from damage over anything that you can potentially touch, such as rocks and caves.
To pick the right gloves, consider the material that it uses. In this case, neoprene rubber is one of the most recommended. It is durable, flexible, and can withstand harsh environments. It will allow your hands to move freely while staying protected.
3. Diving Tank
This is non-negotiable if you intend to go scuba diving. The air or gas inside the tank will affect your overall
diving experience and safety. Simple compressed air is common. However, some tanks also require special gas mixtures, such as Nitrox, depending on the extent or type of diving that will be done.
You will also need to consider the material used in the tank, which is often steel or aluminum. Steel tanks are heavier, so you need to keep the weight of your other gears at a minimum to make it easier to move. Steel cylinders can also rust, a problem that you won’t experience with aluminum.
4. Swimming Fins
Propelling yourself underwater when diving requires a lot of leg movements. You will be kicking your feet endlessly. To make things easier, you should use the right swimming or diving fins.
Make sure to pick fins with the right size. They can be uncomfortable when they are too tight and they will end up getting off your feet when they are too big. The width of the blade is also an important consideration. The broader the blade is, the more powerful the fins will be and will help you to go deeper. A flexible and durable material is also a must-have.