As
you know or don't know you need various pieces of equipment for diving
underwater. Some you'll need right away and others you can purchase
as you become more experienced. The items you'll will need before going
on your Open Water dive are Mask, Snorkel,
Fins, and Boots.
You
should always consult a professional before purchasing any of these
items as they vary greatly in comfort, performance, and style. Stop
by the shop and I, Walt Salazar (owner/divemaster), can educate and help
select a perfect combination for you.
 Mask
It's
not earth-shattering news that you need a mask to see underwater. Why
you need it is that light behaves differently in water than in air, and
your eyes focus according to how light behaves in air. That's why water
makes everything blurry. The mask creates an air space so your eyes can
focus. When buying a mask, don't skimp. Get a good one specifically designed
for scuba diving that fits you properly.
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Snorkel
Since
scuba divers have a tank and regulator, you may wonder why a snorkel is
a standard piece of scuba gear. Actually, you want a snorkel for a few
reasons when you scuba dive. First, it lets you rest or swim with your
face in the water, like when you're looking for something below, without
wasting tank air. Second, when there's a bit of surface chop, splashing
waves can get in your mouth if you don't have a snorkel, but the snorkel
is usually high enough to get above these. Third, if you run low on air
away from the boat or shore, it makes it easier to swim back, again resting
with your face in the water.
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Fins
Fins
provide a large surface area so your powerful leg muscles can move you
through the water. This is much more effective than swimming with your
arms. All fins regardless of style or features have pockets for your feet
and blades for propulsion. In looking at fins that accommodate your size,
physical ability and where you intend to use them, your primary concerns
are fit and comfort.
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Boots
are just as they sound, neoprene waterproof boots that you wear to protect
your feet from rubbing against your fins and for instances when you have
to walk on land to reach the water such as an offshore dive. |
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