Scuba diving is one of the most serene sports out there.
Nature’s unaltered world is on full display just a few feet beneath
the surface of the ocean. Those who enjoy nature will truly be amazed
by what the underwater world holds. Colorful coral, unique sea creatures,
and mind blowing natural architecture await the diver. Every dive is
different and the surprises never end.
One of the best things about the sport is after the initial
purchase of the equipment and certification the underwater world is
usually free for the diver to explore. A dip in the ocean costs nothing
and the fish don’t charge for their performance either. Many people
find an escape from life’s everyday stresses in the soothing realm
of the sea.
A successful dive will always be reliant on having the
right scuba gear. The diving equipment is the diver’s life line
and is the most important aspect of diving. Not only can the right gear
make the difference between life and death but it also gives the diver
the confidence needed to make the sport enjoyable.
The most basic of a diver’s supplies are the mask,
fins, and snorkel. The mask needs to be tempered to withstand the pressure
created in the depths of the ocean. The mask should also have a nose
enclosure that works properly, there should be no air allowed into the
mask when the diver inhales through the nose.
Fins (known as flippers to the non-diver) should have
a strap around the Achilles tendon. This allows the diver to wear diving
socks that will protect the feet and keep the feet warm in cold waters.
If the diver is planning on diving in warm water only then a shoe-like
fin can be worn, but it’s better to have skin protected in case
of accidental brushes against coral or stinging animals.
The snorkel will also get used more than a diver would
think. If the diver is close enough to the surface to use a snorkel,
it is wise to do so. The air in the tank is precious and should not
be used when the diver is swimming along the surface. The snorkel should
have a purge valve as well to remove any water that may have accidently
splashed in.
Diving around coral means the skin needs to be protected.
Coral is razor sharp and can cut a diver badly- sometimes they may not
even feel it. A wet suit or diving skins can help protect the skin.
Stinging animals and sun exposure may also damage skin and cause pain.
Wet suits, gloves and diving socks made of neoprene will assist the
body in keeping it warm in cooler waters as well.
The next most critical pieces of equipment are the diver’s
life support. The actual self contained underwater breathing apparatus
is what makes scuba diving possible. The tank holds the air that the
diver breathes.
The regulator controls the flow of that air both out of
the tank and into the diver’s mouth. The regulator consists of
two components: the first stage and the second stage. The first stage
attaches to the tank and the second stage is the part that they diver
inhales from. The octopus (also known as the alternate regulator) is
a critical backup system that a diver must have in order to dive safely.
There are other items a diver will need to dive including
a weight belt and buoyancy control. Knowing what works best for each
diver in the family will ensure that everyone has a pleasant diving
experience. Dive equipment should always be inspected before a dive
to make sure there are no damage or safety concerns.
At Mauiscubadivers.com we have all the scuba
gear a diver will need along with some fun extras. Shop often for
the best deals and visit our learning center to learn more about the
great sport of scuba diving.