Scuba Diving Equipment

Home » Diving » Scuba Diving Equipment

Scuba Diving Equipment

For scuba divers, the biggest investment one has to make is the scuba diving equipment. This is not only an expensive task but a daunting one as well; one has to wade through different vendors with all sorts of products.

Scuba diving isn’t a cheap sport so for those a little strapped for cash, purchasing a gear that will cover a variety of diving conditions is something to make sure of.

Basic Scuba Diving Equipment

The basic scuba diving equipment includes mask, fins, regulator, BCD’s, and wet suit:

Mask

Mask is an essential scuba diving equipment because it serves as one’s window to the underwater world. It allows one to clearly see under water through an air space in front of the eyes. The mask must be equalized during descent to prevent mask squeeze, which is why the nose needs to be enclosed in the mask so one can exhale into it and equalize the pressure.

Be definite to purchase a mask particularly designed for scuba diving and consider these tips: tempered-glass lens plate; comfortable skin with a close fit against the face and a good seal; nose or finger pockets; low-profile; adjustable strap that can be locked into place; and wide field version.

Fins

This scuba diving equipment allows one to move through water with far less effort and far greater efficiency; using the leg muscles through these fins, free up the hands for other activities. Fins come in a wide array of styles and all sorts of features.

Apart from what the fins feature, they all have two aspects in common: pockets for the feet; and blades for propulsion. Consider the following tips when buying fins: your size; your physical; ability; and the geographic area of the dive.

Always keep in mind that the shape of the fin is not important, the blade size and rigidity is. The larger and the stiffer the blade is, the more leg power is needed.

Regulators

This scuba diving equipment is designed to lessen the high pressure air of the tank to a level that is utilizable. Regulators have two stages: first stage attaches to the scuba tank; second stage has a mouthpiece.

Each stage reduces the high pressure form the scuba tank; first, reducing the high tank pressure; second, reducing the intermediate pressure.

Regardless of brand, all modern regulators have fairly the same basic structure. The most important thing to remember is to choose a regulator that features ease of breathing, both inhaling and exhaling.

BCD’s

BCD or Buoyancy Control Device is scuba diving equipment that is an expandable bladder that can be inflated with air from the tank to increase the buoyancy while diving. The BCD is deflated through special air-dump valves or hoses to decrease buoyancy.

This piece of scuba diving equipment is mandatory for all diving. It is used to give positive buoyancy for swimming, resting, or lending assistance to others underwater, allowing one to maintain neutral buoyancy at any depth just by releasing or adding air.

Wet Suit

Getting chilled under water stops diving from being enjoyable, the moment one loses body heat can lead to serious health threat that is why wet suits are needed. Wet suits reduce the heat loss through the use of exposure suits suggested for diving in water 75°F or colder.

Additionally, this scuba diving equipment, aside from providing warmth, also serves to protect from stings, minor scrapes, and abrasions. Take note that body parts needing exposure protection includes hands, feet, head, as well as the rest of the body.

Scuba is definitely a gear-intensive activity, and scuba diving equipments are also built to last when regularly maintained and properly cared for; the first scuba diving equipment one buys, may probably be the last.