Hey everyone,
My name is Tom and I'm planning on doing my PADI open water training locally this month and then do my cert dives in the Carribbean later in August. The shop I'm getting trained at requires regulator mouthpieces, fins, a snorkel, mask, boots, and here's what I'm thinking of getting from divers-supply.com:
IST Talaria split fins ($90)
Edge 6mm zippered boots ($20)
2 random, cheap mouthpieces ($10-15 total)
Anti fog spray ($5)
Those things I'm pretty sure of, and as far as a snorkel, I'm thinking:
Sea Elite dry snorkel ($17)
In order to get free shipping, I might get a diving knife ($12).
I'm going to get the mask at the local shop to ensure good fit, but does this list seem reasonable? I think my biggest question/concern is about the snorkel. There are so many choices, so is this one decent? If not, what would be recommended for around$20-30? Thanks so much, and I look forward to contributing to the community once I get started. Thanks,
Tom
OK Tom here is my 2Psi
First off it has been beat to death, but yes your first mask should be bought from a LDS where you try it on, but you are free to try to get the to price match, etc. This is called good manors. If you like your LDS and they treat you well and will work with you, then do the honorable thing and try to buy from them. However if they are idiots, or try to screw you then by all means don't encourage them buy giving them your money.
Snorkle: go simple. you don't need a dry snorkle for SCUBA. I have several and usually take my omer-sub plain snorkle that can fold up. it works very well if I want to free dive, and if I am in the ocean I can fold it up and stuff it in a pocket in case I need it.
Split fins: I hate them and they are expensive. try them and force fins before you buy them, I hate both, both some love them. I would say your best bet is to go to leisure pro and get some Jet Fins for $60. Jets will never let you down (maybe give you a leg cramp the first dive or two though,) and are highly thought of,by serious divers. My non jet fins, ( I have two sets one for wet suit and one for Dry suit,) are Cressi Master Frogs, which are almost free diving fins. the Cressi's serverd me well for the ten years before I tried Jets, and I still use them on ocasion.
Boots: get the thick sole boots. If you ever do shore dives you will be glad you did. the thin sole are ok if you are boat diving but thats it. Also make sure you have a zipper on them! it makes life much easier.
Anti-fog: used them, it works ok... I went to J&J baby shampoo. and find that it works better. The key thing is mask prep. use
PASTE toothpaste (cheap stuff is fine,) and scrub the heck out of the inside of the mask. do this for 3-5 minutes per lens per night for 3 nights. then rinse out and put a light coating of J&J baby shampoo on and let it dry. you will be good to go for your first dive.
Mouth Piece: yup I am with every one else, and don't under stand this one. you might spray on some mint listeren ( generic of course,) to disinfect it but really if they are that worried about there rental gear and germs, I would hate to see the wet suits.