by John Malcolm There are many hot scuba diving spots in North America that attract enthusiasts from all over the world. Depending on where you plan to scuba dive, this sport can be quite a dangerous affair. Therefore, it is important that you get the proper scuba diving gear to ensure your safety while you go on your underwater adventure. Below is a list of essential scuba diving gear a beginner should have.

Scuba Tank This is the most important piece of scuba diving gear as it provides oxygen that allows you stay in the water for an extended period time. The most popular scuba tanks are made of aluminum. Although they are lightweight, they can be easily dented or worn. The ones made from steel are more durable, although they have a tendency to rust. Scuba tanks are usually available for rent at any scuba diving resort. Scuba Regulator Another crucial piece of scuba diving gear, a regulator allows you to breathe underwater. You should review your budget and choose a regulator that meets your need. To make sure that a regulator is suitable for you, you can test-breath several models before you decide which one to buy. Make sure that each regulator includes an octopus or alternate air source. Regulators also are available for rent at scuba diving resorts. Scuba Mask/Goggles This gear allows you to experience the true wonders of the undersea world, so make sure you get the right scuba mask. A large selection of scuba masks are available in any store that sell scuba diving gear. You have to pay attention to certain specifications before you buy; for example, whether the silicon seal is tight enough to keep the water from leaking in or whether it’s got a good field of vision. A plastic strap split at the back is usually better than a neoprene wide strap. Scuba Snorkel This gear is used alternately with the regulator and is a secondary breathing system. Being purchasing a snorkel, make sure the mouthpiece fits well, and that it does not injure the corners of your mouth. Silicone mouthpieces will cost you more, but they are more flexible and comfortable. Wet Suit Wet suits are usually made of a neoprene material. Before you buy or rent a wet suit, you should try it out by walking around and moving into various postures. It is important that a wet suit fits perfectly; it should be comfortable to wear, but not restrictive. Also consider the water condition when choosing the right wet suit. Avoid using a thick wet suit if the water is considerably warm, or a thin suit when the water is cold. If diving in extremely cold water, you might need a two piece suit (they are warmer than once piece suits), and a hood and gloves in some cases. Buoyancy Control Device Otherwise known as BCD, this scuba diving gear provides the diver with total freedom of movement underwater. It also aims to support the cylinder, the weight system, and regulator. Alongside the regulator, this equipment should be one of the first equipments a scuba diver should purchase. However, beginners are advised to just rent it from the scuba diving resort. Scuba Fins Scuba fins help your feet move freely underwater and they give you more speed when you paddle. They are usually worn over booties. Full-foot fins are normally worn in warm water. Longer and stiffer fins will give you more thrust underwater but they are also more cumbersome to walk in when on land. However, if you stay on the boat you don’t have to worry that. For a beginner, a complete set of basic scuba diving gear can be rented from scuba diving resorts and companies. The sport of scuba diving is not for everyone. You may engage in scuba diving for some time, but if you don’t plan to do it regularly, then renting would be your best option. For those who wish to take up scuba diving seriously, there are many ways you can find a good scuba diving gear at a reasonable price. The best and most convenient way is to check out the online stores. One of the most popular sites to buy scuba diving gear is Simply Scuba. You will find very comprehensive information about scuba diving gear at this website, along with product reviews to help you determine which gear is most suitable for you. If you are looking for discount scuba diving gear, you may want to go to auction sites like Ebay where there is a great variety of equipments for sale. Other than the Internet, the most straightforward way is to go to scuba diving stores and buy your scuba diving gear from there. One advantage of buying it at a local store is that you can try out the equipment. However, the selection may not be as extensive, and the prices may be slightly higher than what you can get online. To get the best bargains at local stores, it is best that you visit a place where scuba diving is popular, so that you have a wider range of prices to choose from. Put in some effort and you will surely find the right scuba diving gear.