The Scuba Gear Guru

Scuba diving is an expensive sport. Basic scuba diving lessons can cost hundreds of dollar and the gear that goes with it isn’t cheap either. Scuba divers need to invest in a good wetsuit, a pair of scuba fins, regulator and a litany of other gear. Another essential piece of equipment is a dive computer, which gives you readouts on critical information like depth, dive time and the amount of air you have left.

While the necessary dive gear is expensive, it’s worth the price to ensure your safety under the water’s surface; no matter what, don’t skimp on your equipment. It’s really is a beautiful world down there. It is no wonder people who learn how to scuba dive become hooked on the sport. They become one with the sea and discover the beauty below.

When I was little, my family lived at the pool. Both of my parents grew up in Southern California and were certified SCUBA divers, so an affinity for the water came naturally. While it may not seem like there is much entertainment in a giant hole filled with water, we found ample games to keep us entertained.

One of my favorites was a simple competition that I would have with my brother and sister. Two of us would close our eyes while the other sibling threw our parent’s keychain and keys into the pool. Once the keys sank, we would turn around and kick our snorkeling fins like crazy to see who could retrieve the keys the quickest. Although the game was extremely rudimentary, it was still able to keep us entertained for hours.

Over the course of our evolution, we humans have adapted well to life on dry land. Thanks to the shape and durability of our feet, we can walk great distances and even run at a formidable pace with some training. But the second we dip a toe into a large body of water, we’re put at a locomotive disadvantage. With our non-webbed feet and lack of gills or a blowhole, we have no choice but to seek out some artificial assistance.

Snorkeling fins allow us to plow through the water with ease and grace, but they’re not all created equal. Paddle fins, split fins and force fins all have distinct benefits and drawbacks. Paddle fins are little more than extensions of the feet that bolster their surface area for kicking. Split fins generate more propulsion, allowing a swimmer to cover more distance underwater.

While snrokeling always be aware of your surroundings.  By doing so you should avoid contact with coral heads as cuts or scraps from these can be very painful and can be easily infected.  One solution to stop the infection is to apply a drop or two of tincture of iodine to the area to kill the bacteria.

It is important to  remember coral is a living organism that can be easily damaged or killed so try to avoid any contact with it.  This could mean not accidently having your fins hit it because you were too close or got excited by seeing that little spotted eel looking back at you or a spanish dancer.

If you’re interested in experiencing the diversity and beauty of the underwater world up close and personal, it’s very likely that you’re interested in either snorkeling or scuba diving. With either endeavor, it’s important that your equipment is to your liking and specifications. After all, if you’re at all uncomfortable, you’re sure to miss some amazing and crucial moments of underwater life.

One item that you definitely want to make sure fits well is your scuba fins. If they are even just a little too big, they will rub and cause discomfort or even blisters. That’s why it’s always best to err on the side of your fins being too small. Also keep in mind that your feet are likely to shrink when you hit the cold water, so allow for this when you’re trying the fins on. They shouldn’t be so tight that they cut off circulation, but they should fit snugly enough that your foot doesn’t have any room to budge.