Aquaventure Scuba Club, Bristol. "sinking to new levels of professionalism"

Building Your Own Kit

Something that can be a little bewildering when you start diving is what kit to buy and when. The general advice is to take it slowly and not rush in otherwise you dorun the risk of ending up with kit that may not be suitable for the diving you will have to buy additional kit as a result.

Here is some simple advice to start you on your way, if in doubt please ask one of us at the pool on a Sunday and we will gladly help.

New v Second Hand?
It is true to say that there is some quality kit available second hand, including on the club web site. By the same token there is some real rubbish about, especially on ebay or in Trade It. The trick is sorting the good from the bad. Initially, without assistance we advise you steer clear of second hand kit to start with. Second hand Regs, BCDs and dry suits will definitely need servicing before you use it, regardless of where you source it so you need to know what to go for and what sort of price to pay, it is best to have an experienced diver helping you. All the kit for sale on the club web site has been screened for quality and price so you can buy with confidence.

Dive Shop v Internet?
There is a trade off here. A shop will be more expensive, but you will get a better service and after sales care. Buying on line will be cheaper but you obviously can't try things out first or ask questions about the kit as easily, it is bad form to spend hours trying on kit in shops to size up and then buy from the net. Don't be surprised to be charged a fee by many shops for the sizing process, this is usually redeemable from the purchase price. A good fit of kit is essential for comfort and safety so we recommend trying kit on and comparing it with similar models, ask the relevant questions and then make up your mind. The various dive shows (Birmingham NEC and London Excel) sell kit very cheaply but you need to know exactly what you want, model, size and colour and know what the retail prices are so you can compare and contrast. Remember again that the after sales service may be non-existent

The First Essentials
A mask, fins and snorkel are the prerequisites for undertaking diver training. This will therefore be your first purchase, but probably not the last by a long shot! The fit of the mask is more important than (for the ladies!), the colour or (for the men!) the brand. Take your time choosing one that is a really good comfortable fit. The fins need to be the adjustable full foot fin, with a set of boots. These generally provide more thrust than the all in one fins that are popular in warm water. All your other kit will be provided during any training undertaken (up to Rescue training, when you will need your own)

The Next Steps
You will need to start building your kit after qualifying as the club doesn't possess any rental kit. You can rent from a shop, but it will work out expensive in quite a short period of time.
The following is recommended by us following years of diving and making mistakes along the way. You will find links incorporated to take you to the relevant web sites. You will also see many club members using the recommended kit, feel free to ask questions and try it out at the pool.

Finally it often pays to negotiate, particularly in shops and especially if you intend to buy a package of kit. Dive Monkeys has been affiliated to the club from year one and will offer special deals for club members. We recommend speaking with them first.