You’ve passed your open water course and you’re hooked.

Scuba diving has become your passion and hobby. You could continue to use rental equipment or use your own gear, knowing that it’s in good condition, and that it fits you perfectly. It will help you relax and get the most out of your underwater experiences. But, with such a variety of brands, designs, and styles on offer, it can seem like a daunting task. Here we examine some of the things to consider when buying your first set of scuba gear.

THERE’S NO NEED TO BUY EVERYTHING AT ONCE

Buying your gear bit by bit can help spread out the cost. And doing it this way also gives you the chance to try different brands and styles as you continue renting equipment.

You’ll definitely want to start with the basics. Some dive centers prefer divers to have their own mask and snorkel, so that’s the best place to start. Once you’ve found a well-fitting mask, consider getting a set of comfortable fins and then build up your dive bag from there. Most divers also decide early on that a dive computer is an essential piece of gear to own when starting out, closely followed by an exposure suit.

YOU DON’T NEED TO BREAK THE BANK

Buying your first set of dive gear doesn’t need to cost an exorbitant sum. It’s important to remember that cost is not the most important thing when choosing equipment. Just because something has a high price tag doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you. Many quality brands produce options to suit all budgets. Your focus should be on fit, comfort, and functionality

WHAT SORT OF DIVING WILL YOU BE DOING?

When buying your first set of scuba gear, consider where you’ll be doing most of your diving. The equipment you need to dive in cold water will be different from the equipment you need to dive in warm water, for example. Think about the type of diving you want to do. If you’re just starting out, there’s no need to splash out on a dive computer that’s aimed at technical divers. And do you really need that BCD with 16 D-rings or a knife that Crocodile Dundee would be proud of?

SPEAK TO THE PROFESSIONALS

Don’t be ashamed to ask for advice. Speak to your instructor or divemaster. They will be happy to explain the differences in the equipment they’ve used over the years.