Gear - New Gear Orientation

Whether you are a new diver buying your first set of gear or an experienced diver purchasing an updated piece of equipment, it is important to learn about that new gear. The same is true if you are renting gear on a trip. It is best practice to become familiar with the gear before diving with it in open water.

- Jim Gunderson

The new gear orientation begins before you make the purchase. Ask yourself the following questions to help with making the proper gear selection: Will this gear fit my dive objectives? Does it have the features I want? Is it appropriate for my dive conditions? Am I trained (or getting trained) to use this equipment? And, most important, does it fit properly?

Speak with your instructor, the dive store staff and other divers you trust to help answer those questions. Remember that what works for your friend or the store employee may not necessarily be the right equipment for you. One brand and style of buoyancy compensator may fit and work for your buddy but not fit well on you. Try on equipment, and try different styles to find what works best for you.

Some stores have demo models of various equipment that you can try in their pool or even in open water. That is the best way to determine if a particular piece of gear will work for you.

After purchasing or renting your equipment, it is important to become familiar with it. Try the gear in confined water (a pool) before doing more arduous dives in open water. If a confined-water location is not available, do a dive (or several dives if needed) in shallow water at an easy site with which you are familiar. Thoroughly learn your gear before you do deeper, longer or more challenging dives.