| So you got your certification, have done a few local | | | | the standard regulators. |
| dives and have even planned your first scuba island | | | | Dive Computer- I consider a diver computer a must |
| vacation. You've chosen your destination, have your | | | | for traveling. Not only does it allow you to maximize |
| dive card in hand and are ready to board your plane. | | | | your dive time it also allows you to spend time |
| One last thing to consider is what to take with you on | | | | enjoying your vacation rather than doing calculations. I |
| your dive trip. Whether you already own your own | | | | prefer a console over a wrist mount so it is attached |
| gear or are thinking to purchase new gear, this is a | | | | to my regulator (one less thing to lose), but some |
| decision everyone must make before heading to the | | | | people prefer the latter. Weight wise they will be about |
| airport. | | | | the same so choose the one with the features you |
| Scuba Island or deserted Island | | | | want |
| The first thing to consider is the location or scuba island | | | | BC- The BC is actually an item you want to consider |
| you have chosen as your destination. Is it a common | | | | choosing a light and streamline version. This is actually |
| location for divers where there is a number of dive | | | | true regardless of the diving that you are planning to |
| shops with decent gear that is serviced on a regular | | | | do. If you find a well designed BC you don't really have |
| basis? What type of gear are they using? Though it | | | | to compromise. Weight integration is a must as it |
| gets said a lot, this is life support equipment. I have | | | | makes things simpler when traveling. Focus on a |
| used some rental equipment that is kept in great | | | | choosing a BC that is streamlined and also that packs |
| shape, but I have also seen equipment that is low | | | | small. |
| quality, old, and rarely serviced. If the information is not | | | | Wetsuit- Choosing a wetsuit can be somewhat difficult |
| on the shops website, e-mail or call them (Skype | | | | and depending on how often and where you dive you |
| makes this very cheap and easy) and ask them what | | | | may need a few. Most thin wetsuits will not take up |
| type of rental gear they use, how often it was | | | | much space, so choose the one that you feel the |
| serviced, and if it was serviced by some one qualified | | | | most comfortable with. I would also like to note that |
| to do the work. Having done service work on scuba | | | | there is a big difference in quality, so keep that in mind |
| equipment for over 7 years, I can say that poorly | | | | when comparing prices. |
| serviced equipment can be as bad if not worse than | | | | Snorkeling equipment- There are masks and snorkels |
| non serviced equipment. If they are unsure or hesitant | | | | that are designed for traveling. However, I have yet to |
| to answer then it is not a good sign. | | | | see one that really saves that much space. Since the |
| If you are unsatisfied with the equipment available at | | | | mask is your most important piece of equipment, |
| the destination, but are not ready to purchase gear | | | | choose the one that fits you best. If you are doing |
| then you might look at renting from your local dive | | | | mostly warm water diving, then I actually do |
| shop. There is a better chance (though no guarantee) | | | | recommend that you purchase full-foot fins. They are |
| that this equipment is serviced on a regular basis. | | | | not only much lighter and don't require booties, they are |
| Always be sure to test the equipment before heading | | | | also more efficient. |
| off for your trip. | | | | Dive bag- I recommend bringing two. One travel bag |
| Light or Functional | | | | for the plain and trip and one large mesh bag for your |
| For those of your who want to take your own gear, | | | | daily dives.There are a number of options out there, |
| there are a number of options to choose from and this | | | | and after making a couple of wrong choices I learned |
| article certainly isn't long enough to cover them all. I will | | | | a lot about the features I wanted. The first thing to |
| focus on whether or not to choose some of the lighter | | | | consider is to get a bag that is lightweight yet durable. |
| or travel options available. When considering products | | | | With airlines constantly lowering the weight limits you |
| designed for travel (especially those that compromise | | | | don't want your dive bag taking up half the limit. |
| other features) it is important to think of your needs. If | | | | However, it should also be durable. Since it will get |
| you only travel once or twice a year and most of your | | | | tossed around through airports, buses, taxis, and |
| diving is local, then I would recommend choosing gear | | | | maybe more; I also recommend that all pockets are on |
| with the features you need over the equipment | | | | the inside of he bag. if it has outside pockets, then they |
| designed for travelers. If most of your trips are require | | | | should be streamlined. Fitting within the airline size limits |
| traveling, then some of the lighter gear may be of | | | | and roller wheels are also musts. One other thing to |
| some benefit. | | | | check is to make sure it will stand up on it's own when |
| Regulator- Though there are a number of regulators | | | | full. You don't want to hold it up all the time. |
| made from lightweight materials like titanium or | | | | As a last note, if you are planning to purchase gear, do |
| aluminum that are designed for travel, they are | | | | your research and find a reputable shop. It should be a |
| generally not worth it. Unless you have the money to | | | | fun experience and don't get pressured into something |
| burn, the price difference is just to great. They are also | | | | you don't want or need. |
| more prone to damage and require greater care than | | | | Enjoy your scuba island vacation. |