The Ultimate Scuba Gear for New Divers

Becoming a certified scuba diver has opened your eyes — in a profound way. Now that you posses the proverbial keys to the underwater castle, where to first? Your maiden dive trip should hit three important notes: relaxing, easy and, above all, fun. The destination should seduce your senses, offer ample infrastructure and be populated with lots of like-minded travelers. In addition to choosing the right destination, you also need to pack the right dive gear. To maximize fun and safety, bring along equipment that is user friendly, ergonomically pleasing and built to last. We've got tips on choosing gear that is easy to pack, plus will help make you feel comfortable and at home in the water during your dive vacation.

Mask & Snorkel For masks, an ultraclear and soft skirt offers an open "feel" as they often improve a diver's peripheral vision — these skirts are the perfect choice for divers who get a claustrophic feeling underwater. A snorkel doesn't take up much space in your gear bag and you can save air by using a snorkel for surface swimming, not to mention making sure you have an often overlooked safety item in your kit. For the latest dive mask and snorkel offerings from manufacturers, check out our Mask and Snorkel Gear Guide.

Fins — Flexible or Stiff? This is purely a matter of preference. Check out our Fins Gear Guide for the latest on scuba kickers.

Dive Computer Easy to use out of the gate is a good rule when buying your first dive computer. The screens should be intuitive and give you vital, easy-to-read information at depth. Check out our Dive Computer Gear Guide.

Wetsuit Thin neoprene (1mm) provides perfect protection for tropical dives. Look for extras such as neck and cuff seals. Check out our Wetsuits Gear Guide for the latest in exposure protection, including rash guards.

BC Built to pack as easily as it dives, a travel BC still boasts creature comforts like weight integration and a padded back. Check out the newest BCs in our BCs Gear Guide.

Reg Paired with a compact first stage, the new crop of travel regs is ready for the road. Check out the newest ones in our Regulator Gear Guide.

Dive Bag
Finally, you'll need a dive bag or luggage that's just right for your travel needs. Check out our Accessories Gear Guide for a dive bags and more.

Need a little more help? Check out our five tips for choosing the best dive gear for your newest diver with Gear Just for Kids.