As a beginner scuba student, you are most likely going to be using some pretty standard kit: a jacket style BCD with pull weights, an entry level or mid tier regulator, perhaps some rental fins, the standard fare. And for the first couple dozen dives of your career these will be fantastic. But sooner or later you’ll come across newer (and easier to use) gear. Back inflate BCDs, wireless computers, and specialized fins for different dive environments are just a few of these.

It’s very important that you become exposed to as many of these different pieces as soon as you can. Obviously, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself with choice, but the sooner you expose yourself to new kit the sooner you can discover what types of gear you enjoy and even what types of diving you’d like to do in the future! Interested in cave/wreck dives? You might like shorter fins, drysuits, and perhaps even sidemount training. What if you’re strictly a warm water diver? Then a lightweight BCD and shortie wetsuit might be the best pick for you! Be sure to visit your local dive shop to get the best recommendations for your future dive goals, too!