by Richard Smith

Created on: July 26, 2008   Last Updated: July 30, 2008

The weightless world of the scuba diver is one of serenity and discovery, as you gently glide down through crystal clear waters, the only sound is your own air as you exhale, silver spheres floating to the surface whilst all around you those whose domain you are intruding on go about their business.

Scuba diving can be an addictive sport however it can also be a costly one. Scuba diving equipment is not cheap and the variety of items you will need to purchase will depend on the type of diving you plan to do, warm water diving in locations like the Bahamas or Hawaii require less equipment than ice diving in Canada. Costs can be offset somewhat by making use of discount scuba diving equipment. You do not need to always purchase the top of the range super dive computer; the internet provides many discount stores including items on e-bay. Speak to fellow divers and try out their kit to see what suits you the best before making the plunge. Dive shows where you can negotiate with suppliers are great places to pick up bargains.

The basic kit for warm water diving will include the following items
Wet Suit
Regulator
Buoyancy Control Device
Mask
Fins
Dive Computer
Air Cylinder
Weight Belt

There are many providers out there who will provide diving lessons and most offer a try dive arrangement before you sign up. The largest international training organisation is PADI while in the UK BSAC are also popular. There are options to complete intensive five day courses, often while on a holiday resort, or training is organised over a number of weekends to accommodate working lives. Often equipment can be hired during the training period.

There is a great social side to scuba diving. For a start diving is always done in pairs, called the buddy system, where two divers support each other under water. One of the best ways to enjoy the social side of diving is to be part of a scuba diving trip. These should always be planned to accommodate all of the skill levels of those taking part and can be as simple as a single days diving from a beach to a weeks shark diving in South Africa.

A week spent on a boat can be a great way to build friendships around a common interest; planning a trip can take time but a well planned trip will always be an enjoyable one. When planning a trip consider the following key points:

Do I have the necessary experience?
Is it the type of diving I enjoy?
What equipment will I need to take?
What other costs are there?
Are non diving partners welcome?

Most importantly take the time to research the company organising the trip, use the diving forums and websites and check out other divers reviews, after all scuba divers are an opinionated bunch of people.

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