If you’re planning on taking up deep sea diving, there’s a few pieces of equipment that you’ll eventually need. Does that mean you need to run out and buy a bunch of diving equipment before you get started with your lessons? Absolutely not. Many scuba divers begin their training in rental equipment. It just makes sense to rent the equipment for your first few dives before going to the expense of getting your own equipment. If you go with rental equipment first, you can decide if deep sea diving is something you really want to pursue before you spend the money to purchase your own equipment.

When you are ready to get your own equipment, what exactly do you need to get? You don’t have to get it all at one time; you can buy it piece by piece as you go along. Here’s a list of gear that it is suggested you get for yourself:

1. Mask:

The first thing you’ll need is a mask. You’ll want your deep sea diving mask to fit your face well. A well-fitting mask can be the pivotal difference between a fantastic dive and a miserable time in the deep blue sea. Don’t rush the process when you’re looking for your high-quality, comfortable scuba diving mask. Once you have your mask, don’t forget to take it with you when you go diving. While rental masks are generally fine, your own mask, fitted to your unique face, can make a huge difference in your comfort level underwater.

2. Fins:

Most divers prefer to own their own fins or dive booties. You can rent dive fins, but they generally come in such a variety of styles, lengths, and stiffness, it is usually difficult to predict exactly what you’re getting. If you happen to need an unusual fin size, such as fins to fit exceptionally narrow feet, you may be particularly hard to fit with rental gear.

3. Dive computer:

If doing math in your head is not your strong point, you may need to look into the purchase of a dive computer. If you have trouble remembering how to calculate your no-decompression limits on a dive table, a dive computer may be in order. These computers will write your custom dive profile for your dive as you move through the open water, reducing your risk of decompression sickness. Using a buddy’s computer won’t work, because small differences in divers’ underwater profiles can alter your no-decompression limits. Compression sickness risk is not something you want to play around with.

4. Regulators:

There’s no doubt about it: regulators are expensive. Since they don’t have to be custom fitted, renting regulators instead of purchasing is a viable alternative. Modern regulator systems are very accurate and easily found in most dive centers. When you do purchase your own regulators, make sure you do proper maintenance on them. If you do, a good set should last the length of your diving career.

Deep sea diving is an exciting, exhilarating experience. With the right equipment, it can be enhanced and amplified, so don’t hesitate to do your homework to find the right deep sea diving equipment that works best for you.