You have just decided to take up scuba diving and wonder what scuba diving gear you really need. Scuba diving is a great hobby, but it can be expensive so you need to prioritize and see what equipment is really essential. Here are some of the basic items of scuba diving gear:

One of the first things that you think about with scuba diving gear is the oxygen tanks and mask. The tubes and mouthpiece that you use to breathe are called the regulator. This controls the amount of oxygen that you get from the tanks. The mask is another important piece of scuba diving gear. Choose your mask carefully so that it is not uncomfortable, but also so that it is tight enough to not let any water in.

The BCD or buoyancy control device is a piece of scuba diving gear that helps you to stay in the water at the right level. You can also wear a weight belt with removable weights to keep you in the water.

Next, we can talk about the clothing. A wet suit is an essential piece of scuba diving gear because it provides you with protection from things like coral and jelly fish. There are two basic kinds of wet suits. You can wear a long wet suit which covers your whole body, including a hood for your head and this is designed for cold water diving. If it is really cold you may also want booties to keep your feet warm. Or, you can wear a short wet suit, with or without sleeves in warmer climates. The fins are another essential piece of scuba diving gear that could be considered clothing.

Safety gear for scuba diving can include such items as a first aid kit, a dive flag and a float (to signal to boats and other divers where you are diving,) and an oxygen tank repair kit. Other accessories that you might find useful when scuba diving include: a knife and a sheath, an underwater camera, a collection bag, gloves, and a net.

Take along towels, sunscreen, a hat, and other things that you would find useful while you are taking a break from diving as well. People who have been scuba diving for years will tell you that it is an experience of a lifetime. You will see things that you have never seen before and you will be "hooked."