Scuba diving boots are a special kind of shoes that are won by divers.  They are also known as booties, dive boots or wetsuit boots.  These boots are designed to protect the diver from cold and other extremities while in water.

If you have ever been in the water, then you must know that your feet are heat loss zones.  This makes your feet very sensitive.  And without the proper scuba diving boots, you are likely to experience discomfort, which can make it hard for you to concentrate and enjoy diving.

Design and construction

There are a variety of dive boots that come in different types and sizes.  Typically, the booties are made from a synthetic rubber material known as Neoprene Polychloroprene.  The layer of this material usually ranges from 2mm to 7 mm in terms of thickness.

The construct of the booties can be categorized into two types.  These are the high top booties, which rise above the ankles, covering them completely and low top booties that go below the ankles.

Source: Different Types of Dive Boots

The texture and the thickness of their soles also vary.  Each and every scuba diver can get the right dive boot, depending on where they intend to go for diving.

Some of the boots are finished with a zipper or an elastic top so that they can be won easily and have a good grip on the feet, while others come with hoop and loop fasteners.

Protection

Source: Scuba Tech Tips: Dive Boots

During a diving expedition, safety is of the essence.  For this reason, the boots are made in such a way that they are tough enough to protect you from common hazards.  Moreover, every beach entry is unique in its own way.  In some beaches, you may encounter sharp objects, including rocks and shells that can pose some risks if you have the wrong diving shoe.

Given that you will be carrying around 35-45 lbs of weight on your back, a thin soled dive boot means you may experience pain while stepping on the rocks and the sharp shells.  Fortunately, the right dive boot with a fairly thick sole protects you from possible bruises, stings, cuts, and bites.  In addition, these shoes are made with traction in mind mainly because of the slippery grounds.

Comfort

Whereas divers face various challenges in water, a comfortable gear is extremely important.  Dive boots play a major role in ensuring comfort.  The temperature in the water is sometimes frigid. Additionally, as a diver, you are required to wear fins.  Open fins can strain your muscles if you were to go diving barefooted.  They can also rough up your skin, making you sore.

Source: Which Booties do I need for Scuba Diving

Have you ever hurt your toenails in the water?  It is quite an unpleasant feeling.  Dive boots have a padding that provides an extra cushion to your toes, knuckles, and toenails as you navigate through water.

Warmth

The manufacturers of diving gear understand the importance of insulation against cold conditions.  Neoprene is a material that perfectly serves this purpose.

Dive boots come in handy when it comes to ensuring that your feet, toes, and ankles are warm and dry both in and out of the water.

Extreme cold reduces blood flow to your skin for the purposes of helping your body conserve and retain body heat.  This makes your feet get really cold.  The ideal thickness of booties in cold water zones is 3-7 mm. However, in warmer water zones with the temperatures of at least 75°F, 2- 3 mm thickness is enough.  The last thing you want to contend with as a diver is a cold-induced foot or leg cramps which can make your movement unbearable.

Size and fit

Source: Dive boots! Styles and fit tips.

Wetsuit boots are not much different from ordinary shoes when it comes to size and fit.  Nevertheless, a majority of dive boots are made in men’s size.  This doesn’t mean that you can’t find the right boot in terms of size and fit if you are a woman.  Ladies can buy slightly smaller booties in comparison to their regular shoes.

Where to buy dive boots

If you want to purchase booties for your diving endeavors, there are various online platforms and stores that stock a variety of dive boots.  As long as you know your size, you can order a pair of dive boots on eBay and Amazon.

You can also go online and look up some of the stores that stock booties in your home areas.  This especially advisable if you don’t know your size.  Visiting a store allows you to try different types of dive shoes until you find the perfect match.  Besides that, you get the opportunity to interact with experts and get recommendations on some of the best booties.

Notable dive boots brands

If you have no experience in booties whatsoever, there are common brands that have gained popularity among divers across the U.S. Once you know the best players in this field, it gets pretty much easier to identify the best boots either online or in stores.

Here are some of the renowned booties brands;
• Cressi Isla
• Xs Scuba Thug
• Henderson Aqua Lock
• Ocean Pro Venture
• Mares Trilastic
• Scubapro Delta
• Mares Flexa Ds
• NeoSport-High Top

With the above-listed brands, you can rest assured you will find the right dive boot as you embark on your diving trip.

How to care for your dive boots

The best thing about dive boots is that they require fairly minimal maintenance.  This is because the material that makes them is water friendly.  Furthermore, you are likely to wear your dive shoes only a few times throughout the year compared to your regular shoes.

Source: How to Get the Smell Out of Scuba Diving Boots

You should soak and rinse your booties with fresh water for a short time.  Then, allow them to completely dry and keep them in a clean, dry place away from direct sunshine.

Every sport or recreational activity has its own code of dressing or gear, scuba diving is no exception.  If you intend to try your hand in diving, you will need to wear the right gear.  This includes booties.  As you set out to purchase the correct dive shoes, the above information will come in handy.  Good luck!

Scuba diving is arguably one of the best underwater activities.  If you want to explore the hidden beauty beneath the waters, you should add scuba accessories to your arsenal. You’re probably asking yourself; what accessories should I carry while Scuba diving?  Read and learn more!

Source: Scuba Diving Accessory Guide

Dry suit

A dry suit is a great investment if you want to keep warm in the water.  Any experienced diver will tell you, our bodies lose heat in the water twenty times faster than in open air. A dry suit keeps the water out and most importantly preserves a layer of warm air around the body.  Keep in mind, diving in cold water (below 70 degrees Fahrenheit) with the wrong suit can cause hypothermia. Unlike a wetsuit, dry suits can be used to control buoyancy.

Source: Why You Should Dive In A Drysuit

However, choosing the right suit can be an overwhelming experience.  They come in different materials like vulcanized rubber, neoprene, trilaminate, and crushed neoprene.  Most experts recommend neoprene material because it has better insulating qualities.  There’s no reason why your suit shouldn’t last throughout your entire diving career.

A dive light

While exploring the underwater world offers a lot of fun, you may not understand the beauty beneath without the right diving right.  It’s important to underscore that this is one of the few scuba accessories for night divers.  If you’re a beginner, you can go as deep as 60-feet.  And, as you gain more experience you can go below 120-feet.

Source: Dive Lights, Why So Many?

But even in clear waters, everything starts to appear blue or gray just after 30-feet.  A decent light will reveal the beautiful underwater life.  When making your investment decision, pay special attention to the beam angle.

Underwater cameras

A camera will help you capture the thrilling moment of your dive.  If you choose a low-quality camera, the photos and videos can be horrible.  It’s important that you invest in a great camera that will preserve the memories for many years.

Just imagine recording a video while playing with aquatic life. Sounds fun?  The point is you should buy a quality camera that will make capturing photos and videos a breeze.  Just like other scuba accessories, never compromise on quality for a low price.  Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras come with best lenses and sensors to help you capture breathtaking images.  To be clear, choose a camera based on accessories and underwater housings.

Source: Underwater Camera Guide

Surface signaling device

There’s nothing more frustrating than having problems underwater and you can’t call for help.  A signaling device is an important safety device that can help you get the attention of someone when in the water.  It’s an inflatable signaling tube (yellow or orange) that makes you visible.

At night, you need a light stick or strobe so that anyone can see you when on the surface.  Other signaling scuba accessories include rattle stick with clip and underwater noise maker.

Source: Dive Alert Plus Air Horn Version 2 – www.simplyscuba.com

A dive compass

You can’t scuba dive when relying on your natural navigation cues.  A dive compass can help you navigate beneath the waters with ease.  When used correctly, it will harness your navigation skills. One way of using the compass is to know the cardinal points N, S, E, and W.  This simplification is quite helpful if you have trouble finding the starting point.  Getting lost at the sea or being separated from your boat is a diver’s worst nightmare.  You may want to consider other scuba accessories that work with a dive compass.

Source: Underwater Navigation How To Use A SCUBA Compass

Signaling mirror

Perhaps, this is one of the simplest scuba accessories you can add to your arsenal.  Mirrors are visual devices that are only useful during the daytime.  They come in handy when you want to signal your boat for rescue.  It’s worth mentioning mirrors can be sported from the air and never run out of batteries.  The only downside is that they are less effective in overcast conditions.

Source: DAN SMB Surface Signaling Kit Product Review

Dive knife

A knife is an emergency tool just in case you get entangled by abandoned fishing lines or a marine animal.  Other than that, you can use it to anchor yourself to the sea floor.  Knives are made of different materials and come in various designs.  Be sure to buy titanium or stainless steel knife with a serrated or sharp cutting edge.

Source: Dive Knife Guide

Dry bag

A good waterproof bag will keep your belongings safe and dry.  They come in different styles, shape, and sizes.  It’s important that you find a bag that fits clothes, food, and electronics for your underwater adventures.  Some are fitted with tie-down loops for attaching scuba accessories that don’t need protection.

Source: Waterproof Dry Bag – www.simplyscuba.com

Diver repair kit

Having the right tools in your repair kit will help you perform the necessary repairs and carry on with your adventure.  You can use the tools when an O-ring pops, mask strap snaps, or when the fin strap gives up.  The kit should be useful for all the scuba accessories you need underwater.  Prior to a dive, check all equipment to lessen the likelihood of issues.

Source: Professional Divers Tool Kit

Scuba diving gear could easily be rented wherever you go on a scuba diving adventure on your vacation.  And there is nothing wrong with that, but.  Yes, there it is a but, comfort, fit, and ease of use (meaning you are comfortable with using it and know how to use the equipment) are incredibly important factors when you go scuba diving.

Having the right gear will allow you to spend longer under the water.  If something doesn’t fit comfortably or a display isn’t easy for you to read, then you can potentially spend more time adjusting the equipment or moving around to get a clear reading.  So, in order to avoid all of this, getting the right basic scuba diving gear is essential.

Source: What Scuba Gear To Buy First | What to Buy First, Next and Last!

Obviously, like in all sports, the equipment has a variable price range.  Set yourself a reasonable budget (you are not going to find a decent wet suit for $20) and stick to it.  Prioritise what you feel will be your biggest aid and spend more money on that, but don’t spend so much that every other piece of equipment has to be cheap.

What is Scuba Diving Gear?

Essentially, it is the equipment that allows you to breathe, move around and feel comfortable while underwater.  The gear allows you to swim freely, stay at an adequate body temperature, see where you are going and supplies you with the air you need to breath.

Source: First 5 Pieces Of Dive Gear For New Divers To Buy

If you are just starting out in the world of scuba diving and are still attending classes, then it is recommended you buy the most basic stuff for diving and borrow the life-support equipment from the school you are attending.  Once you have been certified, then you can go out and buy the more important equipment for diving without instructors.

Basic Equipment List:

These are the items you should buy before you go to any classes.  Make sure you get a comfortable fit and that you feel comfortable wearing them.

Mask

Masks come in all shapes and size now, so try on a few to make sure you get the right one.  The scuba mask is what lets you see underwater by creating an air bubble in front of your eyes.  This bubble allows your eyes focus. The nose cover lets you equalise pressure. Here, you are looking for a nice air-tight fit.

Source: How To Choose Your First Mask

Snorkel

The snorkel is basically a plastic tube that allows you to breath at the water’s surface.   This is used to save water in the tank when you are swimming around just below the surface of the water. Look for one that attaches well to your mask but is also comfortable in your mouth and not too bulky.

Source:  Choosing The Right Snorkel | Scuba Advice

Fins

These are the piece of gear that will allow you to swim like you were made for the water.  Look for a tight fit, but make sure it doesn’t squash your toes or cause any discomfort.  However, if you can move your toes, they are too loose.  The size and stiffness of the fin will be determined by your size and strength.  Stronger people can use larger and stiffer fins.  If you are unsure, start safe with a smaller and more flexible fin.

Source: How To Choose A Scuba Diving Fin

Wetsuit

This is your underwater clothing.  It will help insulate you and keep you warm and dry, as water can seep your body heat as it runs in and out of the suit.  How thick your insulation needs to be will depend where you are diving.

Obviously colder temperatures will require a thicker suit that diving in warm tropical waters.  It is essential to get a well-fitting wetsuit that gives you freedom of movement while also keeping you warm and dry.

When choosing a wetsuit, style cost extra.  When you are on a budget, you might be limited to very basic styles, but they will do the job just as good.

Source: Wetsuit Guide

Step two: The life-support scuba diving gear

This is all the scuba diving gear you will need once you are certified and looking at going diving on your own, or without an instructor.  This is also the more expensive side of scuba diving gear, but more important, as it is what will allow you to breath underwater and stay safe.

BCD

Also known as a Buoyancy compensator or BC, this allows you to carry all your gear.  It makes carrying the tanks lighter and will help you float up to the surface.  When you are looking for a good BC, try them on with the suit you are most likely to wear more often.

It is important that it does not squeeze you and impede your breathing when you inflate it.  So, try this out, inflate it to the max, when the overflow vent goes, and make sure it doesn’t squeeze you so much that you struggle breathing.  You want it tight enough that it says fixed and doesn’t move around when wearing it, but not that it makes you struggle to breath.

Source: BCD Guide

Scuba Regulator

This is what converts the pressurised air from the tank into a normal pressure for you to breath.  Luckily, there is no such thing as cheap and nasty in the regulator world.  This being said, always look how for high quality and high performance.

Source: Choosing The Right Regulator

Dive Computers

Yes, working everything out is a pain. But it is necessary.  These computers keep track of how deep you are and how long you have been below the water, and then can work out how long you can dive for while still being safe.

They are a cool gadget for keeping you safe when diving, but also can track your dives and keep a history of your dives.  Always look for one that you will get along with. If it is too complex for you, you might struggle when you get under the water.

Source: Choosing The Right Dive Computer

Now you are all set with the most basic of scuba diving gear.  Remember, these are all pieces of gear designed to give you the best and safest diving experience, so try not to buy cheap or think “I don’t need that” because chances are, you will.  Here are some optional pieces of scuba diving gear: A pocket knife, a compass, a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB), a spare mask (recommended) and an emergency signalling device.

Like any other product out there, there are various types of diving snorkels in today’s market.  So if you are into diving or would like to try it out for the first time, then you must have come across this simple term.  In fact, it’s not only simple to mention but the equipment on its own isn’t that complicated.  If anything, you can easily pass it by as an unimportant plastic tube, which is the complete opposite of what it actually presents.

In diving, a snorkel is one of the most important tools any diver (a beginner or a pro) should consider having.  But what is a Scuba diving snorkel and how does a snorkel work?  We get into a comprehensive coverage of these and much more details in a few.  Read on!

Source: Choosing The Right Snorkel | Scuba Advice

What is a Scuba diving snorkel?

There is no definite answer for these as there are various types of diving snorkel and they all function differently.  But we can generally refer to it as a form of shaped breathing tube equipment that allows divers to move through water with the help of fins and wetsuits.

Still Confused?  We find it much easy to provide the answer for ” what is a scuba diving snorkel” by answering the ” how does a snorkel work?” question.  And we go ahead to break it down for you below;

The Dry Snorkel

In recent times, there has been a lot of vibe surrounding the dry snorkel. So if you have heard about them but don’t understand how they work, here is how;

These types of snorkels function by inhibiting the entrance of water into the tube.  In simple terms, it only acts a one-way thanks to the presence of a floater at its tip.  So as the depth of the water increases so does the position of the floater, which in return closes up the opening thus maintaining its dry nature.

The contemporary ones are made-up of potent materials that guarantee their users durability and sustainability.  And while the dry snorkel is supposed to remain dry throughout the dive, it can sometimes harbor a little water especially if you aren’t careful when getting the respective mouthpiece out of your mouth.

Source: Key Features Of A Snorkel

The Semi-dry Snorkel

Unlike their dry counterparts, these snorkels function by spilling out the water through the splash guard strategically placed at the upper side of the tube.  So typically, when any trace of water finds its way into the snorkel, you will notice amazing splashes or waves getting out through the one-way purging valve.

A snorkel can either be used as a mouthpiece or as a full face.

What’s The Functionality of A Snorkel Full-Face Mask?

If you can’t stand the feel of something foreign in your mouth then you will probably love the convenience the full-face mask snorkel provides.  It not only gets rid of the things-in-the-mouth discomfort but also gives you ample time to breathe through your nose and mouth.  With it, you can say goodbye to a dry mouth and enjoy your snorkeling in peace.  But is it really as simple as it sounds?  Of course not.

Source: Dangerous Full Face Snorkel Masks | How to avoid them | Snorkel Advice

First of all, it brings together the two essential parts (the mask and the snorkel) to form an appealing design that will cover all your face.  So once you get into it, you only have to tilt your head or get into the water to trigger the closing-up of the valve.  The secret of this tool lies in the fact that you don’t have to dive way too far from the service as part of it should remain off the water service to allow the sucking in and release of the air.

Consequently, since most of these masks boost visibility to around 180 degrees.  You can comfortably get a clear view of where you are headed.  So if you would love to share your adventure with family and friends or simply file it for future reference, then you can decide to attach a camera on your gear to record the happenings as you enjoy freely.

How Can I Snorkel using a Scuba Diving Snorkel?

Well, this is pretty simple.  Now that you know what a scuba diving snorkel is together with its various types and functionality.  It’s time to learn how to use it through a process that’s popularly referred to as snorkeling. And here is how;

1: First of all, you have to purchase a diving snorkel of your choice.  Here you can either go with a full mask or a mouthpiece.  The choice is entirely yours.  But remember whatever you choose will determine the kind of experience you get.  So select carefully.

2: Now that you already have your equipment, take time to fit it on your face and ensure it is neither too tight or loose.  But most importantly, it should cover you well across the eyes, all the way to the nose.  At this point, your snorkel should be right adjacent to your mouth.  Hold it there for now.

3: It’s now time to test the waters and see how it feels with your new tool in place.  So gently get yourself comfortable in the water, flat on your tummy and with your face submerged.  Your aim should be to achieve a 45-degree angle.

4: It’s now time to let the mouthpiece of your snorkel into your mouth.  And for that, bit it and fasten your lips around it until you are confident that the whole equipment is in its rightful place.

5: Once you do, test its functionality by taking deep slow breathes through your mouth and releasing them the same way.  And since you won’t be diving too deeply into the waters, you can always get your head out whenever you want, so try being as calm as possible.  If you do this correctly, then you should be able to notice the amazing sounds of your every breath through the snorkel.  It’s your first sign of success.  Celebrate it by enjoying the underwaters without a worry in the world.

Snorkeling Tips For Beginners

Source: Snorkeling Tips for Beginners

Always go for quality equipment

It goes without saying that the cheaper it’s, the higher the chances of it being of poor quality.  So what is more important?  Adding a few dollars and getting a quality tool for your first practice or saving up some bucks and risk getting drowned?  And since most sales individuals won’t take you through the ultimate mask buying guide, it’s best to do it by yourself with the available resources. You can as around for recommendations from friends, hire an expert to help you select or conduct thorough online research.  The point here is that you should always go to the store knowing exactly what you want.

A Dry Snorkel Makes The Perfect Choice

From our early on definition of ” what is a scuba diving snorkel,” it’s clear that a dry snorkel makes a perfect choice, especially for beginners.  Yes, it might be a little bit expensive to rent and buy, but it sure is worth every penny as you won’t have to worry about grasping some water that found it’s way in without much of a warning.

If you can’t seem to afford one or are working on a budget, then it’s better to opt for one with a splash guard in place.  Being your first time in the underwaters, it would be a pretty bad experience to start it off badly.  If you do, you might develop a phobia and never want to try snorkeling again.  You don’t want that, right?  Well, now that you know what to do, do it!

Secure Some Fitting Fins

Don’t even think of assuming the importance of fins on your first day underwater.  In fact, even pros cannot do without some, so who are you to overlook these important tools?  For you to enjoy yourself fully, ensure you purchase or rent out some that are a perfect fit.  Not too tight or loose.  They shouldn’t hurt even a little.  Not even your tiniest toe.  You want to be as comfortable as possible throughout your adventure, so don’t let something like this ruin your day.

Source: Choosing The Right Fins

Another vital note when it comes to getting fins is that the human feet normally have the tendency to shrink when exposed to water, so your pick should be a little bit tight so that they don’t come off when that happens.  But that doesn’t mean you have to bear with any sort of pain.  There’s a major difference between being in pain and getting a little bit uncomfortable.  Know when to separate the two.

Make A Wise Location Choice

You want your first snorkeling experience to be memorable.  And that means choosing a place that’s full of fun.  And being a beginner, it’s advisable to start your adventure from a beach instead of a boat.  And for that, choose a spot where you are likely to enjoy beautiful underwater sceneries.  This should be one with lots of fish, plants and other underneath life.  A boring spot will kill your curiosity on your first trial and you don’t want that.

Source: How To Snorkel Like a Pro With These Simple Tips