Starter Kit Advice

[Ghostdancer]

Hi everyone.
I have completed the DeeperBlue course at Gosport; had a great time and will be joining the DP summer camp in Kalymnos.

Could anyone give me some advice on good (not too crazy expensive) kit. I am generally aware of the items I will need but have no practical knowledge of fins, snorkel, lanyards, weights etc.

Also, more importantly I am looking for advice regarding wetsuits. Should I go and get measured up personally, should I go to a particular person/ outlet.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou ladies and gents.

[dotey]

well not trying to make a sales pitch but i sell for spetton and we have some really nice wetsuits i guess its kindda what you want we have shorty suits and twp piece farmer john wetsuits in 3 mil up too 7 mil as for snorkels,mask,and fins check out are online catalog at :: SPETTON - USA :: the owners name is poblo he is a real nice guy just tell him that Dusten Otey sent you there and hell help you out. Well i hope this can help you out if you need any other help just PM me and let me know i will help you any way i can

[alexrom1207]

Depending on your body type you may need to have a custom wet suit made. I would try some off-the-peg suits and see if any fit you well. If they don't then you're best off getting measured up for one. Nothing is worse than an uncomfortable or even painful wet suit. I'm a pretty standard size/shape and bought a sporasub suit off the peg and was happy with the fit, but I've read a lot of threads by very seasoned divers who've gone the custom route and swear by it. Just like masks or fins NEVER buy anything you can't try on first. I've been there, done that, and paid for it. As for fins and masks there are tons of threads on them. If you have a narrow foot cressi makes some great fins for really cheap prices. Check out leisurepro.com. If you have a wider foot Omer makes a comfy footpocket. I'm not sure about other companies or monofins as I only have personal experience with cressi and omer, but there are lots of threads on fins out there for you. Good Luck Shopping.

[salibandy]

For starters, you should get a mask, pair of fins, snorkel, and of course your swim suit. As you go along, you might consider investing in a nose clip, wetsuit, weightbelt, weights, and so on and so forth. You'll know as you progress. Trust me.

[Oak]

Hi ghostdancer,

IMHO the most important thing about apnea is to feel confortable and relaxed in your diving. apart from swimming pools, i guess freediving without a suit is out of the question in scotland (brrrr).

I have always felt that hunter (spearfishing) specific suits (ie, no lining on the inside) are the most relaxed of suits, and i have quite an experience. even for work scuba diving, i use these. they fit snugly arround your body (use a lubricant, i use a bit of shampoo and warm water). The makes I have experience with that i am confortable with are sporasub and dessault, both french, and both can do a special fit for your body. there are even models that do not have a lining n the outside, and have a smooth neoprene layer for a nice gliding experience (i call those the condo*s).

But check around. It is not the suit that will make you a freediver, its the time diving..

Best