OBUSAC

Need help or advice deciding on...

Which piece of gear to buy first?
What equipment will I need for Easter Training?
How much will it cost?
How to maintain and repair equipment?

…then look no further. Follow the links above to get the information you need. (Note: All prices were current in April 2001)

Your first purchases:

If you decide to learn to scuba dive there are three or four basic items you will need to buy almost straight away:

Snorkel
(various features - should cost from around £6 - £15)

Mask
(various types/features - can get prescription lenses fitted if req'd - cost from £26 - £85 [with prescription lenses] or you can dive with contacts if you have them)

Fins
(Again, various features - from £30 - £100+)

...and if you are likely to get cold in the swimming pool sessions (e.g. while waiting for your instructor to demonstrate something):

A 'shortie' wetsuit.
(Variety of styles - cost from £35 - £100ish for a 3mm thick suit)

Now... Don't panic !

Your instructor will explain in the first or second lecture how to make sure these items fit properly and which models are best suited to you. We'll also give you up to date prices and arrange to meet at a suitable dive shop to help you make your purchases.

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Equipment You'll Need for Easter Training

You will need to buy the following items some time before ET as without them you will not be able to dive. Purchasing them in good time will enable you to become familiar with the equipment in the pool before trying it out in an open water environment.

Any items marked with a double asterisk (**) in the list below should be bought by mid-January at the latest.

The club will arrange to visit a 'local' dive shop sometime in January/Early February to buy these items. As there will be several people buying gear at the same time, you may be able to negotiate good discounts. Alternatively, you could wait and visit the London International Dive Show (LIDS) in March where many bargains are to be found.

The final option for those on a really tight budget would be to purchase second-hand equipment. If you do, please make sure you get advice from experienced club members first and take a look at the article about buying second-hand kit included in the Gear Guide section of this web site.

ET Kit List:

You MUST purchase an exposure suit** - one of the following three options (club members can give you advice if you're unsure about which option to go for). Get it good time so you have a chance to familiarise yourself with it before trying it out in an open water environment:-

- 7mm Semi-dry suit (long john with hooded jacket) [£165]
- Dry suit - Membrane (Typhoon) [£299]
- Dry suit - Neoprene [£325]

Note: If new equipment is too expensive, check out the advertisements in the Sell or Swap section of the OBUSAC web site NoticeBoard, ask club instructors or members and local dive shops about the availability of second hand kit.

The following items are also mandatory:-

- Weight belt** [£7.50]
- Weights** (14-30lbs) [£2.75/lb]
- 3 or 5mm Gloves** [£13]
- Knife** [£20]
- Large kit bag** [£32]
- Mesh boat bag (goody bag) [£6.50]
- Watch** (waterproof to 100m) [£9.95 Argos]
- Depth gauge** [£41]

We would ask that you have your suit, gloves, weight belt and weights 3 weeks before the end of pool training. This is for several reasons; you can test it all works properly and you know how to use it correctly, you can adjust your weight in fresh water which will help with correct weighting in the sea, and you can practice all your skills in full kit!

Plus the following optional items:-

- Torch [£33 Ikelite -battery]
- Compass [35]

Then the list becomes even more optional:-

- Dive timer (although watch and depth gauge are important for backup - and not worth buying if you're thinking of a dive computer later)
- Computer - if you're really feeling flush!
- Regulator
- Stab jacket

Approx. totals:-

To get started (snorkel, mask & fins) £ 80.00
PLUS
Semi-dry suit (need to get well before ET) £165.00 (cheaper if second hand)
PLUS
Additional items, essential for ET £150.00 (cheaper if second hand)

Total: £ 395.00

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