New To Diving? What You ACTUALLY Need To Buy

[@CircleHScuba]

- How to Pick a Scuba Mask ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKHWqqycmLN3aMk - $300 Beginner Dive Computer (Aqua Lung i300C)⌚amzn.to/3N21nNU - $1000+ Best Dive Computer (Shearwater Perdix 2) 🔗 amzn.to/3MsBc0V - Heavy Rubber Fins (Apeks RK3s) 🤿 amzn.to/43r2NXj - Apeks XTX 50 DIN Regulator (Yoke available too) 🔗 amzn.to/3UXf5DL

[@danjcla]

10:07 fins for bad knees what are they called?

[@CircleHScuba]

Split fins or ones with a “knuckle” (what I call them) in the fin blade

[@JackGreenwood-r4d]

Certified at a “Y” at 12 or 13, I never learned these techniques and just learned on my own. Thanks for sharing! Trying to get back into it! Never knew about the film. Always used spit. Certified in 60’s and dove on my own mostly and fog was a challenge! Yes! Visibility was everything, next to breathing of course, and I wanted to be able to see to whatever limit the visibility allowed, not an additional screen of fog. Anyway, a little recouping and some clearer water and I want to go snorkeling, at least!

[@NormaTLeon]

I have the opposite experience with my full foot fins! I love them, but only use them boat Diving in the Caribbean. They give me amazing power and it took me awhile to adjust to my fins and boots set up while diving at home in the Northeast..

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh gosh I don’t like full foot at all, haha. I’m glad you like them!

[@Enerrhah]

Thanks a lot man, been struggling with finding a quality guide for a while

[@CircleHScuba]

I'm adding chapters now too! I hope it was helpful!

[@jbminus42]

Nice video - thank you! However you seem to think of Europe as a single, cold, place - it's really not :-) The temperatur range in European water range from close to zero to around 30 degrees C (32 - 86 F)

[@CircleHScuba]

This is a really good point. I’ve only known divers that told me they basically wore dry suits all year or think 7mm wetsuits. I need to research the warm water places in Europe too! Thank you!

[@mariagarciagarcia5391]

@@CircleHScubaNot in Spain, not in Mediterranean, not in Canary Islands. Now we have 28° C in Valencia dives!!

[@CircleHScuba]

28 C is very warm, beautiful water!

[@josephdracula7487]

I completely agree that every diver should be very familiar with their dive computer and just play around with it to familiarize themselves 😎

[@CircleHScuba]

Yes exactly! When I see students with new gear and it still has the tags on it, it kills me 🤣🤣

[@josephdracula7487]

😂

[@CircleHScuba]

For open water, I somewhat understand it but it’s also crazy to me haha. We had some students with tags on their fins still for the confined water portion. Luckily I bring scissors now because I’ve learned 😅

[@josephdracula7487]

@@CircleHScuba 😎👍🤿🇵🇭You are a very observant instructor in the wellbeing of your students 👍!

[@jeffconley6366]

Well done video. I apologize my previous comment was before I finished the whole video. You covered most of my points.

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks Jeff and no need to apologize haha. I don’t know it all for sure, and I encourage people to share their thoughts and experience too! I really appreciate you taking time to comment (twice!) and to share 🤙

[@bodee1994]

Great video, but kill the music

[@CircleHScuba]

Yeah this was one of my early videos, music was too loud for sure. Glad you enjoyed the content!

[@MysticalDragon73]

I'm really enjoying your videos. The timestamps are SOOO appreciated. I'm exploring diving atm and looking to visit a local dive shop today and then hope to visit the one I likely will go through next week. Your videos are a huge help as I try to be as informed as possible. 17:45 THANK YOU finally someone who gets it. I argue with kayakers every spring and fall regarding dangerous water temps etc. They hold to a 120 rule like its gospel which isnt the case. I grew up in oregon swimming in cold snow melt waters and can handle cold water far better than others that are very cold sensitive. I see it with the river crew I work with. I stay in chest deep water all day long in november while others are shivering and having to get out many times.

[@CircleHScuba]

Haha hey, I’m glad these are helpful!! Hope you go and get certified! I put timestamps in just about every video, occasionally they may not be there but I really do try to!

[@MysticalDragon73]

@@CircleHScuba well its greatly appreciated. Too many youtubers dont do it with their videos and it sucks, especially on longer videos or where they are covering many products. I for sure am going to get certified, even if its for myself. my only concern is that my head usually tells me the weather before it gets here. Ive not dove to scuba steps before so curious how it will go. I did stop at a shop today they said with the gear (mask fins snorkel boots) and training it would be about $1000 ish to get certified then another $1000-1500 to get my own setup. Ill likely do it as I love the water and aim to dive once or twice a month. gilboa quarry is a couple hours away.so might use that the most as apparently its the best place in the area and nationally acclaimed.

[@josephlau8476]

I like scuba diving very much

[@CircleHScuba]

I do too haha. Happy to have you here, you’re in the right place!

[@jeffconley6366]

From a former instructor who lived in Florida for many years. You will still want to get a wetsuit for diving in Florida. I recommend a full wetsuit to protect yourself form coral, wrecks, etc.. Or at least a shorty or vest, hood and shorts then wear a skin over them for protection if only diving in the warmer months. I view Mask, fins, booties, snorkel, wetsuit and a basic dive computer(like the one recommended in this video) as the first items to buy. At this point dive for a while, take more classes, see what others are using, ask questions and you will become more educated about equipment. And then you can make a more informed decision about what will work best for you.

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks! I agree. I have been known to do rash guard and trunks often but exposure protection is always nice to have. I picked up just a 1mm for that and then just ordered a 3mm shorty too! Wrecks and coral hurt! Do you live down there still? Have you started diving this year?

[@jeffconley6366]

@@CircleHScuba I now live in NC great wreck diving here. Unfortunately, haven't dove this year. I am dealing with long term COVID symptoms.

[@jeffconley6366]

@@CircleHScuba I really like a hood, vest and shorts. Can dive with just those or add under a 3mm for colder water. Amazing the difference hoods make. My wetsuits keep shrinking😊. Dove just the hood and vest under coveralls in a quarry for several dives and was perfectly comfortable. Where are you located?

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh man I’m sorry to hear that! I’m in the Raleigh area and have been out of Morehead a couple times. Moved here a year ago so I need to get out to the coast more too! Hope you get past the symptoms soon!

[@CircleHScuba]

Was that the Fantasy Lake quarry by chance? It got down to 56 degrees at 30 feet for the second Thermocline. That was a bit much for me haha. I had a 5mm with hood, no gloves, 5mm boots.

[@EddieInMuju]

Criminally undersubscribed channel! Great content. I'm bingeing most of the backlog =)

[@CircleHScuba]

Awesome, thanks so much! I started the channel basically this year (one video in December 2022 technically). Growth will come with time. For now I’m happy to provide value and hope people share or stumble upon my content over time 🤓 Happy to have you here, thanks again!

[@oliverlucas2398]

That's wonderful Thomas You've been a great help to us keep posting video so that everyone can be able to get on diving thank you very much

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s the goal! I want diving to be open to as many people as I can. Thanks for watching so many videos Oliver!

[@panditreuvers]

When I start diving I bought a Suunto Zoop divecomputer for €199,- . A good buy. Next year I will start with dive-master and I stil have it. I have everything I need like Nitrox, maybe the only disadvantage is that with night-dives I have to en-light it with my torch. The Shearwater Perdix 2 is very nice and good for technical diving with trimix and always visible, but overkill for me.

[@CircleHScuba]

The perdix I think is overkill but also not in a way. There are great recreational computers and the Perdix is like a “cry once, but only buy once” type of thing which works for me. I’m definitely open to other options though, and for 199 euros that sounds like a great deal! Congrats on divemaster, enjoy it!

[@panditreuvers]

@@CircleHScuba I will start with the DM course next year . btw: I am from The Netherlands and dive here in 7mm suit the whole year and in Egypt in a swimsuit and a shirt 🙂

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s awesome, let me know how you like it!!!! Congratulations on starting your pro journey! I haven’t been to the Netherlands but I’ve been to the Dutch Antilles

[@baldguydiving75]

Another great video would be for those with neoprene allergies. I learn the hard way and now own a Henderson wetsuit. Zero breakout and whelps. That experience almost made me stop diving.

[@CircleHScuba]

I dive with a 5mm greenprene Henderson too, but never heard of neoprene allergies! Dang!

[@baldguydiving75]

@@CircleHScuba I’ve heard of a few people… after the dive I would itch and break out into small hives. Benadryl antihistamine helped 2 days later it was over. I have experience the same thing when using sweat belts…. Which are made from neoprene as well. I love my Henderson wetsuit. I noticed it on the video and that’s what sparked that thought.

[@CircleHScuba]

Dang, that’s good advice

[@sethalton205]

Need more people who dive with shearwater to push them and PADI/SDI to allow sync between logs.

[@CircleHScuba]

Would love that

[@HashAliNZ]

Should I know how to snorkel before scuba? I've always struggled with anything deep water. Heck, I even did this shark experience thing at an aquarium and we weren't allowed to dive. I think we had bouancy thingies on to keep us floating.

[@CircleHScuba]

Great question and no, you don’t need to know how to snorkel. Part of the certification class will actually give you a few skills to do that is more in the snorkeling / free diving realm, but the course teaches you how and then an instructor will demonstrate in person and help you with it if you’re struggling.

[@marwanmahmud]

Just found your channel.. Great stuff man! Keep it up!

[@CircleHScuba]

Hey! Thanks for the comment and positive motivation! 🎉 Are you a diver then?

[@marwanmahmud]

@@CircleHScuba I just started my online lessons with SSI.. Looking forward for open water session in the near future.. Now getting educated on other stuff before jumping in the sea 🤣

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s great!! Congrats! Let me know how it goes when you do your open water check out dives. You’ll be fine and do great!

[@marwanmahmud]

@@CircleHScuba Sure man! Thanks for your response! Been going through a lot of your videos.. Very informative and love the way you present them! Keep on posting more videos! Cheers from Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA!

[@CircleHScuba]

I really appreciate that, and cheers from North Carolina. I have a friend that moved to Malaysia a couple of years ago, but I haven’t been there yet myself! Let me know how your course goes!

[@JeffBurow]

LOL, not only are there so many options, the general consensus is "Whatever is comfortable for you and whatever you like." Except in the early days of diving, we have no idea what we like because we are new. My problem is, I know that I will quickly outgrow some of the completely "entry level" gear. But at the same time I don't want to break the bank. I plan on diving at least once a month, and I am in Florida where diving is great all year round lol. I'm pretty sure that I want to go right to backplate/wing or at least a soft backplate like DiveRite's Transpac. Looking at Shearwater Peregrine TX or Tern TX with AI for my computer (my son just bought the Tern during OW cert, and it is very nice). Regulators are probably the hardest part for me to settle on. I won't be Tec diving for a while, so I don't "think" I need a balanced first stage. Almost anything seems better than the rental regs we used during certification.

[@CircleHScuba]

This is definitely all part of the challenge imo and I’m hoping with time I can come up with better ways to explain how to “best pick” stuff. I do have a video on picking a dive computer and ones about the tern tx and peregrine tx actually! Love those computers! Starting with a backplate and wing is what I would’ve done knowing what I know now, but it’s also hard to know as a brand new diver what I would’ve felt if I started that way. Jacket style has advantages too 😅

[@JeffBurow]

​@@CircleHScuba Your videos have been very helpful. I've learned a lot from your content. If anything, it helps me speak a bit more intelligently when asking my LDS and instructors questions. Something that might be helpful is a comparison High - Mid - Low. For example, I am looking at the Dive Rite Adv OW package. It is their XT1 (moveable turret 1st stage) and XT2 2nd stage. It is a primary-donor with safe second on a necklace. I believe it is also balanced. That seems like a reg set that would last me for a long while. However, since I might not be able to swing $800 for it out of the gate, so I am researching options. I am really trying to avoid rental gear as I plan on diving at least one day a month, 1-3 dives on that day. So the cost adds up quick (and our prices aren't overly expensive for rentals). I am sure tec diving is only a matter of time for me. My local dive shop is owned by Paul Heinerth, so there are a lot of tec guys roaming around LOL. My instructor is a tec diver, and PADI course director, I loved his teaching style so I will be going back to him. But being in FL, shallow water rec = LOTS of stuff to see. So no rush.

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh if Paul owns the shop you’re in great hands. You should have loads of people to lean on for advice!

[@JeffBurow]

@@CircleHScuba They have all been awesome, and all very down to Earth. No over-pressuring. Funny story about Paul, and a handful of his instructors. My son was in the shop buying a Tern TX. He was debating on getting the transmitter now or later. Paul said - let's do this, I can take the transmitter out, sell you the watch, and when you're ready, come and buy the transmitter. My son ended up opting to just get it all in 1 shot. Paul and the other guys immediately turned into "boys" lol, look what this watch can do, and showing each of their custom colors, and data, it was hilarious. But yeah, your channel has been awesome too! I like to hear several opinions, reviews, styles, etc. This is what I ended up with for my first set: Mask: Hollis M4 Booties: Cressi 3mm highcut booties Fins: SEAC Pro Propulsion (I wanted Dive Rite XTs, but everyone suggested waiting until my legs were stronger, so I did) Snorkel: (Because you have to have it in training :) ) just a cheap snorkel I've used for years Computer: Shearwater Peregrin TX w/transmitter 1st Stage: Dive Rite FT1 2nd Stages: Dive Rite XT2 (set up as primary donor) SPG: Dive Rite - air only. I figured I would just leave the analog on since it is air pressure only and just bolt clip it on a d-ring. Wetsuit: SEAC 3mm wetsuit BC: I went BPW - HOG Total Buoyancy Control w/soft backplate for now. Tank: plain ole AL80 Etc: DSMB, line cutter, whistle, and shopping for a light I saved in some areas to splurge in others. But I am comfortable with my choices and cannot wait to put it together this week and get wet this weekend!!!!

[@CircleHScuba]

Looks like an awesome kit!! Have a great dive, enjoy!!!

[@jayruggiero1315]

I enjoy your channel and your presentation is straight forward and well spoken. The constant background music however is a bit much. Otherwise we'll done.

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks, yeah I’ve dropped that a bit in newer videos now. Thanks for the feedback!

[@smallcrowd]

I’m not sure why did you put the air regulator as a last item to buy then? You’ve listed so many points that it’s important, yet it’s last item after bcd

[@CircleHScuba]

I can’t recall why I did that order specifically haha. I probably wasn’t thinking most important order and just order I’d buy things or maybe at the time, it was just a list and it happened to end up at the end of it.

[@cr7687-d5c]

Very informative video!!!

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks for your comment!

[@christopherbsmith]

24:05 I am a germ-a-phobe, just ask my family and work mates. With renting scuba gear, as long as it is washed properly, then I am good. If it were to bother me, then I would not be able to eat off of the utensils at restaurants either.

[@CircleHScuba]

I think it’s partially the “as long as it’s washed properly” piece for me haha

[@christopherbsmith]

@@CircleHScuba Indeed, I agree with that

[@renatogodinhorg]

Muito bom 👏🥰👍🍻

[@CircleHScuba]

Obrigado! Thank you! I hope you enjoyed and I’ll see you in future videos 😊

[@drewzz.1]

on a normal dive, at about 10 meters or less how ofted do u need to equalize ? btw i love u

[@CircleHScuba]

I’d say you should equalize every 1-2 meters on average, but only on the descent. If you stay at 10 meters, you don’t have to keep equalizing. The pressure change as you descend is what makes you need to equalize. So let’s say you went up to 8 meters then back down to 10, you’ll probably want to equalize again. The deeper you go, the less often you’ll need to equalize, but basically on the way down, equalize, and then as long as you aren’t up and down a bunch, you shouldn’t need to equalize too much more.

[@drewzz.1]

@@CircleHScuba thank you so much! this is channel is so nice. im glad i was able to discover it!!!

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh thank you so much, that’s so nice of you to say! How long have you been diving?

[@drewzz.1]

@@CircleHScuba i have been diving for a month :) im new to it

[@drewzz.1]

@@CircleHScuba im going diving like twice a week. from the start of august im going to greece for one month and i will dive everyday. at least i hope

[@bodee1994]

👍

[@Divewith.G.M_Official_Channel]

Oh yes the diving booties a really good in like in Rocky environments where you could cut your foot. And the booties will actually save you money because you don't have to go to the ER you know what I'm saying😂 oh and also a really good thing also have water socks which helped keep your feet warm in the more colder environments and they also help when you're taking on and off your booties I just call them that because I like seeing that better than boots I don't know why. you get what I mean

[@CircleHScuba]

Yeah those are usually Lycra socks. Very nice indeed!

[@Divewith.G.M_Official_Channel]

Well actually the diving socks that I have they're called XS scuba and they're universal size socks and they also feel really nice in the inside of the socks and if my feet grow you know what I'm saying but I actually got them for my local dive shop but do you want to know the story of why they actually before in the dive shop the reason why was because somebody forgot their pair of dive socks and they were arguing with the instructor because they're not putting their feet in the dive boot without the sock so then they started selling them but that was actually years ago you know what I'm saying sometimes dive shops can actually have funny backstories🤣

[@CircleHScuba]

XS scuba is the brand, Lycra is the material haha. That’s what I meant. That’s a crazy story!

[@Divewith.G.M_Official_Channel]

​@@CircleHScuba so the lucre material that it's made out of is that why it's so comfy to where you know what I mean.

[@CircleHScuba]

Yeah that’s great! They’re comfy, my dive buddy this week is wearing them too.

[@wfp9378]

I am like you, don't feel the cold and though I was abnormal. Good to know :-) As for pee...it's sterile folks.

[@CircleHScuba]

Haha nah, not abnormal unless we both are 🤣 My buddy also runs very warm usually. I think we are maybe a bit more rare but it’s not abnormal 😂 Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! Hope to see you on another video!

[@ericcregeen-om8jc]

Where u located thomas?

[@CircleHScuba]

Hey Eric, I'm in North Carolina.

[@cplmarcum81]

lmao you killed me with the 2 kinds of people that pee in there wetsuit

[@CircleHScuba]

Old joke but still hilarious haha

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Great article…. We dive in quarries and hopefully the Great Lakes dry suits are the norm for us. You hit all the points.

[@CircleHScuba]

I want to dive the Great Lakes some time! I’d love to try ice diving one day. My dry suit gets a lot of use in the winter here in North Carolina. The quarry gets into near freezing temps and it’s a necessity for sure. Right now at about 30 feet, it’s 56 F degrees haha. Diving dry is something I’ve considered even in summer but it’s so hot topside when I’m not in the water 😅 Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! Hope to see you next video!

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

@@CircleHScuba I hope one day I can dive the UBoat

[@CircleHScuba]

I have and it’s really cool knowing the history of it! Olympus Dive Center out of Morehead are the ones to go with! They have a distinctive specialty for it too!

[@souswes]

Nice back log you’re building! I used the cressi leonardo all the way through divemaster and it was great. It’s still my backup on solo dives alongside my perdix. My first BC was a sherwood travel style that….worked…but I made the jump and just purchased a backplate, wing, webbing and D rings and made my own. Never going back. X deep and others are very nice! Just not the most budget friendly. Would love to see a vid about your thoughts on assembling and purchasing a BP/W along with pros and cons Keep it up homie!❤

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks @souswes, appreciate the feedback!! I do think BP/W is my favorite for now as well, and with some kits from Hollis and others now they even come pre-assembled which can be nice for newbies not wanting to tackle the whole assembly process. Good video idea for sure!! My first mask was a Cressi Liberty and it also got me through divemaster, strap broke, and I swapped it out. Now it’s my backup mask haha.

[@souswes]

@@CircleHScuba I rocked the hollis elite 2 system for the last year. I liked the ability to adjust it but it was too many D rings and difficult to adjust them going from wet to dry diving. I went back to a DIR style harness on my single tank set with plans to get a plastic plate and another wing to have a travel option with the hollis system. I adjusted my sidemount rig to just be designated cold water but now I’m moving to a warmer climate and will have to fix it again 😅

[@CircleHScuba]

This is why you just buy multiple BCs and then have set ups for everything without needing adjustments 🤣🤣🤣

[@johndavid7783]

Wouldn't you suggest ai computers. They will grow with you instead of buying 2 .

[@CircleHScuba]

I would, I actually just posted a video last week called “EVERY Diver Should Use Air Integration” (or something similarly named). Check it out!

[@YouTube_user3333]

There’s so many people who spend thousands of dollars on gear. After 10 dives they give up and never dive again. They then sell all the equipment at a fraction of what they paid. There’s so many unnecessary items you can buy for diving. Don’t become a Christmas tree diver.

[@CircleHScuba]

Yes, exactly my point! You can rent and it’s totally fine! Then slowly pick things up as you find out what kind of diver you are, how often you’ll dive, etc. Such a great point!

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

The "music" isn't doing the video any favors.

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll admit I also didn’t love it after watching for a bit and I wish I either left it out or changed it up a bit. I hope you liked the content otherwise!

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@CircleHScuba Just leave it out. It's an informative video, it doesn't need music. Other than that, very good info. I would generally recommend going with a BP&W setup over a jacket style BCD. The prices are comparable but the BP&W improve your trim, and will grow and change with your diving style.

[@CircleHScuba]

I love my BP&W set ups as well. I need to get a video out comparing jackets to BP&W and why you’d want one vs the other. I definitely feel like jackets are on their way out slowly, but sometimes people want something more basic that works vs adjusting webbing for their harness and such. It would be interesting to go through pros and cons. Thanks again for the feedback!!

[@oliverlucas2398]

I love it Thomas You're being very horrible to us pp

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m being horrible? How so?

[@oliverlucas2398]

@@CircleHScuba sorry about that I'm using microphone typing I have a difficulty in reading sorry

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh no problem, thank you for clarifying

[@josephdracula7487]

Man you hit a good video for divers! Some of us that think scuba is life well we just never stop investing! I have found BCDs have been outdated by BPW. I get a much better profile on my dive and traveling with is so much easier. Not just by packing but by weight! What you presented in your video is great information and well put 👍😎🇵🇭🤿

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks so much Joseph! I love my BPW as well, and own two set ups now and will have a side mount set up soon 🤣 My original jacket style BCD was great but it’s definitely not the same. I agree my trim and profile is so much better in BPW, and then yes, packing is better too! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Feel free to share with your scuba diving buddies! 🎉

[@josephdracula7487]

@@CircleHScuba Never really well let’s say clicked with side mounts. I am a big fan of back mount twins! Funny when you talked about different divers and how we are in water temps even in tropical conditions I use a 3mm. Especially on a long drift dive with a hood🥶! Enjoyed again!

[@CircleHScuba]

I need to try back mounted twins some time! Haha. I did a few 1 hour dives in Mexico in the Cenotes which are around 70-72 F (21-22 C) degrees, and I did that in a rash guard and swimsuit. If I did it again, I’d want a 3mm shorty though, I was getting a little cold near the end of dive 2! I think a 3mm always makes sense though for exposure protection and if not, at least a little 1mm. Especially as an instructor, my students have to work on buoyancy still and it’s too easy to bump against something by accident when I’m trying to keep them from bouncing all over the place 🤣. UV and abrasion protection, 1mm or 3mm makes sense even if you’re not super cold 🤙