You’ve probably been diving with rental equipment and wondered how many people had used the mask before you, or when the regulator was last serviced. Many people are happy to go diving with used equipment and this is a cheap and safe decision with shops such as ours. Equipment has been known to fail however, and we cannot vouch for the equipment maintainance skills of technicians in other dive shops. So let’s have a look at reasons for owning your own.
Regulators
Your most important piece of equipment is the regulator. This is what keeps you alive underwater so you will be safer knowing when it has last been serviced and how it feels to breathe from. Our rental regs are regularly serviced and any issues rapidly reported and repaired. Can you be sure, however, that the dive shop on your holiday away from Pattaya will have the same high standards?
Masks and snorkels
Having your own mask means that you can be sure of a comfortable fit, no leaks and your own personal style of mask. Although our rental masks are regularly checked and cleaned, when diving in another location this procedure might unfortunately not be followed. Having your own snorkel also means that you can go snorkelling from the beach, thereby saving money on your holiday away from Pattaya.
BCDs
Your BCD is your buoyancy buddy underwater. Owning your personal BCD means that you can be sure that it fits properly and that you’re familiar with its dump valves, oral inflation system and integrated weights. They are available in a wide variety of styles and you can also place an order at the shop for any equipment that might not be immediately available. We’ll arrange delivery and you can try it out on some of our magnificent coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Fins
This piece of equipment is often overlooked. Diving in Pattaya, you’ve probably had the opportunity to experience drift diving in medium to strong current. Some of the best diving areas in the world, such as Komodo National Park, have even stronger currents and so you can understand the benefit of owning a pair of solid fins that fit properly and won’t come off or break when you’re swimming to the boat. Open heel fins are usually the item of choice for dive professionals. The boots that go with them are not only styish, they protect your feet when shore diving or swimming in areas with high populations of jellyfish. Owning a long wetsuit and hood will also protect you in places such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.