Using Scuba Diving Gear

By Michelle Bery

Just as a golfer has his clubs, and a skier dons his skis, scuba divers have their own set of scuba diving gear that is required to enjoy their sport.

Scuba diving gear comes in many varieties and the choices between them depend on your level of skill, logistical needs, and frequency of use. But the universal truth is that scuba diving gear is designed to ensure the safest of dives for everyone – and everything – involved.

First and foremost, the wetsuit is one of the prime pieces of scuba diving gear. Made from synthetic rubber, and lined with nylon fabric, the wetsuit offers a protective barrier between the scuba diver, and the varying temperatures that can be found in the water.

The primary role of the wetsuit is to insulate the skin, and maintain the body’s temperature, thus protecting it from hypothermia in colder temperatures.

It is most important that any wetsuit you use fits snug to your body at all times.

Obviously, the ability to breathe underwater is what makes scuba diving possible. Therefore, the most essential part of scuba diving gear is the scuba tank, partnered with a breathing regulator. Strapped to the diver’s back, the air tank provides different amounts of air through the regulator setup.

Most divers use an aluminum 80 scuba tank, which holds 3000 pounds of air when full. The regulator consists of a first stage, and a second stage. A hose connects the two stages.

Most regulator harnesses also include a console of gauges that allow you to monitor the amount of air you have in your tank, so you can safely resurface when appropriate.

Another essential piece of scuba diving gear is the scuba mask.

It is important that your mask fits snuggly over your face to keep the mask from filling with water during your dive. The mask also allows you to see without restriction when it's properly prepared for diving.

Divers also wear dive fins to propel themselves through the water.

Diving safely, and responsibility, is the only way to get maximum pleasure when you scuba. So be sure to use appropriate scuba diving gear when heading underwater.

About the Author: For easy to understand, in depth information about scuba diving visit our ezGuide 2 Scuba Diving.

Source: www.isnare.com
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