There’s no doubt that recreational scuba diving is a unique, for some even life-changing experience. Human beings aren’t sea-dwelling creatures but they are extremely curious ones, which is why exploring the ocean’s depths can be really satisfying. However, in order to be able to hang out with the fish and the rest of the marine gang, one needs a nice set of scuba diving gear (your set needs to include a mask, an exposure suit, a snorkel, fins, and life-support equipment). This is exactly where the most common dilemma emerges: to rent all the necessary items of scuba equipment or to buy them? Read on to find out what the pros and cons of each option are.
If You Choose to Rent…
Renting scuba diving equipment is the ideal choice for those who don’t plan to dive more than a couple of times a year. There’s no need to invest in sophisticated and expensive items of scuba diving equipment if you don’t plan to commit to this fun activity. Furthermore, if you plan to go on many scuba diving trips abroad, you might want to opt for renting scuba gear upon your arrival because bringing along your own scuba equipment will increase your flying costs (you will have to pay extra fees to the airline you choose). Another advantage of renting scuba gear is the fact that once your underwater adventure ends, you won’t have to worry about washing, storing, and maintaining the equipment.
If You Choose to Buy…
Buying and owning scuba diving gear has many advantages. First of all, if you choose to purchase your set of scuba gear, you’ll be able to do your research, consult with experienced and/or professional divers, and pick the right items of scuba diving equipment for you. Every scuba diving instructor says that the mask and the wet suit must fit the face and the body perfectly, otherwise the diver will deal with leaks and their body will lose heat. Rental masks and exposure suits won’t offer you the much needed comfort and safety because they usually come in one or two sizes and are pretty basic. Another strong reason to buy your own scuba gear is the fact that you’ll be the only one who uses it. Rental scuba diving equipment, on the other hand, has been used by hundreds of people, some of which have urinated in the wet suit, spat in the mask, and coughed through the regulator. So, if you want to protect your health, you better invest in your own set of scuba diving gear.