Scuba Diving Advice & Tips | Expert Guidance for Divers

Why take a phased approach?

New divers don’t need to buy a complete kit on day one. A sensible way to build your gear locker is to start with personal items, then add life‑support gear and, finally, consider tanks and weights. This phased approach helps you spread costs and discover what gear works best for your diving style. The infographic below visualises the journey from rental to full ownership.

Infographic showing three phases of gear ownership from rental to fully owned — Phased gear ownership: move from renting to owning as your commitment grows.

Phase 1 – Snorkelling kit: mask, snorkel, fins & wetsuit

Your mask, snorkel, fins and exposure suit are the most personal pieces of equipment you’ll own. They need to fit your face and feet properly, provide hygiene and comfort, and keep you warm in our temperate Sydney waters. A well‑sealing mask prevents leaks and can be customised with soft straps or corrective lenses. Fins that match your foot size deliver better mobility and conserve energy under water. Owning a snorkel ensures you can breathe surface air during entries and exits. A wetsuit tailored to your measurements minimises water flow and keeps you warm; Sydney instructors often wear a 7 mm suit year‑round and recommend a snug fit to avoid heat loss.

Pros of buying personal gear

Proper seal and fit for comfort and leak prevention.
Customisation options like soft straps, bifocal lenses or colour filters.
Hygiene – avoids sharing masks and snorkels with other divers.
Better propulsion and energy conservation from well‑fitting fins.
Exposure suit sized for your body ensures warmth and reduces water flow.

Pros of renting personal gear

Convenient for spontaneous dives, travel or when you’re still deciding on fit and style.
No need to pack gear if you’re only diving occasionally.
Ideal for resort courses or one‑off experiences where buying isn’t practical.

Close‑up of a properly fitted mask, snorkel and fins with a diver trying on a wetsuit

Tip: Start with a good mask, snorkel, fins and exposure suit. These essentials provide comfort and safety, while other items can be rented until you dive more regularly.

Gear rental card – a smart Phase 1 option

If you’re still renting your life‑support gear while building your kit, consider Abyss’s Gear Hire Card. This card gives you twelve days of gear rental (BCD, regulator, dive computer, weights and tank) for the price of ten and is open to all divers, with even lower rates for club members. It’s flexible, cost‑effective and makes renting simple. Wetsuits and accessories aren’t included, so your own exposure suit and personal kit remain essential.

Phase 2 – Life‑support gear: regulator, BCD & dive computer

Diver wearing a BCD and regulator setup with a close‑up of a dive computer display

Regulators, buoyancy control devices (BCDs) and dive computers form the core of your life‑support system. Getting accustomed to your own kit improves safety and confidence; you intuitively know where everything is and how it performs. Dive computers track depth, time and nitrogen exposure, calculating no‑decompression limits to help avoid decompression sickness. A high‑quality regulator breathes smoothly at any depth and is less likely to be damaged by previous users. With a BCD that you own, you know exactly how much air is needed to achieve neutral buoyancy and can configure accessory clips and pockets to suit your needs.

Pros of buying life‑support gear

Consistent performance and familiar controls improve comfort and safety.
Balanced regulators breathe easily at all depths and reduce the risk of issues caused by previous misuse.
Personal BCD lets you fine‑tune weighting, streamline hose routing and develop muscle memory.
Dive computers provide precise nitrogen calculations and safety stops.
Saves rental fees if you dive frequently – a basic set can cost about A$500 and a full set up to A$2,000.

Pros of renting life‑support gear

Lower upfront cost; daily rentals are often A$25–35 versus purchasing from about A$299.
No servicing or maintenance – return the regulator or computer after the dive.
Less luggage on trips and easier storage at home.
Perfect for trying different models before committing to a purchase.

Tip: If you rent a dive computer, ask the shop for a tutorial on alerts and indicators before you go diving.

Phase 3 – Tanks, weights & the full kit

After investing in personal and life‑support gear, the final step is to decide whether to own tanks and weights. Having your own cylinder and lead makes spontaneous shore dives easier when you live close to the water. However, airlines restrict travelling with tanks, and most dive boats include them in the price. Weights are heavy and often provided on site, so there is little benefit to carrying them when travelling overseas.

Pros of buying tanks & weights

Convenience for local diving – pick up a fill and go to your favourite site.
Ensures you have cylinders available during busy weekends and avoids rental queues.

Pros of renting tanks & weights

Practical for travel; most dive operations supply tanks and weights as part of the dive ticket.
Eliminates the need to transport heavy gear and comply with airline restrictions.
No ongoing hydrostatic testing or visual inspection costs.

Sydney underwater scene with temperate marine life like weedy seadragons and kelp

Investing in a full kit ultimately depends on how often you dive and whether you have space at home to store bulky equipment. Sydney’s vibrant underwater world – from weedy seadragons to kelp forests – rewards divers who spend time in the water. Owning equipment that fits well and keeps you warm allows you to fully immerse yourself in these experiences.

Putting it all together

Your decision to buy or rent scuba equipment should reflect how frequently you dive, your budget and your comfort requirements. Committed divers benefit from owning gear that fits properly and performs consistently, while occasional divers can save by renting. A sensible approach is to invest gradually: start with a mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit, then add life‑support gear as you gain experience and finally consider tanks and weights if you dive locally. Whichever path you choose, always seek advice from qualified instructors and try gear on before purchasing.

Reasons to buy your own gear

Comfort & fit: Trying on different sizes and styles lets you choose equipment that fits properly and won’t distract you underwater.
Safety through familiarity: Knowing exactly where your SMB, alternate air source and accessories are stored increases safety because you don’t waste time fumbling for unfamiliar clips or pockets.
Long‑term savings: If you dive often, rental costs add up. Over time, your own kit can pay for itself.
Dive computers: Every model has unique menus and algorithms. Owning your computer allows you to master its operation and log dives consistently.

Get professional advice before you buy. Visit a dive centre staffed by instructors and consider enrolling in a PADI Equipment Specialist course to learn how to maintain and get the most from your gear.