Brides and grooms who (want to) dive.

johannalf88

Ok Q...

Is it worth actually going to a watersport shop and getting them to help with mask buying? There is one at charing cross where I went in before, n they came across as really knowledgable. But obviously you can get cheaper elsewhere...

Is this one of the times when scrimping will come back n bite you in the bottom!? :rotfl:

(it wouldn't let me write the donkey word!)

jtr2803

johannalf88 wrote: »

Ok Q...

Is it worth actually going to a watersport shop and getting them to help with mask buying? There is one at charing cross where I went in before, n they came across as really knowledgable. But obviously you can get cheaper elsewhere...

Is this one of the times when scrimping will come back n bite you in the bottom!? :rotfl:

(it wouldn't let me write the donkey word!)

I know this is mse but my unreserved answer is yes, go to a shop and do the sniff test, a poorly fitting mask can turn a great dive into a nightmare, you will end up constantly clearing it. Apart from regs, its the most important piece of kit so worth getting something you are happy with and comfortable in.

MrsDrink

Mmm see I'm in two minds over this and I think it depends on what you are buying - I want to support specialist dive knowledge so it's around when I have questions - so in that respect I do try to support local dive shops... BUT by the same token like you said you can get cheaper online. For my mask I did go to a shop and I tried on LOADS. I have quite a narrow head so needed something that'd fit perfectly. And even now with the one I have I do have regular mask leaks when I giggle/smile. Same with wetsuits - I wanted to be able to try them on and get expert opinion (she even let me try on her own wetsuit cause they didn't have a 'medium' in that one in stock). But when I was buying our dive computers I did get them off the internet at an absolute bargain.

johannalf88

*sigh* I thought so! :rotfl: well I don't want to get it wrong, that wouldn't be MSE as I would then have to re-buy anyway!

Thanks.

I think we will get masks from the shop, n pay extra for the service, but maybe look at getting fins from elsewhere. Problem is I could only use the "dumpy" ones- the long ones where impossible! :rotfl: I was actually tripping myself up while swimming, I felt like a clown! We are def getting the wetsuits from online!

jtr2803

Ive got two sets of fins, a pair of tusa split full foot fins for snorkeling and a pair of pink tusa open back fins for diving which I wear with boots. The pink ones came in a set with a mask and snorkel, got them on eBay for £30, the fins are worth double that alone so pays to shop around!

It took me ages to get used to fins but they do really help with propulsion and save getting tired, especially in a current! Its all just practice though!

So glad I have you ladies to talk diving with, oh doesn't have a clue what I'm on about half the time!

Sounds like my camera came back in one piece from the Maldives too, so relieved!!

johannalf88

We went to the dive shop today! I am now the owner of a mask, snorkel, fins and fin socks! :j I know I said i would only get the mask... :rotfl:
The snorkel was only £2 cheaper online, so I thought I might as well support the local shop. And I wanted to try on some fins, but they were really helpful, and I actually found a comfy (cheap ish) pair, they are open back, but you wear them with dive socks not boots. They actually come up really narrow, they fit me perfectly but OH couldn't fit in them (in his size!) So I brought them quickly as finding things to fit on my feet has never been so easy! They are also quite compact, so easily fit in the suitcase! :T

jtr2803

Comfortable kit is definitely worth paying for as it last ages if looked after!

Well, I'm off to the Maldives tomorrow afternoon! Most of packing now done, just make up etc to go in first thing and camera bits left to pack and I think I'm done! Will see you all in just under two weeks:j

johannalf88

Oh exciting! What resort are you going to?

Please take lots of photos and update us when you are back!

MrsDrink

Have an amazing trip JTR and you MUST share piccies when you get back

jtr2803

Thanks ladies! Will see what I can do with pics!

Going to reethi beach this time and did vilamendhoo last year, keep fingers crossed we have good weather