Where can I get cheap snorkling gear for first timers?

MrsE_2

Off to the red sea, Sharm in June.

Neither my hubby or I have ever snorkled.

Any ideas where we can get cheap snorkling gear for first timers? (mask, snorkle & maybe fins)

Nothing neon yellow from the pound shop that looks like its been made for kids (you know all bright & lary).

But not professional stuff either.

Live in Surrey, so local to Surrey or chain store is good.

Thank you.

elastic_trickery

Sharm - I'm jelous already

For good quality cheap diving kit try your local professional diving shop.

I just had a quick look at SDS Waterports (up the road from us) they are doing a mask and fin set for £30.

However - I was just about to say you can order online when I was reminded about my initial scuba training. Your mask is personal to you and as such you should make sure its comfortable. A good basic rule is that you should be able to keep it on your face with your head pointing downwards. Without the strap round the back of your head. this proves a good seal on your face. Any good dive shop will demonstrate this to you and is a good reason to try before you buy.

MrsE_2

elastic_trickery wrote: »

Sharm - I'm jelous already

For good quality cheap diving kit try your local professional diving shop.

I just had a quick look at SDS Waterports (up the road from us) they are doing a mask and fin set for £30.

However - I was just about to say you can order online when I was reminded about my initial scuba training. Your mask is personal to you and as such you should make sure its comfortable. A good basic rule is that you should be able to keep it on your face with your head pointing downwards. Without the strap round the back of your head. this proves a good seal on your face. Any good dive shop will demonstrate this to you and is a good reason to try before you buy.

Thank you.

Was hoping to spend a bit less, is it much better to get £30 ones?

Reluctant_spender

M and M sports - speedo mask and snorkel - £5

http://www.mandmdirect.com/ProductList.asp

alric

like she says-try the mask before you buy it- or you'll need a new one when you get there
fins also are a good fit thing, wrong size will give you blisters and ruin your trip

thetope

if you have a decathlon near you they do some cheap dive gear

buyitall

Sports World often have reduced snorkelling gear, have seen it in John Lewis from time to time too. If you plan to do a diving course when you are there, the equipment will be provided and can also be used for general snorkelling. Your own equipment is obviously a bonus, but I have snorkelled and dived many times (to advanced open water level) with hired/borrowed/cheap equipment and still had a great time, have never had blisters, maybe I have been lucky? Have a great time, v jealous! xx

Sobraon

TK Maxx often seem to have sets. Worth a ring?

MrsE_2

For the scuba diving, I just want a taster. I just want to go under & look.

But the hotel has its own coral reef (& its susposed to be a really good one) & it will be very hot while we are there June/July (yes, we're nutters) so will be nice to pop in & out often & snorkle.


What about them water/aqua shoes, any recommendation on them. Wouldn't mind spending a bit more on them as we can use them wherever we go.

daveyjp

Wait until you get there. Sharm is full of places selling diving gear. I bought a really good mask and snorkel (all the local dive schools were using the same make) and it cost me about £15. Cheap ones will do a job, but you get what you pay for. This was from a large dive shop in the shopping centre near Pizza Hut in the centre of Sharm. The same shop will sell you shoes - BTW you are advised not to walk on the coral reef as you will kill it - use the jettys.

Buy an underwater camera too - they are in effect a cheap film camera inside a plastic case. They are only guaranteed for a single use, but they do reseal and we took loads of photos - get the photos developed in Sharm as this is cheap too.

Also believe it or not the Red Sea is not the warmest - it will be very warm out of it, but due to the Red Sea being very deep and not very wide the water does not warm up to the same level as the Med does - it's also VERY salty so you are more buoyant making diving under quite difficult.

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza which is on a really good reef. This starts from the base of the cliff, extends 3-5m at a depth of less than a metre then the sea drops to a depth of over 50m.

MrsE_2

daveyjp wrote: »

Wait until you get there. Sharm is full of places selling diving gear. I bought a really good mask and snorkel (all the local dive schools were using the same make) and it cost me about £15. Cheap ones will do a job, but you get what you pay for. This was from a large dive shop in the shopping centre near Pizza Hut in the centre of Sharm. The same shop will sell you shoes - BTW you are advised not to walk on the coral reef as you will kill it - use the jettys.
I did wonder about buying them there (less weight). Get cheapies & leave them.
I know about not walking on the coral;)

Buy an underwater camera too - they are in effect a cheap film camera inside a plastic case. They are only guaranteed for a single use, but they do reseal and we took loads of photos - get the photos developed in Sharm as this is cheap too.
Yes, I plan to get one of these, boots often do BOGOF, should I get one with a flash or will it not make any difference?

Also believe it or not the Red Sea is not the warmest - it will be very warm out of it, but due to the Red Sea being very deep and not very wide the water does not warm up to the same level as the Med does - it's also VERY salty so you are more buoyant making diving under quite difficult.
I'm sooooooooooooooooooo disapointed with this. The med is bl00dy freezing, I was so looking forward to tropical waters:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza which is on a really good reef. This starts from the base of the cliff, extends 3-5m at a depth of less than a metre then the sea drops to a depth of over 50m.

Next door!!!!!!!! The new reef oasis blue bay, it will be the same reef:D