Photo: IG: @undertow_photography

If you're an avid diver, you're always on the lookout for the next big adventure, and the underwater village at Ilsesee lake in Augsburg, Bavaria, might just be the one you've been searching for. This hidden gem is nestled 15 meters below the surface of the lake and offers a unique opportunity to explore a remarkable village that few have seen before.

The submerged village boasts a collection of underwater structures that have been designed to promote the growth of algae and freshwater sponges. This has resulted in the buildings being completely saturated in vibrant green colors that are a sight to behold. One of the most striking structures is the underwater church that features a dilapidated tower, with seaweed entangled around the cross, standing almost destroyed in the misty background.

Photo: IG: @undertow_photography

The Ilsesee lake is divided into two sections; one is reserved for certified divers, while the other is open to the general public. The underwater village is only accessible to those who have taken an ecology course about the lake and have undergone thorough checks by the staff at the dive base. This focus on environmental conservation aims to increase the health of the lake and spread knowledge about freshwater biology.

The journey to reach this hidden village requires determination, perseverance, and skill. Divers must be prepared to swim for approximately half an hour to the east, using a compass to navigate their way through the unknown waters. As the destination is not easily accessible, it remains undiscovered by the majority of the population, making it an unspoiled paradise.

Photo: IG: @undertow_photography

The underwater landscape around the village is also a must-see. It features small mountains that rise from the depths of the lake, creating a fascinating underwater topography. As you explore this captivating landscape, you'll also come across an abundance of aquatic life, including perches, pikes, and carps.

While the village is a breathtaking spectacle, it's important to note that divers are not allowed to touch the bottom of the lake. This is because contact could adversely affect the microorganisms and the distribution of organic waste, which could lead to an imbalance in the lake's ecosystem. Therefore, visitors to the underwater village are encouraged to follow strict guidelines that promote the preservation of the lake's delicate environment.

If you're a certified diver looking for an unforgettable experience, the underwater village at Ilsesee lake is an adventure that should not be missed. With its vibrant green colors, awe-inspiring underwater structures, and fascinating landscape, it's an experience that is sure to be etched in your memory forever.

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When it comes to diving, having the right gear is crucial for your safety and comfort. One such essential item is the scuba diving shirt. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about scuba diving shirts, from their features to the benefits they offer.

What is a Scuba Diving UV Protection Shirt?

A scuba diving UV protection shirt, typically known as a UV Shirt, is a specialized garment designed to be worn by scuba divers. It is made of a durable material that can withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean environment. Scuba diving UV protection shirts typically have long to protect the scuba diver from sunburn, jellyfish stings and other environmental hazards.

Features of a Scuba Diving UV Protection Shirt

There are several features that you should look for when choosing a scuba diving UV protection shirt. These include:

• UV Protection: Since scuba diving is an outdoor activity, exposure to the sun is inevitable. A good scuba diving shirt should provide UV protection to prevent sunburn and skin damage. Be sure that the UV Shirt you choose has a UPF protection rating of 50+ for optimal protection.
• Quick-Drying/Dri-Fit: Scuba diving UV protection shirts should be made of a quick-drying/dri-fit material that allows the water to evaporate quickly. This ensures that you stay warm and comfortable during your dive.
• Breathability: A good scuba diving UV shirt should be breathable to prevent overheating and sweating between and after your dive.
• Flexibility: Scuba diving UV protection shirts should be made of a flexible material that allows for a full range of motion. This is especially important for activities like diving, where you need to move freely.

Benefits of Using a Scuba Diving UV Protection Shirt

Wearing a scuba diving shirt has several benefits, including:

• Protection from the Sun: As mentioned earlier, a scuba diving shirt provides UV protection, which is essential for preventing sunburn and skin damage.
• Protection from Marine Life: Jellyfish and other marine life stings can be a hazard for scuba divers. Scuba diving UV shirts can provide protection against these stings.
• Temperature Regulation: Scuba diving UV protection shirts can help regulate body temperature by wicking away sweat and keeping you cool and dry before and after your dive. They can also provide an extra layer of insulation, which can help keep you warmer during your dive.
• Comfort: Scuba diving UV shirts are designed to be comfortable, with features like breathability and flexibility.

Choosing the Right Scuba Diving UV Protection Shirt

When choosing a scuba diving UV shirt, there are several factors to consider. These include:

• Material: Look for a scuba diving shirt made of a durable, quick-drying material, such as Microfiber Polyester.
• Fit: Make sure the scuba diving UV shirt fits well and allows for a full range of motion.
• UV/UPF Rating: Choose a scuba diving UV shirt that provides certified UPF protection.
  
  

Scuba diving shirts are an essential piece of gear for scuba diving. They provide protection from the sun, jellyfish stings, and protection from the underwater environment. When choosing a scuba diving UV shirt, be sure to consider the material, fit, UV protection, and brand.

Additionally, it is important to note that scuba diving shirts come in various styles and designs. Some scuba diving shirts feature bold patterns and bright colors, while others have a more subdued and practical look. When choosing a scuba diving UV shirt, it is important to consider your personal style and preferences.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you choose the best scuba diving UV Protection shirt for your needs.

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For years, Isla Guadalupe in Mexico has been a much sought-after destination for shark enthusiasts. However, this dream has come to an end with the permanent closure of the Great White Shark cage diving site to tourism.

The Mexican Government announced the ban on "all tourism activities, and film and TV productions at Isla Guadalupe" on January 10, citing conservation concerns as the primary reason. This ban expands on an already-existing suspension from May to December 2022 on cage diving and sport fishing in the same area. The initial closure aimed to "gather information that will guide activities and the adoption of the best sustainability practices that guarantee the conservation of the aforementioned populations," according to a statement issued by the Mexican Government.

The new Management Plan for Guadalupe specifies that "White Shark observation may not be carried out in the Reserve for tourist purposes, to avoid altering [sharks'] habitat, behavior and feeding sites, and thereby preserve and conserve the species."

However, local tour operators and some shark advocates have expressed concerns about the closure. They argue that the absence of dive tourists may result in more harm to shark populations, despite good intentions. According to critics, liveaboards that visited the protected waters served as an effective physical deterrent to poachers and illegal fishing activities. Operators were present on an almost-permanent basis throughout the six-month season when Great Whites migrate to Isla Guadalupe each year. They brought tourists, which helped to keep poachers and fishermen out.

With the new ban, these tour operators and liveaboards are effectively out of business, and the local economy, which relies heavily on shark tourism, will suffer.

Horizon Charters, one of the original Great White Shark cage diving liveaboards in the area, issued a statement saying, "As it stands, there is no mechanism that will magically reopen Guadalupe, no legal challenge, no petition, or pressure campaign. It is closed."

The operator also pointed out that there are no provisions in the new management plan to protect the 400+ Great White Sharks that they've come to know and love. These particular sharks are the "main breeding animals" for most of the waters from Hawaii to Washington State, the entire coast of California, Baja, and the Sea of Cortez, the operator continued.

"The loss of these animals to illegal fishing could potentially collapse the entire white shark population in the Eastern Pacific," the shop added. "As such, it is imperative that Mexico set aside the manpower and funding necessary to protect these animals each and every season moving forward."

As the reopening of Guadalupe remains uncertain, Horizon Charters has decided to refund all bookings for the upcoming season.

The closure of Isla Guadalupe may be a blow to shark enthusiasts, but it is also a reminder of the need for sustainable tourism practices to protect our planet's precious marine life.

Welcome to Part II of How To Choose The Best Scuba Diving Gear, so if you missed that article make sure to read that one first! In Part I, we covered all the basic gear needed for beginner scuba divers such as masks, snorkels, fins, and exposure suits! And now we are going to go a little more in depth with the more advanced gear that beginner divers will need.

BCDs

A BCD (buoyancy control device) is one of the most complex pieces of equipment that you will own and it is one of the most important for multiple reasons. So make sure you choose carefully when you chose the best BC to purchase- no pressure. The BC does a lot which is why it is so important. It holds your gear in place, lets you carry a tank with minimal effort, floats you at the surface and allows you to achieve neutral buoyancy at all depths.

What to Look For - Sizing and Fitting: is important when it comes to your BC. You will want to try your BC on with the exposure suit you wear most often. You want it to fit snug, but make sure when it is inflated that it is not too tight. It should not be squeezing you at all. Also, make sure to inflate the BC until the overflow valve vents. The BC should not restrict your breathing. While you've got the BC on, test all valves for accessibility and ease of use. Though this can be a bit expensive- it is an important piece of gear, it is a good idea to rent one before you purchase to see what feel you like before you buy your own.

Regulators

Regulators have been perfected to the point that even budget regulators can offer high performance which is great for divers! However, make sure to do your homework before buying this piece of scuba gear, since it is a vital piece of gear to own. Regulators convert the high- pressure air in your tank to ambient pressure so you can breathe it- which here at offgridsolaraz- we think is pretty important! Your regulator will also deliver air to other places such as your BC, computer and octopus.

What to Look For- High performance: is a must for when looking to purchase a regulator- which does not necessarily mean expensive. Comfort is another very important aspect of this scuba gear. Look for a comfortable mouth piece that does not rub your mouth the wrong way. Remember, this will be used regularly so you want it to fit as comfortable as possible so try as many regulators as you can in real- world diving situations. Unfortunately, breathing on a regulator in a dive store will tell you very little about how it will really preform under water, so rent and try different ones before purchasing.

Octopus (Emergency Regulator)

An Alternate Air Source is also called an "octopus" because this is attached to the SCUBA Regulator with an extra air hose which makes the regulator look like a multi-tentacled octopus. The Alternate Air Source is an additional regulator second stage that attaches to the regulator first stage. The Alternate Air Source is required for diving safely. If another diver runs out of air they can come to you and breathe from this extra regulator to safely get back to the surface.

What to Look For- Unlike your main regulator, the octopus is a back up therefore it is not as important as your regulator but is still a very necessary piece of gear. You will want to purchase an emergency regulator that you are comfortable with and that is easy to access. Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference for the regulators.

Computers

Dive Computers are a vital piece of equipment used for diving. By constantly monitoring depth and bottom time, dive computers automatically recalculate your no-decompression status, giving you longer dive times while still keeping you within a safe envelope of no-decompression time. Computers can also monitor your ascent rate and tank pressure, which in turn, tell you when it's safe to fly, log your dives and much more. There are multiple different ways to mount your computer such as on your wrist, attaching to BC, or gauge console. Mounting is all a matter of preference.

What to Look For- User friendliness: is important when it comes to dive computers. The most feature-packed dive computer does you no good if you can't easily and quickly access the basic information you need during a dive: depth, time, decompression status and tank pressure. There are different computers, some that show both numeric and graphic displays, so pick whichever you are most comfortable with. Before you buy, ask to see the owner's manual and check it out. Complete and easy-to-understand instructions are important, especially on feature-packed machines- there is no point in having a diving computer if you are uncomfortable using it! So get familiar with it. Play around. That’s the joy of new gear!

Hope this helped all our new divers get a little more comfortable with how to choose the best scuba diving gear- happy diving!

"I have been involved in shark research, conservation, television and ecotourism for the best part of 15 years. I most commonly receive queries from students looking for ‘that dream job’ working with sharks. Whilst most students are fixated on a path towards marine biology and research on sharks, the truth is that many professionals who successfully work with sharks have limited or no experience in academia and research. So if 10 years of university study is not your thing, do not despair, as there are still numerous ‘shark jobs’ out there if you look and prepare hard enough. Here are 10 such jobs that can give enthusiasts that shark fix and a career, to boot." - Ryan Johnson 

Marine Biologist

Becoming a marine (or shark) biologist is the path most often taken by aspiring students aiming to build a career working with sharks. This is natural, as nothing is more rewarding then been at the forefront of scientific research on sharks and discovering new facets of their incredible behavior, physiology and ecology. I do,  however, believe that some people misunderstand this career. To start with, marine biology is an academic career and ultimately the value and success of your career will be determined by the quantity and quality of your scientific publications (hard core academic writing). Whilst at student level, you may have experiences with sharks on a regular basis, after you are qualified, your field work aspiration have to be balanced against producing scientific outputs (lots of analysing and writing). Thus, I always caution people who want to become marine biologists. If your goal is to interact and swim with sharks on a regular basis, then marine biology is possibly not for you. If, however, you are excited about putting the effort into producing academic publications, and you can balance this with your fieldwork expectations, then you may be in line to have a wonderful fulling filling career working with sharks. The main point of this article, is to illustrate that there are many shark jobs, in addition to marine academia that can allow you to enjoy a great career working with sharks – so if you are looking for an incredible shark career, but academia is not your thing, please read on!

Research Technician

Shark fans who do not have the formal academic qualifications of a marine biologist can still have incredible careers working and conducting research on sharks as marine technicians. This person is a technical expert who assists scientists and specialises in fieldwork, technologies, logistics and all the other aspects of research that are not directly related to the academic pursuit of designing a project, collecting the data, analyzing the data, writing up and publishing the results. In short, marine technicians are right-hand people, often doing the enjoyable practical work whilst the marine biologist is in front of the computer getting grants and publishing research. This is definitely a dream job for people wanting to be involved in shark research but who do not want to be responsible for producing the scientific publication. The job, however, does require significant training and most technicians have spent between 2 and 4 years studying at a polytechnic or college to gain sufficient practical skills and qualifications.

Ecotourism Guide

Shark snorkeling and similar shark ecotourism activities are a world wide tourism phenomenon. From shark cage diving, to swimming with rays, to whale shark snorkeling, many humans who are not qualified to SCUBA dive still enjoy interacting and encountering sharks through tourism. Whilst many of the people guiding these interactions are qualified master SCUBA divers, this qualification is not always necessary (depending on government legislation). Guides taking non-divers to interact and view sharks need to have impeccable ‘people’ skills. The clients will be nervous and will be looking for the guide to take away (or at least manage) their fear of sharks. If you have a great love for sharks, a wish to share your passion with everyone else, and good water skills, then becoming a shark tourism guide may be the perfect ‘shark job’ for you.

SCUBA Diving Guide

Whilst many shark ecotourism interactions today require no SCUBA qualification, a number still do. SCUBA divers wanting to dive with sharks need a specialist guide, one who not only a competent master SCUBA diver, but also has a deep knowledge of shark behaviour. Qualifying as a dive-master involves significant training and costs. The initial qualification is an open water SCUBA qualification, after this is qualifications such as advanced, rescue and other specialties are required before becoming a dive-master. It is also a good idea to invest into some ‘shark specialty courses’ if you are intending to take paying clients on a shark dive. Guests will be looking to you for experience and expertise, and the more you can fulfill this role, the better the service you can offer.

Underwater Photographer / Videographer

Vessel Skipper or Crew

Strangely enough, most sharks that humans encounter are at sea, go figure! A top quality skipper and crew are a must, to get people to the sharks. Skippers and crew are perfect assistants to help in working and interacting with the sharks, during time on anchor. Crew members can fill in as divers, research assistants, wranglers or simply enjoy watching sharks in action. Qualifying as a vessel skipper does take some work and training, but qualifying to a useful level with course work and gaining practical skippering hours, should take less than one year.

Aquarist

Not all sharks occur in the wild, many aquariums house many sharks as part of their displays. Recently, a US aquarium has had moderate success housing juvenile great white sharks. If you are looking for hands on work with sharks, then shark husbandry at an aquarium may be your perfect job. The husbandry of sharks involves ensuring they are kept healthy and well maintained in the aquarium. This involves feeding, monitoring behaviour, maintaining water quality and occasionally treating them for illness (and the other myriad of tasks it takes to run a successful salt water aquarium). Another aspect of this position is assisting in various behavioral experiments that associated researchers may be conducting.

Veterinarian

Whilst most vets are focused on working with domesticated animals (read cats and dogs), a small section of vets specialise in working with marine life. Aquariums and researchers all require the services of vets for various shark projects or health maintenance. For instance, during the OCEARCH (Shark wranglers series) we had a specialised vet on each expedition involving catching and tagging great white sharks. The vets on the expedition conducted the surgeries that were too complicated for the researcher (e.g. withdrawing blood) and also monitored the overall health of sharks whilst we had them on cradles out of the water. Anyone aspiring to become a vet take note- there is a huge amount of formal academic and practical training required. Also, as work on sharks is quite rare, you will most likely end up primarily working on cats and dogs or even farm animals and enjoying the occasional bit of shark work.

Commercial / Scientific Diver

Legally- speaking, most scientific SCUBA diving for marine research has to be conducted by a qualified scientific diver. A scientific dive qualification is similar to a commercial divers qualification. Commercial divers are often the underwater specialists who can safely collect the underwater data that marine biologists require ( other things you would do would be to maintain underwater equipment, retrieve units, tag sharks etc). Commercial diving qualifications are intensive but achievable for most people who are qualified as a recreational diver and want to take their diving to another level.

Environmental Journalist

A writer, and particularly one who is concerned about wildlife, is another career that may allow you to have extensive opportunity to work with sharks. It is a fact that sharks sell newspapers and magazines. As such, each publication whose niche market centers around wildlife, conservation, travel or ecotourism is going to regularly features stories on sharks. If writing is your specialty, getting SCUBA qualified and pitching stories about sharks is a sure way to be able to work with these incredible animals on an occasional basis. Many environmental journalists have traveled the world and experienced and documented a greater diversity of sharks than most marine biologists have.

Bonus Job – Shark N.G.O. Campaigner

My wife, Fiona Ayerst, (Director of shark NGO – Sharklife) just reminded me of one more important shark job – a shark NGO campaigner. Numerous shark conservation organisations around the world have been started up by passionate conservationists with the express aim of saving sharks from extinction. Many such orginisations run shark campaigns that allow campaigners to work closely with wild sharks. Most small NGO’s work with a shoestring budget and rely primarily on volunteers offering their time for free. Some of the larger ones, however, offer a great opportunity to work with sharks, save sharks and build a career. Also, if you are passionate enough, why don’t you start a shark NGO yourself?

In the end,

People who are lucky enough to work in shark jobs are typically not the most wealthy, but they do live a life of passion and intrigue. Thus, if swimming, watching and enjoying the wonders of the shark world is your aim, then I would strongly suggest seeing which of these industries you would be best suited to.Try to gain as much practical experience as possible before investing into formal training, in a career that may not be perfect for you. At Blue Wilderness, our shark volunteer program is designed specifically with you in mind, it opens you up to a variety of industries including shark research, ecotourism, photography, education and awareness: all over the course of one month. For many aspiring shark professionals, it is a great program to determine where your passion lies, and take the first steps toward realising your passion. You can learn more about the shark volunteer program by clicking the button below! Stay sharky.

This article was provided by:bluewilderness.co.za written by Ryan Johnson

Have you ever dived the United States top ten? Scuba diving is now the most popular recreational water sports in the world as shown by the increasing numbers of enthusiasts, scuba diving sites, and companies selling scuba diving equipment. With that said, scuba divers have different criteria when choosing for the best site, so here are the 10 best places to go scuba diving in the United States.

10) SS Wisconsin - Kenosha, Wisconsin:

The 215- foot Wisconsin delivers if you are looking to find stuff like artifacts and anchors. The ship sunk on October 29, 1929, 6 miles east of Kenosha, Wisconsin. It settled to the bottom of the ocean, 130 feet beneath the surface. You only need to peek inside a large opening to see all the cargo. Make sure you go to the port side to be able to see the cargo. There are three cars that still remain aboard- a Hudson, an Essex and a Chevrolet. Photo: WHS, Maritime Preservation and Archaeology Program

9) USTS Texas Clipper- South Padre Island, Texas

You can find the Texas Clipper artificial reef 17 miles off the coast of South Padre Island. Intentionally sunk in 2007, the 473-foot former Texas A&M University research vessel was cleaned so that even open-water divers can locate the promenade and A-decks at 62 and 80 feet, then swim as many laps as they like. Photo: TPWD

8) U-352- Morehead City, North Carolina
The best part of underwater historic sites like North Carolina’s U-352 is that they’re anything but static. The outer shell has largely rusted away, revealing a more intimate look at the cramped quarters of this 218-foot machine. “You can see the insides — you can see doorways,” says local dive instructor Tyler Boruff. Those who can get past the awe factor and can train their focus tighter might see the glint of an artifact that’s just been churned up. “The bullet casings are small, and not everyone sees them,” says Boruff. “I’ve found several, but I always leave them.” Photo: NOAA, Casserley

7) USCGC Spar - Morehead City, North Carolina
There’s one reason divers love the Spar: teeth there are rows upon rows of teeth all curling back toward the gullet of the unflappable sand tiger shark. This 180-foot vessel, lying on its port side thanks to Hurricane Irene, is a favored hangout for dozens at a time. They hover such that when the current picks up, divers are treated to some curious choreography. “The waves crash over the wreck, creating this surge pattern,” says Boruff. He stays low to the structure, eyes trained above as “the current shoots them right over top of you.” Photo: USCG

6) USS San Diego - Islip, New York
The country’s only World War I wreck, the 503-foot San Diego 13.5 miles off New York’s Fire Island now belongs to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places — it is a no-take zone. It’s upside-down, resting in 110 feet of water with a hull at a depth of 70 feet. Much of it has already been salvaged, but bullets, portholes and brass valves remain. Photo: Naval History and Heritage Command

5) USS Oriskany- South East of Pensacola, Florida
On May 17, 2006, the USS Oriskany became the largest ship intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. The USS Oriskany was sank 24 miles Southeast of Pensacola, Florida, the cradle of Naval Aviation. Engineers expected the sinking to take anywhere from five to eight hours, the Oriskany surprised all in attendance when she sank in only 37 minutes. Photo: Oriskany Museum

4) Sandusky - Mackinaw City, Michigan
It’s another on the list of must-sees: A wooden brig well preserved by Lake Michigan’s frigid depths. The 110-foot-long Sandusky sunk in 1856 west of Mackinaw City, Michigan. For most divers, it’s not the propeller or twin masts, but the ram-shaped scroll figurehead that is the most beloved detail. Drawing: David Domovan

3) USS Spiegel Grove- Florida
At the time of its sinking as an artificial reef in May of 2002, the 510-foot-long and 85-foot-wide Spiegel Grove (LSD-32), a former Loading Ship Dock originally constructed in September 1954, was the largest deliberately placed artificial reef in the world. Since that time, her title of “the biggest” fell to the USS Oriskany off Florida’s Gulf Coast in 2006, and the recent sinking of the 520-foot-long USNS Vandenberg near Key West has stolen a bit of the Spiegel Grove’s thunder, but she still remains one of the world’s premier wreck diving sites.

2) USS YO-257 - Oahu, Hawaii
“The YO-257 is pretty exciting for two reasons,” says Heuermann. “It was sunk as an attraction for the Atlantis Submarines (tour company), so it’s easy to penetrate — the entries and exits are very clear.” The other reason is the environment. “Stingrays come by in threes and fours to do fly-bys.” Heuermann warns as mesmerizing as the rays are, divers need to stay alert. “We always brief about the sub — you’ve got to stay out of its way!” Photo: Honolulu Scuba Company

1) Carthaginian II - Maui, Hawaii
And the final one on our list that is well deserving of the number one diving spot in United States is Carthaginian II - Maui, Hawaii. The highlight of diving Maui’s Carthaginian II wreck is something passengers buzzing by in the Atlantis submarine will never see: three frogfish that have lived on the wreck for five years, according to Lahaina Divers general manager Tim Means. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, you see all three,” he says. The former whaling museum, a 100-foot-long steel-hulled schooner once a fixture of the Lahaina Harbor, was sunk in 2005 at a depth of 95 feet.

For new divers, buying gear is an exciting yet difficult task to embark on. By officially buying your own gear you’re saying, “I am committed to really enjoying diving,” therefore it is an exciting step to take. The journey may be difficult at first but with the right amount of research and time you will find the perfect gear that is just right for you. But how are you supposed to know what to buy?

Relax. Here is some advice that will help you start your journey to buying the perfect scuba diving apparel. It's helpful to think of buying gear in two phases: first, the basic stuff you need for class; second, the major pieces of life support--regulator, BC and dive computer--that you're allowed to purchase once you've got a C-card. We are going to start on the basics today:

Mask

The one-pane oval mask of "Sea Hunt" and those old Bond films is practically a relic. In its place is a variety of styles for a world of faces. Your job: Choose the one right for yours.

What to Look For When Purchasing a mask?- A good watertight fit: Our Scuba experts have come up with this six-step plan for foolproof mask fitting:

1. Any mask that passes this test is a potential keeper. You'll find a whole range of options on masks, including side, top and bottom panes for a wider field of vision. Some also have purge valves for venting any water that leaks in, and others have quick strap adjustments. These options (and a range of color schemes) are a matter of personal preference--just make sure the mask you choose fits right. Look up at the ceiling and place the mask on your face without using the strap. It should rest evenly with no gaps. It helps to have a second person examine to see if you have a good fit all around your face.
2. Place a regulator or snorkel mouthpiece in your mouth. Does the mask still feel comfortable? Any gaps yet?
3. Look forward. Place the mask on your face without using the strap and gently inhale through your nose. The mask should seal easily on your face. Caution: A strong inhale will close minor leak areas and invalidate this test
4. Repeat the sniff test with a mouthpiece in place
5. If the mask is still in the running, adjust the strap and put it on your face. Make sure the nose pocket doesn't touch your nose and that the skirt feels comfortable on your upper lip
6. Put the regulator mouthpiece in one more time to make sure you can easily reach the nose pocket to equalize your ears.
   
   

Snorkel

It seems simple enough: a curved tube that lets you breathe while floating face-down on the surface. Yet, as you look at the giant wall of snorkels at your local dive store, you'll see an array of options and features to choose from. Don't worry. Stay focused on the basics.

What to Look For - Comfort: You want a mouthpiece that feels good in your mouth and breathes dry and easy. The snorkel for you is one with a good compromise between ease of breathing and dry comfort. Remember, the bigger a snorkel is, the more drag it creates in the water. Also important: how the snorkel attaches to your mask. Look for a durable, yet simple and easy-to-operate attachment.

Fins

Fish don't have legs for the simple reason that fins are the best way to move through water. So if you're going to play in the fish's territory, you need a good set of flippers too.

What to Look For - Comfort and efficiency: When trying on fins, look for a snug fit that doesn't pinch your toes or bind the arches of your feet. If you can't wiggle your toes, the fins are too small. Efficiency of fins is largely determined by their size, stiffness and design. Divers with strong leg and hip muscles can efficiently use a bigger, stiffer fin. Smaller divers or less conditioned divers will be more comfortable with smaller, more flexible fins. Finally, make sure buckles and straps are easy to use.

Exposure Protection Suits

Form-fitting exposure suits are usually made of foam neoprene rubber (wetsuits) or spandex-like materials (skins), sometimes with a fleece lining.

What to Look For - Fit and comfort!: Exposure suits should fit snugly without restricting movement or breathing. Reject any suit that's too loose, however. Gaps at the arm, leg, crotch and neck allow water to circulate and defeat the suit's ability to prevent heat loss.

Look back here for more advice on what to buy during phase two of purchasing the perfect scuba diving apparel.