Gone are the days when a snorkel could just be compared to a hollow reed to breathe through with your head in the water. With features like purge valves, flexible snorkels, dry, semi-dry snorkels and rotating mouth-pieces, whether you are just looking for a snorkel for when you dive or just for snorkeling there are a number of options in the market today. However, the most important qualities to look for in a snorkel is it’s comfort in your mouth, it’s length in case of a swell or wave and the ease of clearing water out of it.

Types of Snorkels
There are basically four popular types of snorkels both for divers and snorkelers. They are-

*Featured above-Cressi Sub Freediving Corsica Snorkel, Akona Caicos Snorkel, Aqualung Impulse Dry Flex Snorkel and Genesis FS7000 Mojave Dry Snorkel. All available at LeisurePro.com

1. Those with straight tubes. They are the most inexpensive of all of the types.
2. Snorkels that are tubes with purge valves on the bottom
3. The kind that contain a flexible sections close to the mouthpiece. If the tube is not in use, it will drop away and that is a great feature for scuba divers.
4. The best types are the kind that have a tuba and mouthpiece that are simple to replace.

Choosing A Good Snorkel For Scuba Diving
There are differences between snorkels that are ideal for snorkeling and those that are best fit for scuba diving. The first myth is that snorkels are unnecessary. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you were to run out of air before reaching the dive boat, you will face a struggle swimming back to the boat. Snorkels also help conserve air in your tank while you are on the surface resulting in longer dive times!

When choosing a scuba snorkel just make sure it has only the features that you need for a successful diving venture. It should be comfortable and it should drop to the side of your face when not in use. In fact, you should not even be aware of it until you need it. You cannot go wrong with a scuba snorkel that is simple and lightweight with few “extras” included.

You will want to make sure that your snorkel gear is an appropriate fit before your dive, and your snorkel mask is certainly no exception to the rule. The tube should fit under the strap of your mask and should extend above the surface of water. It is designed so that you will breathe in air through your mouth comfortably and without any restrictions.

What’s a Dry Snorkel?
One of the most popular snorkels on the market is a dry snorkel. What this means is that water will not enter your snorkel if you are submerged in water or if a wave crashes over you. Because water cannot enter the snorkel, you never have to worry about expelling it in order to breathe.

With all the advantages of dry snorkels there are a few important things to remember when choosing one:

• Do not get one that is heavy. A bulky dry snorkel will cause you to drag in the water therefore the likelihood of water entering your mask increases. That would negate the entire purpose of the dry snorkel!
• The snorkel should attach firmly to the mask strap. It should be able to slide in all directions with ease so that your snorkel can be positioned comfortably in your mouth without tugging the strap.
• Be careful of snorkels that have a lot of added features such as dry tops, purge valves, and flexible tube mouthpieces. While these do offer some advantages, they tend to add bulk to your snorkel causing more hassles than they are worth.

*Featured above – Cressi Sub Delta 2 Snorkel and Aeris Cuda Dry Snorkel from LeisurePro.com

Innovators and pioneers of the first marine compass, Suunto is the leading name in the Scuba Diving industry for wrist dive computers. They paved the way for the next generation wrist-top computers and continue to excel in the field of sports instruments with their range of products.

Here’s a look at the complete range of Suunto Dive Computers starting from the base model right up to their high-end dive computers-

Suunto Gekko
One of Suunto’s base models by no means is this dive computer lacking in essential functions. Both air and nitrox compatible the easy-to-use push buttons and a straightforward menu structure make Suunto Gekko simple to operate.
Features:
- air and nitrox modes
- 50 hours of dive profile memory and logbook data
- includes the dive start time, date, dive time, maximum depth attained and the temperature at maximum depth
- keeps track of up to 999 dives and 999 dive hours, as well as the maximum depth ever reached.
- displays both ascent rate and available no-decompression time
- visual and audible alarms
- phosphorescent display that can be charged with a dive torch
- user-replaceable battery
- can be worn as a wrist unit, or mounted in Suunto’s Combo consoles

On the downside:
- It lacks PC interface interoperability and simulation features

*The Suunto “Gekko” Air/Nitrox Wrist Computer available at Leisurepro.com ($249.95)

Suunto Vyper
This three in one model is has Air, Nitrox and Gauge modes offering everything a diver could possibly need for diving professionally and for technical diving.
Features:
- complete decompression stop data for diving with standard air or nitrox mixes.
- can also be used as a depth gauge and timer with profile memory
- specially designed PC interface
- visual and audible alarms
- user-controllable alarms for maximum depth and dive time
- automatic safety stop countdown
- electroluminescent display
- user-replaceable battery
* Suunto “Vyper” Air/Nitrox Wrist Computer available at Leisurepro.com ($324.95)

Suunto Vyper 2’s added features include
- Electronic Compass
- pre dive planning/profiling
- 80 hours of dive time storage
- 240 hours of dive logs

* Suunto Vyper 2 Air/Nitrox Wrist Computer with Electronic Compass available at Leisurepro.com ($399.95)

Suunto Cobra
This sleek design Suunto Cobra is an advanced air-integrated console dive computer with versatile features and easy usability. With Air, Nitrox and Gauge modes, the Cobra you can view, compare, and analyze your diving performance through a specially designed PC interface.
Features:
- Air, Nitrox and Gauge modes
- measures essential information such as depth, time and temperature
- measures the tank pressure and calculates your dive time left with the current air consumption
- PC interface
- advanced algorithm for tracking both dissolved and free gas in your blood and tissues
- electro-luminescent backlight
- adjustable maximum depth and dive time alarm
- lifetime history memory and a 36-hour logbook with a dive profile memory up to 100 hours
* Suunto Cobra Air/Nitrox Air Integrated Computer Console available at Leisurepro.com ($499.95)

Suunto Cobra 2 added features include:
- electronic compass
- graphs your dive profile with an easy-to-read matrix display
- simplified four-button operation

Suunto Cobra 3 added features include:
- Electronic 3D compass (user-adjustable time out)
- Matrix display
- 2 gas switching
- Optional Deep Stops
- Altitude adjustment 0-3000 m (0-10000 ft)
* Suunto Cobra 3 Air/Nitrox Air Integrated Computer Console with Electronic 3D Compass, Quick Disconnect Hose available at Leisurepro.com ($799.95)

Suunto Vytec DS
The Suunto Vytec DS is an advanced dive computer designed for demanding divers. It is one of the most feature-rich and versatile dive computers available.
Features:
- 3 operating modes- Air, Nitrox and Gauge
- gas-switching functionality (3 mixes 21-99%)
- optional wireless tank pressure transmitter
- Suunto RGBM deep stop algorithm for increased decompression options
- extensive memory and logbook functions
- specially designed PC interface
- multi-step ascent rate indicator
- Built-in dive simulator
- audible alarms (including maximum depth alarm)
- user-replaceable battery
* Suunto “Vytec DS” Hoseless Wrist Air/Nitrox Computer with Transmitter available at Leisurepro.com ($749.95)

For the more on the Suunto HelO2, Suunto Stinger, Suunto D4, Suunto D6 & Suunto D9 – Click here

*Prices stated above as of January 2010 (Please refer to the LeisurePro website for current prices)

Innovators and pioneers of the first marine compass, Suunto is the leading name in the Scuba Diving industry for wrist dive computers. They paved the way for the next generation wrist-top computers and continue to excel in the field of sports instruments with their range of products.

Here’s a look at the complete range of Suunto Dive Computers starting from the base model right up to their high-end dive computers-

(If you missed our previous post and for more details on the Suunto Gekko, Suunto Vyper, Suunto Cobra and Suunto Vytec DS – Click here.)

Suunto HelO2 (NEW!)
The brand new addition to the Suunto line of dive computers is the Suunto HelO2, an advanced mixed-gas dive computer for divers who use multiple gases such as trimix, nitrox and oxygen to go deeper for longer.
Features:
- rated to 120 m/393 ft with full mixed-gas capability
- Suunto Technical RGBM algorithm extending decompression flexibility into the world of technical diving by allowing continuous decompression
- multi-gas Dive Planner allowing you to try variations of depth, time, gases, and partial pressures without having to continually recalculate
- PC interface with the included USB cable
* Suunto “Helo2″ Hoseless Wrist Mixed Gas Diving Computer with Transmitter available at Leisurepro.com ($1,399.95)

Suunto Stinger
The Suunto Stinger is a full decompression dive computer and a beautifully constructed compact-size watch in steel or titanium.
Features:
- air, Nitrox, Free/Gauge modes
- complete watch functions
- monitors and reports vital information such as your dive time, current depth, maximum depth, no-decompression time and ascent time
- safety stop countdown
- adjustable profile memory sampling rate, underwater stopwatch and bookmark function
- adjustable for diving at altitudes up to 3000 m (10000 ft)
- electro-luminescent backlight
- PC interface

Suunto D4
The Suunto D4 is a stylish full-decompression wristop dive computer. With a freedive mode Suunto D4 is also perfect if you’re serious about breath-hold diving.
Features:
- four operating modes (air, nitrox, free & gauge)
- easy-to-read screen that displays your current and maximum depth; current time, dive time, and decompression time and temperature
- audible and visual depth and time alarms warn you when it’s time to start your ascent
- deep stops feature
- dive planner
- PC interface
- colorful selection of straps including blue, yellow, pink or black
* Suunto D4 Wrist Computer available at Leisurepro.com ($499.95)

Suunto D6
The Suunto D6 is a a stylish watch on land and a trusted advanced wristop dive computer underwater. Designed for demanding divers, it is one of the most feature-rich and versatile dive computers available.
Features:
- three operating modes (Air, Nitrox and Gauge)
- gas-switching functionality (2 mixes 21-99%)
- integrated digital compass
- clear wristop display for all the information you need relating to depth, time, direction, and decompression status
- bookmarking functions
- multi-step ascent rate indicator
- extensive memory functions
- audible alarms (including maximum depth alarm)
- optional PC-interface
- metallic bracelet or black wrist strap
* Suunto D6 Wrist Computer With Metal Bracelet available at Leisurepro.com ($899.95)

Suunto D9
This top of the line computer from Suunto is the World’s first all-in-one computer with an integrated digital compass and wireless tank data reception.
Features:
- digital compass
- optional wireless transmitter to monitor tank pressure and air consumption data from the wrist
- estimates the remaining air-time throughout the dive
- can be used with up to three different gas mixes containing 21-100% oxygen
- allows gas switching during the dive
- provides iterative deep stops as an alternative to traditional safety stops
- maximum depth displays 200m [660ft]
- built-in dive logbook provides a graphical dive profile
- includes an USB-compatible PC interface
- traditional black elastomer strap or luxury titanium strap options
*Suunto “D9″ Titanium Bracelet Hoseless Air/Nitrox Wrist Computer with Transmitter available at Leisurepro.com ($1649.95)

*Prices stated above as of January 2010 (Please refer to the LeisurePro website for current prices)

Wetsuits are a Scuba diving basics. We think it’s a must-have Scuba essential as we mentioned in the 10 Rules of Buying Scuba Diving Gear post. Picking the right wetsuit to suit your needs right from fit, thickness and style can be a little tricky if you don’t know much about them. Here’s a complete guide to buying your first wetsuit.

Wetsuit Styles
There a several choices of styles, when you go wetsuit shopping. There’s the Full wetsuit also known as the full body wetsuit with sleeves right up to the wrists and legs to the ankles. Needless to say it offers full protection and better warmth as it covers most of your body. Secondly there’s the Shorty. Shorties as the name suggests have short sleeves and end just above the knee. A good choice for warm water diving, many divers prefer shorties because it allows greater flexibility in movement underwater. They’re also a easier to put on and take of than a full length wetsuit.

Another option in style of wetsuits is the Farmer John/Jane which are two piece suits, with a sleeveless full length piece worn with a covering jacket. This style is also available in the shorty form. The question of whether one should wear a shorty wetsuit has been asked and debated constantly by divers and you can read up more of our thoughts on the subject in - To Shorties or not to Shorties?

Wetsuit Thickness
Thickness is probably the most important consideration you’ll have to make when buying a wetsuit. It’s a critical factor in keeping you warm and and toasty during a dive. The thicker the wetsuit the warmer it will keep you. Some wetsuits actually have 2 thicknesses on different parts of the wetsuit. For example a 5/3 mm wetsuit means the thickness would be 5 mm on the torso and 3 mm on the arms and legs.

While there’s no particular guide to which thickness is best in a wetsuit as it differs according to the temperature of the water and the relevant conditions, here’s a rough guide to what water temperatures and suitable wetsuit thicknesses are often recommended. But your preferences can differ depending on your cold threshold.

2 mm: Water temperatures above 85 F
3 mm: Water temperatures between 70-85 F
5 mm: Water temperatures between 60-70 F
6.5 mm: Water temperatures between 50-70 (at these temperatures the use of a drysuit can also be recommended)

Wetsuit Fit
It’s very important that your wetsuit fit perfectly for it to be effective. So trying on wetsuits before you buy any is crucial. It can be frustrating and time consuming as trying them on is not always easy but don’t skip this step or you’ll regret it for sure.

If you haven’t worn a wet suit before, you should know that if you can put it on easily it’s too big for you. Especially since you’ll be wearing your wetsuit when it’s dry on land, a sign of the right fit is, a little struggle, huffing and puffing when you put it on. Scuba diving wetsuits feel snug on you and it will probably feel that your movement are restricted, which is normal.

The wetsuit shouldn’t be too tight so that it cuts of circulation at your wrists and ankle or your can even bend your knees in them. It shouldn’t be loose either cause that will allow water to flow freely through it defeating the purpose completely. There should not be any large gaps in the underarm or crotch area. However, it may probably have a gap at the small of the back, which is ok.

No matter how time consuming it is to try on different wetsuits, it’ll be well worth all your time and effort to have a perfectly fitting wetsuit that keeps you warm during your dives. There’s nothing that can ruin a dive faster than being cold and shivering while you are underwater, so get it right when you buy one the first time.

Mares Trilastic Deluxe 5-4-3mm One Piece Wetsuit, Henderson 3-MM Titanium Hyperstretch Mens Shorty, Henderson 7mm Gold Core Neoprene Men’s Wetsuit all available at LeisurePro.com