Scuba diving with confidence: buy better before buying more.
This section comes from my own experience learning to dive in Tenerife, after completing the PADI Open Water course, progressing to Advanced and logging around 20 dives in places such as Radazul, Tabaiba, El Porís, Abades and Los Cristianos.
Here you will find guides to help you decide which gear to buy first, how much is worth investing, what you can keep renting and reviews of equipment I have personally used.
When I have personally used a product, I say so. When I compare models using specifications and documentation, I make that clear too.
Your first set of gear does not have to be all your gear.
A wetsuit, fins, BCD, regulator, cylinder and weights can still be rented until you dive often enough. In the meantime, it makes more sense to start with personal, compact gear that you will genuinely use.
Guides, comparisons and reviews.
Content to help you manage your budget, prioritise purchases and understand which gear makes sense at your current stage as a diver.
Best dive computers for beginners
I compare models from SCUBAPRO, Mares, Cressi, Suunto and Aqualung based on ease of use, display, connectivity, battery and room to progress. The SCUBAPRO Aladin One Matrix is the model I have personally used.
Read the full comparison → Getting started guideWhat scuba diving gear should you buy first?
The order in which I actually bought my gear, what I would prioritise today and how I would spread approximate budgets of €100, €300 and €500.
See the recommended order → Cost guideHow much does scuba diving gear cost?
Buying new gear, looking for second-hand equipment or continuing to rent while you gain experience.
Read the guide → Gear I useMy starter scuba diving kit
Dive computer, mask, boots, compass, lighting and other accessories that I have gradually added over time.
See my gear → Review · First-hand experienceSCUBAPRO Aladin One Matrix
Underwater readability, backlight, battery, Bluetooth and the details I would improve after around 20 dives.
Read the review → Review · First-hand experienceMares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin
Fit, comfort, field of view, fogging, maintenance and areas for improvement after around 15 dives.
Read the review → Review · First-hand experienceAqualung Echozip Ergo 7 mm
Sole, warmth, comfort, zip, drying and the key sizing point after around eight dives.
Read the review →Where should you start if you are new to diving?
First, I would separate the gear worth buying early from what you can still keep renting.
Then I would set a budget and compare the products you are likely to use on almost every dive.
This is the route I would follow through Fondo y Volea.
More experience and judgement. Less catalogue.
I clearly separate reviews based on real use from comparisons based on specifications and technical documentation.
Real use
When I have used a product, I explain what works and what I would improve after using it.
No pretending to have tested it
If I have not personally tested a product, I say so and keep technical analysis separate from first-hand experience.
Build your kit gradually
You do not need to buy everything from the start. I prioritise what adds the most value at each stage.
What could be better too
I include drawbacks, purchases that can wait and gear that I still prefer to rent.
Buying better starts by asking the right questions.
What you really need, what you can keep renting, what is worth owning and which product fits your level and budget.