Understanding your dive equipment is an important part of becoming a confident diver. Here is a beginner-friendly guide to each piece of gear.
BCD (Buoyancy Control Device): a vest-like jacket that you inflate or deflate to control your buoyancy underwater. It also holds your tank and has pockets for accessories. Proper BCD usage is the key to effortless diving.
Regulator: the device that delivers air from your tank to your mouth at ambient pressure. It consists of a first stage (attaches to the tank), primary second stage (your main mouthpiece), octopus (backup mouthpiece), and gauges. Modern regulators are extremely reliable.
Wetsuit: provides thermal insulation and minor abrasion protection. In Bali, a 3mm shorty or full suit is standard. For cold-water sites like Nusa Penida, a 5mm suit is available. The wetsuit also provides positive buoyancy.
Mask: creates an air space so you can see clearly underwater. A well-fitting mask that does not leak is the single most important piece of personal equipment. We recommend buying your own mask even if you rent everything else.
Fins: propel you through the water. We provide open-heel fins with booties, which offer good performance and comfort. Fin technique (flutter kick, frog kick) is taught during your course.
Dive computer: monitors your depth, time, and nitrogen absorption to keep you within safe limits. We provide computers with all rentals and dive trips. The computer replaces the old dive tables and makes dive planning much simpler.
What to buy vs rent: for occasional divers, renting everything in Bali makes sense -- our equipment is quality and well-maintained. If you plan to dive regularly, start by buying a mask (personal fit), then add a dive computer as your next purchase.