Ask the Scuba Diving Experts

Expert Picks

Looking for the best scuba gear? Look no further! We've tapped into the knowledge and expertise of our team of scuba experts to bring you their top scuba gear picks. With their years of experience in the water, our instructors know what equipment will enhance your diving adventures. Check out their picks below!

Our Experts' BCD Picks

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Our Experts' Regulator Picks

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Our Experts' Scuba Mask Picks

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Our Experts' Scuba Fin Picks

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Staff Picks on Dive Computers

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Our Expert Wetsuit Picks

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Meet the Experts

Introducing our team of scuba diving experts! Talk with real divers and have peace of mind knowing that you're getting into the best gear, get answers to your questions in real time with our live chat or by giving them a quick call. Feel free to submit your questions using the form below as well. We're always here to help!

Meet Devin, PADI Scuba Instructor

Devin started diving at age 11 in the Puget Sound and since then she has extensively experienced the warmer waters of the Caribbean, Central and South America and the South Pacific. Her most memorable dives being in Fiji, the great blue hole in Belize and the waters of the Galapagos Islands. For ten years she was an exhibit diver at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA where she assisted in the feeding and care of various species of marine animals, exhibit maintenance and teaching small groups while completing her degree in Marine Science and Conservation. With well over 2 thousand logged dives she is an experienced trainer and has 15 specialty training certificates. Her passion: “To train future divers to respect, protect, care and conserve our ocean environment.”

Meet Devin, PADI Scuba Instructor

Meet Raul, PADI IDC Staff Instructor

Raul started diving in 1995 and quickly fell in love with the world underwater. He wanted to share with as many people as he could and In 1997 he became a Dive Master and Instructor. In 2013 Raul started his own scuba training operation in NY. He has recently joined the Scuba.com team and can't wait to start offering scuba classes to our customers. Raul is also an advocate for ocean conservation, spreading awareness to his students about protecting our oceans and reefs for future generations of divers.

Meet Raul, NY Sales Associate & PADI Instructor

Meet Mary, Director of Sales & Retail Operations

Mary's passion for the ocean began with an interest in sharks as a young child. In 2011, she became a certified Open Water Diver in the Galapagos Islands while volunteering for a group of marine scientists. She joined the Scuba.com NYC team in 2020 and recently founded the Atlantic Coast Dive Club leading weekly summer dives with our local community.

She recently started volunteering with Shark Angles to help protect her favorite ocean animal! Her favorite dive location is the Galapagos Islands, and runner up is Curacao. Mary is also an avid Rock Climber and outdoor enthusiast.

Meet Mary, Director of Sales & Retail Operations

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I improve my air consumption?

Improved air consumption not only comes with time and comfort level underwater, it can be improved dramatically with improved buoyancy and pre-dive preparation. The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course provides skills and training that can help with your air consumption. During this course, students are exposed to extra time underwater, improving comfort level and skills such as Navigation, Deep dives and even Peak Performance Buoyancy. Your level of physical fitness can also affect your air consumption. Logically, the more fit you are and the more comfortable you are underwater will improve your overall air consumption. Please visit our Classes Page for more information.

How do I improve my buoyancy?

Improved buoyancy comes from more time and experience underwater. It can also be improved with properly fitting gear and the correct weight being worn. The PADI Specialty Class, Peak Performance Buoyancy, can help! During this class, your instructor can determine the right gear configuration and weight worn depending on the environment you are diving in. Additionally, your instructor will introduce and practice specific skills that will aid your quest for perfect buoyancy control. Peak Performance Buoyancy is offered both as a distinct PADI Specialty or can be offered as an elective dive during your Advanced Open Water class. An additional benefit of improved buoyancy control is typically an improvement of air consumption. Please visit our Classes Page for more information

What happens if my mask fills with water?

Fear not! Water entering masks can be a common experience in scuba diving, however, during the PADI Open Water Diver class, your instructor will teach you how to drain your mask of water while underwater simply. You will have plenty of practice. Additionally, a properly fitting mask can have a dramatic affect in keeping water out of your mask. It is important to be sized correctly for your mask as they are not one size fits all. There are also masks that have a convenient purge valve (one way valve) that makes clearing water from your mask even easier. Our experienced dive instructors can help you find the perfectly fitting mask either in-store, over the phone or on live chat.

I'm not sure if scuba is right for me.

Often, the fear of the unknown is the greatest block to learning how to scuba dive. If you are comfortable swimming while wearing a mask, snorkel and fins, you should enjoy scuba diving. Some people often say it is easier to scuba dive as you do not have to be glued to the surface. A great and safe way to see if scuba is right for you is attending a Discover Scuba session. During Discover Scuba experiences, you are introduced to scuba diving in the safety of a pool environment while learning some basic skills. As a first experience, students will generally determine if this is the sport for them. In some locations, once students have tried scuba in the pool, they have the option to go on a shallow dive in the open water under direct supervision and control of an instructor. Once you fall in love with SCUBA, your next step is the PADI Open Water Diver class! Please visit our Classes Page for more information. Please note that Discover Scuba is not a certification course, though you will receive partial credit for your PADI Open Water Diver course.

The water is too cold.

Your comfort level underwater is all important for both enjoyment and safety. Wearing the correct exposure protection is critical. The thickness of your wetsuit as well as the addition of accessories such as gloves, hoods, hooded vests and boots can keep you warm and comfortable during your time underwater.

What if I freak out underwater?

The PADI Open Water Diver certification course is carefully designed to ensure you have a high level of comfort while you are scuba diving. You will spend hours in the pool, learning and practicing your skills, while achieving a level of comfort and proficiency. You will be under direct supervision of a dive instructor while you are a student and we are trained to identify any sources of stress and help you overcome those occurrences.

Have a Question?

Feel free to submit your questions to our Scuba Instructors and get an answer! If it's a popular question, we'll be sure to add it here. Dive trip coming up and need an answer fast? Give us a call at 800-347-2822 or utilize our Live Chat feature for real time answers!