Essential Gear For Open Water Certification

Catalina 80 Cubic Foot Aluminum Tank with Pro Valve

151 reviews

SKU: AQUTA80CL

~~$314.95~~ Save: $30 (10%)

^$284.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A 80 cubic foot aluminum tank with a pro valve that won't rust, has great buoyancy, and a high flow capacity valve.

Pros

Well-made and durable
Good customer service
Variety of color options
Great price and value
Fast delivery time

Cressi Leonardo 2.0 Wrist Computer

89 reviews

SKU: CSBLWTB

^$289.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A compact and user-friendly wrist computer for scuba diving with audible alarms and downloadable dive log.

Pros

Easy to use and program
Affordable price
Clear and readable display
Reliable and accurate
Useful features for beginners and advanced divers

Pinnacle 7mm Cruiser Men's Full Wetsuit

75 reviews

SKU: PINC77M3XL

^$349.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable and warm 7mm neoprene wetsuit with a titanium lining and back zipper entry.

Pros

Comfortable and true-to-size fit
Durable construction and quality materials
Great value for the price
Easy to put on and take off
Excellent warmth and insulation

Suunto Zoop Novo Wrist Computer

72 reviews

SKU: SQTZPNLY

^$299

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A wrist-mounted dive computer with a backlit display, five modes, and user-replaceable battery.

Pros

Feature-packed and versatile
Affordable and good value for money
Easy to use and operate
Clear and easy-to-read display
Reliable and durable

Blue Reef Scuba Titanium Folding Knife

55 reviews

SKU: BLRKTF

~~$69.95~~ Save: $40 (57%)

^$29.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A foldable titanium knife for scuba diving with a sharp drop point tip and serrated edge option.

Pros

Reasonable price
Easy to sharpen
Compact size
Low maintenance
Versatility

Hollis Open Heel Bat" Dive Fins F-1

55 reviews

SKU: HLSF2X

^$204.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable, vented dive fin with spring straps and angled mounts for comfort and power.

Pros

Accommodates boots well
Improved performance and efficiency
Requires fewer kicks
Great thrust and agility
Sturdy and well-made

45"(114.3cm) Signal Tube/Surface Marker Buoy with Inflator

55 reviews

SKU: AQUSMDSYL

^$39.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable 45" signal tube with inflator mouthpiece in high visibility colors for safety.

Pros

Visible from a distance
Decent quality
Reliable
Compact size
Easy to carry

Atomic Aquatics Sub-Frame Mask, Black Skirt

54 reviews

SKU: ATMMSFBKBK

^$159.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A low volume, wide field of vision mask with ultra-clear lenses and adjustable buckles.

Pros

Wide field of vision
Clear lenses
High quality and durability
No leaks
Comfortable fit

NeoSport 5mm Men's Full Wetsuit Package

53 reviews

SKU: PCKDW8

~~$355.92~~ Save: $115.97 (33%)

^$239.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A 5mm full wetsuit package for men, designed for scuba diving in colder waters.

Pros

Good quality and durability
Excellent customer service
Good value for the price
Fast shipping and timely delivery
Great fit and warmth

Atomic Aquatics Split Fins Smoke on the Water

53 reviews

SKU: ATMFWSM

^$279.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A lightweight and flexible split fin made from composite plastic polymer materials, perfect for efficient propulsion.

Pros

Easy on/off
Efficient
Great propulsion
Reduced leg strain
Comfortable

Scubapro Air 2, Combination Octopus/Inflator Regulator

49 reviews

SKU: SCPA2GYR

^$320

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable and versatile combination octopus/inflator regulator with easy-to-use features and a classic design.

Pros

Breathability
Reduces clutter and eliminates hoses
Convenient and practical
Combination of octopus and inflator
Streamlined design

Scubapro Crystal VU-Plus Mask

49 reviews

SKU: SCPMCRBK

^$136

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A low volume, single lens mask with seamless side window and ultra clear glass for top clarity.

Pros

Good price
Wide field of vision
Improved fogging
No leaks
Comfortable fit

Pinnacle 7mm Cruiser Men's Full Wetsuit Package

45 reviews

SKU: PCKDC77M

~~$519.25~~ Save: $169.30 (33%)

^$349.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A 7mm full wetsuit package for male scuba divers with titanium-lined neoprene, booties, and hood.

Pros

Smooth return process
Kept warm in cold water
True to size
Easy to put on and off
Overall quality

Zeagle Scout BC

42 reviews

SKU: ZGLSCXL

^$439.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A lightweight back inflator BC with 2-zippered utility pockets and 4 stainless steel D-rings.

Pros

Good value for money
Versatile and suitable for entry-level divers
Convenient weight integration system
Compact and lightweight design
Sturdy and well-made construction

NRS cVest Mesh Back Personal Floatation Device

33 reviews

SKU: NRSCVBPXXRD

~~$147.95~~ Save: $41.05 (28%)

^$106.90

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable, USCG-approved PFD with ample storage, adjustable fit, and 16lbs buoyancy for paddling.

Pros

No interference when paddling
Mesh back design for ventilation
Durable construction
Ample and usable pockets
Comfortable fit and design

Blue Reef Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)

29 reviews

SKU: BLRDBS6OR

^$54.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A blue surface marker buoy with a 6' length, easy to use oral inflator, and top D-ring for light attachment.

Pros

Good quality and well made
Convenient size
Affordable price
Easy to use and inflate
High visibility

Suunto EON Core Wrist Computer

27 reviews

SKU: SQTECWH

~~$799~~ Save: $199.01 (25%)

^$599.99

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A lightweight, compact wrist computer with a large color display and versatile diving modes.

Princeton Tec Save-A-Dive-Kit

23 reviews

SKU: AQUSADKCL

^$14.95

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A waterproof container packed with essential scuba diving gear, including fins straps, mask accessories, and mouthpieces.

Pros

Quality spare parts included
Convenient all-in-one kit
Customizable options
Good value for price
Suitable as a starter kit or gift

Scubapro 3mm Delta Boots

19 reviews

SKU: SCPBDS39

^$63

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A versatile, unisex 3mm neoprene boot with a soft sole, perfect for scuba diving and water sports.

Oceanic Oceanpro BCD

17 reviews

SKU: OCNOPXS

^$599.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A rugged Oceanic BCD with easy-adjust straps, padded support, and weight integration options.

Garmin Descent Mk3i 43mm Dive Computer Smartwatch

15 reviews

SKU: GRMDMK43BK

^$1399.99

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A dive-first smartwatch with enhanced sonar technology, GPS, and dive readiness tool for smaller wrists.

Pinnacle 5mm Cruiser Women's Full Wetsuit

14 reviews

SKU: PINC55WXS

^$299.95

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable and warm 5mm full wetsuit for women, with titanium lining and reinforced kneepads.

Cressi Solid Scuba Package

12 reviews

SKU: CSBSLPCKSM

~~$799.80~~ Save: $249.85 (31%)

^$549.95

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In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable and reliable scuba package with a jacket-style BCD and high-quality materials.

Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD

11 reviews

SKU: CSBSP2BR

~~$379.95~~ Save: $30.95 (8%)

^$349

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A durable, weight-integrated BCD with 1000/500 Denier Cordura, adjustable straps, and large cargo pockets.

Suunto Vyper Novo Light Wrist Computer

10 reviews

SKU: SNTVNWT

^$359

+ wishlist

In Stock

DESCRIPTION

A programmable wrist computer with multiple modes, depth display up to 330', and audible alarms.

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Essential Gear For Open Water Certification

Whether you’re preparing for your first open water certification course or shopping for a thoughtful gift for a new diver, selecting the right essential gear is a pivotal step in ensuring comfort, safety, and enjoyment beneath the surface. Open water certification marks the beginning of a diver’s journey, and the gear chosen for this milestone can have a lasting impact on every underwater experience that follows. At the heart of any diver’s kit are the basics: a well-fitting mask, snorkel, and fins. These fundamental pieces provide the clarity, breathing capability, and propulsion needed to explore with confidence. A mask should fit snugly without leaking, offering a wide, unobstructed field of view—there’s nothing quite like the moment you first gaze down into a vibrant reef or watch a school of fish glide by. Fins should deliver both comfort and efficiency, allowing you to move effortlessly even on longer surface swims or during those first fin-kick drills in the pool. The snorkel, meanwhile, is invaluable for surface breathing before and after dives, reducing fatigue and conserving energy for the adventures below.

Beyond these basics, open water certification requires a suite of specialized equipment designed to keep divers safe and comfortable in a variety of conditions. The buoyancy control device (BCD) is a core piece, acting as both a harness and a means to fine-tune your position in the water. With a properly fitted BCD, you’ll experience the unique sensation of weightlessness, effortlessly hovering over coral gardens or sandy bottoms. The regulator, which delivers air from the tank to your mouth, is another critical investment—smooth, reliable breathing is essential for both safety and peace of mind, especially during those first open water descents. Exposure suits, whether wetsuits or drysuits, provide vital thermal protection, allowing you to focus on the underwater world rather than the chill of the water. In the late summer months, when water temperatures can vary dramatically by region, having the right suit can mean the difference between a short, shivery dive and a comfortable, memorable exploration. A dive computer is also indispensable, tracking depth, time, and no-decompression limits to help you dive safely within your training. For navigation and safety, a compass and signaling devices—such as a surface marker buoy and whistle—are essential, ensuring you can communicate and be located easily on the surface. Dive lights, while often associated with night dives, are also useful for peering into crevices or illuminating the vibrant colors of marine life even during daytime dives.

For those looking to support a friend or family member embarking on their certification, many of these items make excellent gifts—particularly personal gear like masks, fins, or dive bags, which are often tailored to individual preferences and fit. A quality dive bag helps keep equipment organized and protected, making travel to and from the dive site a breeze. Don’t overlook the importance of personal comfort items such as swimsuits, towels, warm clothing for after the dive, sunscreen, and even hand sanitizer for use between dives. These thoughtful additions can make a day on the water more enjoyable and stress-free. As you assemble your kit, take time to familiarize yourself with each item’s operation and maintenance—understanding how your gear works is a crucial part of safe diving. If you’re eager to explore further or want a comprehensive overview of what every diver should consider, take a look at our Must Have Gear For Diving page for expert insights and recommendations. Whether you’re gearing up for your own open water adventure or helping someone else take the plunge, investing in the right essentials lays the foundation for a lifetime of underwater discovery.

Top Picks For Essential Gear For Open Water Certification