Beginner's Guide to First Dive Essentials

First Dive Essentials: What to Pack and Why

Hey there, new divers! While it might not seem like a big deal, figuring out what to bring (or not bring) can be a little stressful. If you’re feeling a little nervous about your first dive and unsure of what to pack, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I’m here to help ease your mind with a simple packing list based on my first diving experience. This list is straightforward and will evolve as I continue to explore the vast ocean and learn more along the way.

Let’s dive in!

The Basics

These first four items are pretty straightforward but absolutely essential:

1. A Big Bottle of Water Staying hydrated is crucial. Diving is an energy-intensive activity, and you’ll need plenty of water to keep your energy up.

2. A Big Towel After your dive, you’ll want to dry off quickly to keep the boat and your valuables dry. It’s a simple must-have for protecting items that shouldn’t get wet.

3. A Clean Set of Clothes Changing out of a wet swimsuit after diving is key to staying comfortable and avoiding chills or discomfort.

4. A Bag for Wet Clothes This is a lifesaver for keeping your wet swimsuit separate from the rest of your stuff.

For Those Who Wear Glasses

5. Contact Lenses If you wear glasses, consider bringing contact lenses. Some divers prefer prescription dive masks, but if you’re not sure yet, trying contacts can be a good starting point. Just be cautious—contacts can shift or come off. I’m personally still experimenting with using contact lenses while diving. They’re definitely more convenient between dives, but I’ve had a few instances where they came off at the end of a dive.

A Note on Swimsuits

6. Swimsuit I know a lot of people are going to disagree with me on this. A lot of you out there might want to go butt naked, or free the nips, but hear me out. Wear your swimsuit! The only piece of clothing you’ll wear under your wetsuit! Now, let’s address something not everyone thinks about: cleanliness.

   Most first-time divers rent their wetsuits, and here’s the truth—you don’t know who wore it before you or how well it was cleaned. Wetsuits are made of neoprene, which is excellent for insulation but not the easiest material to clean. And yes, some people pee in rental wetsuits. Gross, right?

   For hygiene and comfort, I recommend wearing an extra layer underneath your wetsuit:

   • For Men: A Speedo work great, but if you’re like me, I personally prefer wearing swim shorts. It’s all about adding a barrier without compromising comfort.

   • For Women: Now isn’t the time to show off your gorgeous body or worry about tan lines with a bikini—loose fabric can cause discomfort underwater in a wetsuit. A regular swimsuit does the job perfectly. It’s simple and practical.

So, there you have it—a short list of items I packed for my first dive. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a great starting point for beginners. I hope it helps ease your nerves and gets you excited for your underwater adventure.

Do these tips help you feel more prepared for your first dive? If so, feel free to message me and let me know!