Scuba Diving Gear 101: What We Provide and What You Should Bring

Whether it’s your first dive or your fiftieth, knowing what scuba gear to expect (and what to pack) can make your dive day smoother and more enjoyable. At Hilo Scuba Diving, we want you to feel totally prepared — especially if you're diving in Hawaii for the first time.

In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what gear we provide, what you might want to bring yourself, and a few extra tips to make sure you’re ready to dive with confidence.

🧰 What We Provide for Your Dive

When you book a dive or PADI certification course with us, we provide all the essential scuba equipment, including:

✅ Mask & Snorkel

A comfortable, well-fitting mask is key to a good dive. We have a variety of sizes and styles to fit your face and help prevent fog or leaks. Snorkels are included, especially useful for surface swims.

✅ Fins

We supply full-foot or adjustable fins depending on the site and conditions. Properly sized fins help you move effortlessly through the water and reduce fatigue.

✅ Wetsuit

We provide 3mm shorty or full wetsuits depending on the season and water temperature. These keep you warm and protect your skin from sun, coral, and marine life.

✅ Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)

Your BCD helps control your buoyancy underwater and keep you afloat on the surface. Our BCDs are well-maintained and fitted to your body size for comfort and performance.

✅ Regulator & Octopus

You’ll breathe through a clean, regularly serviced regulator connected to your tank. We also provide a backup regulator ("octopus") and a submersible pressure gauge (SPG) to monitor your air.

✅ Scuba Tank

We provide a full aluminum tank with compressed air or nitrox (for certified nitrox divers). All tanks are inspected and filled on-site for safety and quality.

✅ Weights & Weight Belt

We’ll set you up with the right amount of weight for your body, wetsuit, and water conditions so you achieve perfect neutral buoyancy.

🎒 What You Might Want to Bring

While we provide everything you need to dive safely, here are a few personal items that can enhance your comfort and experience:

🥽 Your Own Mask or Snorkel

If you already have a mask you love, bring it! A familiar, well-fitting mask can make a big difference — especially if you have a prescription lens or anti-fog coating.

🧤 Dive Gloves or Booties

While not always necessary for shore dives, some divers prefer extra protection on their hands or feet when entering from rocky beaches or lava rock.

👕 Rash Guard or Dive Skin

Great for added sun protection before and after your wetsuit goes on. Also useful for people who are sensitive to neoprene.

🧴 Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect your skin and the coral! Always choose mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen — and apply it at least 30 minutes before entering the water to avoid washing chemicals into the reef.

📸 Underwater Camera or GoPro

Want to capture sea turtles, colorful fish, or that magical lava-rock reef? Bring your waterproof camera — just make sure it’s securely attached.

📝 What Else to Bring to Your Dive Day

• Towel & Dry Clothes: You'll be happy to have these after your dive.

• Water & Snacks: Stay hydrated and refueled.

• Small Backpack or Dry Bag: Keep your belongings safe and organized.

• Certification Card (if certified): We’ll need to see it before you dive.

🐠 Do You Need to Buy Anything Before Your First Dive?

Nope! If you're doing a Discover Scuba or Open Water course with us, everything is included. But if you plan to dive regularly, you may eventually want to invest in:

• Your own mask and fins (for fit and comfort)

• A personal dive computer

• Your own wetsuit if you chill easily or dive often

We’re happy to make recommendations and help you decide what’s worth buying.

🌺 Why Dive with Hilo Scuba Diving?

At Hilo Scuba Diving, we make it easy:

• Small group sizes for personal attention

• High-quality, regularly serviced equipment

• Friendly, experienced instructors

• Flexible scheduling for vacation divers

Whether you're trying scuba for the first time or earning your PADI certification, we’ve got you covered — gear and all.

📅 Ready to Dive?

👉 Book Your Dive or PADI Course Now📍 Hilo, Hawaii📞 (808) 940-4630

Just bring your sense of adventure — we’ll take care of the rest.