Dive school

[SpecOpNightfall]

This summer I'm going to be taking a dive class. Does anyone have any idea what gear the SEALs use? Like SCUBA equipment, fins, etc. Better to get used to them now :-). Oh, and nobody say Draeger. I'm not gonna get a Draeger for non-combat diving. Or maybe I will get certified and buy one . . . :-p

[boomer]

Check for a US Divers in you area. Gear is state of the art for rec. divers and you can push it pretty hard. Other than that, many online SPECOPS catalogs let your fingers do the walking. Learn how to dive first and then worry about the gear later. Good divers are a rare commodity these days in DEVGRP.
Boomer

[Nissan]

Don't worry so much about what gear the SEALs use. Use whatever is comfortable for you. I would love to get a pair of Mares Avanti Quatro fins but my budget and amount of diving I due make it a bad move...goto the dive shop and ask the people that work there they will be able to set you up with a system thats good for you...remember SCUBA is a expensive sport..be ready to chip out at least 75 for fins 40 for a mask 10 for a snorkel and at least 20 for a set of booties...and for some maks I've seen the price up over 100 and fins well over 100 to damn near 125 so for good equipment be ready to spend a good deal of cash...and if your gonna get into the realms of buying your entire set up Oh christ your gonna be breaking the bank...but thats a completley different story

[squall32]

well if your going to BUD/S the fins they issue there SUCK so i suggest getiing your own set don't buy those kind. Also everyone is right don't worry about gear but do try and get a double regulator they are alittle more expensive but worth it for training purposes.

[bd]

Spec,

I can't tell you what SEALs are issued, but don't worry about what others use. I used to AI for a national dive program and if you're going through a scuba course, you need to get what fits you and works for you.

Your mask for example, you need to try on. Don't buy one out of a catalog. Go to your local dive shop and try them on. For fit on the mask, remove the strap and place the mask on your face. It should hold in place nicely when you breathe in slightly without leaking. On the other hand, it shouldn't stick to your face indefinately. Your mask is a very important (if not the most important) piece of equipment, so get the right one.

As for your other equipment, USDivers is my personal choice, but SeaQuest, Mares, and the other big names make fine gear too. For fins, I use USD Blades for recreational diving and pool work along with a USD Cousteau BC and sea2 regulator. Nissan's right about the cost. A complete set of nice gear will run you anywhere form $500-$900.

Take care and be safe.

BD

[This message has been edited by bd (edited 03-15-2000).]

[srff]

Be more concerned with getting in shape for BUD/S than taking a dive class. You have about eight weeks of training before you even get to dive phase. Learn to side stroke effieciently by exhaling during the underwater recovery, don't hold your breath while you swim. I see a lot of guys hold their breath when they put their head in the water and then when they lift their head out they have to exhale and inhale and they get smoked. Good luck and if you do decide to take a dive class, take NAUI.

[TonyM]

Lt Smith's SEAL fitness website has some Navy gear-fins, masks, BC's,etc (see the post above about buying a mask first - it's good advice) . www.getfitnow.com (http://www.getfitnow.com)