[Part 2/4] Die Die Must Have Equipment
- The Dive Coconut
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Congrats on deciding to get your own scuba gear!
Owning your own equipment makes a huge difference. It’s more hygienic, more comfortable, and you’ll become familiar with gear that fits you properly instead of having to adjust to different rental equipment on every trip.
Continuing from my first post on getting started with scuba diving, here’s what I think every new diver should buy first.
Die Die Must Have:
Mask
Fins
Booties & Socks
Pointer Stick or Gloves
Mask:
If you’re only buying one piece of gear, make it your mask.
Expect to spend around S$100–300 for a new one, depending on the brand.
The most important thing isn’t the price—it’s the fit.
If you have a fairly average face shape, you’ll probably find that many masks fit well. If you have more prominent facial features, finding the right mask may take a little more effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. A well-fitting mask feels like a natural extension of your face and makes every dive significantly more comfortable.
Don’t overlook the second-hand market either. Carousell SG app often has quality masks selling for 30–40% below retail, making it a great place to save some money.
One important point:
Never buy a mask online without trying it on first.
Buying a mask is like buying a pair of shoes. If the fit is wrong, you’ll regret it every time you use it.
Unlike shoes, most scuba masks don’t come in standard sizes. The shape of the silicone skirt differs between models, so the only reliable way to find the right one is to visit a dive shop and try several masks in person.
What to look for
Comfort
The air pocket inside your mask compresses as you descend, so try to simulate that while testing it.
Place the mask on your face without using the strap. Inhale gently through your nose to create slight suction, then exhale through your mouth. The mask should stay in place comfortably.
Pay attention to any pressure points around your forehead, nose, or cheekbones. Even small discomfort on land can become annoying during an hour-long dive.
Seal
While the mask is lightly suctioned to your face, smile, frown, and make a few facial expressions.
If the seal breaks or air leaks in, move on and try another model.
Field of View
Different masks offer different fields of vision.
Generally, larger lenses provide better peripheral vision, while smaller-framed masks offer a more compact fit.
Frameless masks usually provide an excellent field of view because the lenses sit closer to your face. Some divers love this. Others find it slightly uncomfortable when equalising.
Personally, I prioritise comfort over field of view.
A comfortable diver is a relaxed diver.
A relaxed diver usually performs better underwater.
For a more detailed explanation, watch this video here
Fins
Your next purchase should be a good pair of fins.
Rental fins are often the weakest part of rental equipment. They usually come in generic sizes, and a poor fit can quickly lead to blisters and skin abrasions after multiple dives.
Trust me—you don’t want open blisters soaking in saltwater for several days.
Most divers solve this by wearing dive socks or booties.
The problem is that many dive shops rent full-foot fins, which don’t work well with thicker socks or booties. Having your own properly fitted fins eliminates that issue.
I won't go into explaining the different type of fins but do watch here for the breakdown.
Booties & Socks
These are inexpensive but make a surprisingly big difference.
A simple pair of old socks can help prevent rubbing and blisters when wearing open-heel fins.
Dive booties provide even more protection.
They’re also useful during surface intervals, allowing you to walk comfortably around boats, jetties, or rocky shore entries without worrying about sharp objects or dropping something on your bare feet.
It’s a small investment that adds a lot of comfort.
Pointer Stick/Gloves
This is probably the most controversial recommendation on my list.
Many instructors and experienced divers discourage beginners from using pointer sticks or gloves because they worry new divers will poke corals, grab onto reefs unnecessarily, or damage marine life while trying to stabilise themselves.
Those concerns are valid.
That said, I still think beginners benefit from carrying a pointer stick or wearing gloves where local regulations allow them.
When you’re new, your buoyancy and trim won’t be perfect. You’ll drift, rotate, and unintentionally move around more than you’d like.
Having a pointer stick can help you stabilise yourself with minimal contact when appropriate, making it easier to stay calm and control your position underwater.
The goal of every dive is to stay relaxed.
The less energy you spend fighting your buoyancy, the more air you’ll conserve and the more you’ll enjoy the dive.
Experienced divers often say, “You shouldn’t need your hands underwater.”
They’re right.
But that’s where they are now—not where every beginner starts.
Until your buoyancy improves, there’s nothing wrong with using tools that make the learning process easier, provided you use them responsibly.
Just don’t be an idiot.
Never touch, poke, or rest on corals intentionally.
If you absolutely need to make contact with something, make sure it’s a bare rock or sandy bottom—not living marine life.
Read more for Equipment Part 2: Should haves