10 Diving Accessories You Might Not Have Thought Of
September 16, 2024Besides the main diving and snorkeling equipment (wetsuit, fins, mask, etc.), there are some smaller, less vital items that are still extremely handy to have in your dive bag! Certain diving accessories can make life on the water just a little easier and more comfortable. We are going to look at a few of these accessories for scuba diving, freediving, and snorkeling that we bet you do not already have.
Top 10 Diving Accessories For Your Dive Kit
1.Flashlight
A flashlight is not something that every diver has as standard, but they are not just for night dives. A flashlight is one of the most essential diving accessories when you are cave diving, exploring caverns, or wreck diving. Even on daytime dives, a flashlight can make the experience so much better. Mares have a range of flashlights to suit every budget. A smaller flashlight can be easily packed and traveled with and can be tucked into your BCD pocket or attached to your gear using a carabiner clip.
2.Headband
If you have long hair and love to dive or snorkel, you probably already know the issues that come with your hair being in salt water for a long time. Hair can become tangled or look a mess in your beautiful underwater selfies. A headband is one of the simplest diving accessories, but it really can make all the difference. Slip Ins offers a wide range of comfortable headbands in a variety of prints from whale shark to tiger lily. A headband will keep your hair out of your face and protect your hair when putting your mask strap on and off.
3.Waterproof Whistle
A whistle is an inexpensive but essential accessory for surface signaling. For scuba diving it can be attached to the BCD, for snorkeling and freediving you can keep it around your neck or attached to a buoy. A whistle can be used to alert others to a diver’s presence or call for help. Its loud sound can be heard over long distances, making it one of the most important diving accessories for enhancing safety and ensuring divers and snorkelers can communicate effectively in emergencies.
Looking for great gift ideas? Take a look at: 10 Best Gifts For Scuba Divers
4.Dry Bag
A waterproof bag is essential for keeping your belongings dry while snorkeling. These bags come in various sizes and are designed to protect items like phones, wallets, and keys from water damage. Having a waterproof bag ensures that your valuables are safe and dry, giving you peace of mind while you explore the underwater world.
5.EasyQ freediving alarm
Until recently, freedivers have had to tuck their dive computer into the hood of their wetsuit to hear the alarm as they descend. Freedivers set alarms on deeper dives to alert them as to where to take a mouthfill (equalization technique), or that the bottom of the dive line is coming up soon so they can prepare to turn. But having a dive computer in your hood is bulky and uncomfortable (which does not help with relaxation).
The team at EasyQ decided to solve this problem and created a small and compact alarm that can be easily positioned in the hood for the perfect placement near the ear. The EasyQ alarm has a simple design that allows you to set your alarms at your chosen depth(s) and now comes with a handy keyring case so you will never lose it.
6.Tank Banger or Noise Maker
A tank banger or noise maker attracts attention underwater by creating a loud noise. These simple devices attach to the tank or other gear and can be struck or shaken to produce sound. This accessory is useful for getting the attention of dive buddies, particularly in situations where visual signals might be missed. They are a helpful tool for enhancing safety and coordination, but only use your noise maker when you really need to, many scuba divers like to enjoy the peace of being underwater.
7.Mask Defogger
A defogging solution prevents your mask from fogging up when you are diving or snorkeling, ensuring you can see clearly underwater. It is typically applied to the inside of the mask lens before putting the mask on your face. Clear vision is crucial for an enjoyable underwater experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the underwater scenery and avoid potential hazards.
Using mask defog enhances your ability to explore with ease and is one of the most common diving accessories. It is important to respect the underwater world and do minimal damage, which is why a reef-friendly solution such as the Stream2Sea defogger is ideal.
Want to become an eco-friendly diver? Check out: 10 Top Tips for Sustainable Diving
8.Dive Knife or Cutting Tool
A dive knife or cutting tool serves as a vital safety tool for cutting through entanglements, such as fishing lines or kelp. Typically made from stainless steel or titanium, these knives come with sheaths for easy access and secure storage. Having a dive knife is helpful in emergencies where a diver might become trapped by lines or netting. These dive knives can be used by scuba divers or freedivers who enjoy exploring off the line.
9.Hydro Backpack Buoy
The Hydro Backpack Buoy can be used not only as a spacious backpack but also as a floating buoy to make you visible in the water. It also gives you something to hold onto if you get tired while snorkeling. A waterproof solution to keep your belongings dry, and a way to carry your snorkel gear easily, the Hydro Backpack Buoy is one of the most versatile diving accessories.
10.Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial, but traditional sunscreens can damage coral reefs and marine life. Reef-safe sunscreen like Sun Bum is formulated without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Using reef-safe sunscreen not only protects your skin from sunburn but also helps preserve the underwater environment, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious snorkelers, scuba divers, and freedivers.
Now you have the diving accessories, are you ready for your next trip?
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