Top 5 Christmas Gifts for Scuba Divers and Snorkelers
Ahhhhhhh, it’s that wonderful time of year again when the visibility is at it’s best and we all have no idea what to get our favorite amphibians for Christmas. The question I get asked the most around this magical time of year is, “What can you recommend as a great Christmas present?” Well hopefully, by the end of this article I can give you a couple of awesome ideas of what to get for those Scuba Divers and Snorkelers!
Top 5 Gifts for Divers
1) Aqua Lung i200C Dive Computer
The question I get asked the most immediately and often by students after finishing an Open Water Course is, “What is the first piece of gear I should consider purchasing?” My answer is always, get a dive computer. The modern dive computer has changed the world of diving for the better. There is virtually no more need to look at tables to plans and calculate dives, they give you more bottom dive by rewarding conservatism, and they track and log your dives in real time. It is my opinion that every diver should have their own computer as they record your personal dive profile and keep you safe based on the diving YOU have done that day.
The Aqua Lung i200C is one of our best selling computers because it is a full feature computer with Bluetooth connectivity. Its great to be able to come out of the water and straight away link up wirelessly with your phone, laptop or tablet to log your dive and check out your dive data. Due to its sleek and compact size, it can be worn as a full time wrist watch but still is clear and easy to read when in the water. For computer with this style and this amount of features packed it, it also comes at a pretty good price. Plus, it also comes in six different colors so picking one the right one should be easy!
2) Apeks VX1 Dive Mask
Ok, this one actually comes in as a tie for the first thing every diver should own. Yes, dive computers are super important but so is a great fitting dive mask! And wow, the Apeks VX1 is a truly spectacular dive mask and I have so many great things to say about it. If you would like to know more about the Apeks VX1 then check out my latest product review which gives an in depth look at this latest state of the art diving mask!
3) Apeks XL4 Regulator Set
In the name of safety, comfort, and peace of mind, having your own regulator set is a must have. I all too often encounter sketchy reg sets in the rental departments of dive shops abroad. I’m not trying to say that these dive operators don’t give a hoot about your safety and well-being but the reality of the matter is that parts and service kits can be hard to come by, depending on the geography. Because of this, many reg sets end up being overused and can be prone to failures. Not to mention they have been in the mouths of thousands of strangers. Having your own reg set eliminates these problems.
The Apeks XL4 is small, lightweight and incredibly versatile, making it a great regulator for travelling anywhere in the world. It works equally well in the icy waters of the Pacific Northwest, as well as the tropical reefs of the Caribbean. The smooth breathing is gives you at all depths is incredible and you even have the diver adjustable controls built in. Plus its made of a solid metal and polymer mix meaning its pretty indestructible even after constant use. If you want more information on the XL4, give my product review a read through and learn more about it.
4) Gobe 500 Dive Light by Light & Motion
Whether you are diving in cold or warm water nothing beats having a trusty dive light. Regardless of location or time of day, having a light will help you get the most out of diving by eliminating color loss underwater and you’ll be able to find all of the best creatures hiding in the cracks.
The Gobe 500 Dive Light is an excellent little light at a very affordable price and it’s backed by one of the best warranties in the industry! With the ability to change brightness levels depending on the conditions, ease of use (even with thick gloves) with one simple button, excellent battery retention and the ability to charge it via usb cable, the Gobe 500 really is packed with features. It would be ideal as a primary dive light for any travelling recreational diver or even as a backup (because of its compact size and light weight) for any technical divers. A fantastic Christmas gift!
5) Aqua Lung Big Squeeze Dive Knife
Absolutely every diver out there should have at least one dive knife on them. This is because they can be so incredibly useful and not to mention can save your life in the event of entanglement. Other than cutting your way out of a net or rope, they can be used as hammers, screwdrivers, pry-bars and audible signalling devices.
The Aqua Lung Big Squeeze Dive Knife is a beauty due to it’s versatility and ease of use. The squeeze lock design makes it easy to deploy even if you’re wearing thick gloves and the locking mechanism ensures the knife is easily and reliably secured. The blunted tip increases person safety and allows it to be used as a screwdriver or pry-bar and the metal handle base makes it handy as a hammer or tank banger. On top of that, there are so many ways you can mount this knife and you should definitely have one in your gear bag!
Top 5 Gifts for Snorkelers:
1) Head Sea Vu Dry Full Face Snorkeling Mask
The full face snorkel mask has exploded in popularity since they were released a few years back. These things are great because they make snorkeling easier and more comfortable for snorkelers of all skill levels. If you would like to know everything about Full Face Snorkel Masks and this product and why they are so popular, be sure to check out my Review on Full Face Masks and the Head Sea Vu Dry Full Face Snorkeling Mask!
2) Head Manta Snorkeling Combo Set
This Snorkel Combo Set from Head has always been our best selling snorkeling set due to the fantastic design if the mask: a single lens with side port windows. This lets the mask to sit close to your face and allows for a 180 degree field of view. Great for seeing all those fishes! The Manta combo also comes with a dry top snorkel that features a bridged mouthpiece for maximum comfort. The mask also fits virtually every face shape, thanks to its soft and flexible silicone skirt, making it a great a great choice for as a gift for any snorkeler!
3) Mares Clipper Snorkeling Fins
The Clipper fins from Mares are our go to option for snorkeling. They are lightweight and short enough that they don’t take up much space in your bag if travelling. They are however, long enough that they can deliver some serious power when you really need it. Because they have a slightly soft blade they are very easy on the legs and don’t require as much effort as stiffer lower quality fins do. This is great because you can be in the water all day without getting tired or cramping up. The foot pocket is also made of a high-grade soft silicone, which feels comfortable when you wear them and makes putting them on and off much easier.
4) High Visibility Snorkeling Vest
When it comes to safety, a snorkeling vest is an absolute must have, especially for people who may not be as confident in the water or swimming, but still want to enjoy the wonders of snorkeling. Plus, being bright yellow they give you the highest level of visibility possible, keeping you safe from boat traffic and easier to find in an emergency. They can be manually inflated to ensure that you stay at the surface without having to tread water if you get tired but also deflated if you want to dive down and get close up to the life. Make sure you pick one of these up before your snorkeling trip!
5) IST Full-Length Rash-Guard
Sunburns, jellyfish and stinging corals are always a concern when snorkeling in warmer waters. Not to mention that many of the commercial sunscreens out there are detrimental to the health of coral reefs and marine ecosystems. You easily fix all of these problems with a good rash-guard. There will be little to no need for sunscreen while you are in the water and any stingy thingies won’t be an issue. Help protect yourself and the environment by picking up a full-length rash-guard before your next snorkeling trip!
Top 5 Stocking-Stuffers
1) Sea Drops Anti-Fog
It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s always a good idea to have a bottle of anti-fog handy.
2) Scuba Tank O-Ring Keychain
This is one of my favorite little knick-knacks because it has saved my butt more times than I can count. This little scuba tank on your keychain contains a bunch of o-rings you can use if you ever need to change the one that’s currently in your tank. It comes with a little pick that makes it so much easier to get the old o-ring out. Oh, and it’s a great conversation starter!
3) Water Activated Mini-Flash Light Beacon
If you are planning on going into the water after the sun goes down, these are a must have. They will help buddies keep track of your location in the water even if your main light fails. They are water activated, come in 3 different colors and are good for about 500 hours of use.
4) Snappy-Coils
These guys are probably the most useful things in the entire world! I personally own about 10 of them. They will allow you to attach literally anything to yourself and keep it close to your body. You also have the option to undo the buckle and operate your gadgets at arms length without ever having to worry about dropping it. These are great for cameras, lights, tools and anything else you could possibly think of. Never lose anything underwater ever again!
5) Mask Strap Neoprene Cover
If you are in warm water, mask straps have a tendency to pull on your hair. If you are in cold water, they can be difficult to put on with thick gloves. In both cases, straps can roll on your head causing weird pressure points and a general decrease in comfort. If you have a neoprene strap cover, all of these issues are solved. The added bonus is that they come with interesting designs which can help you identify your mask if it ends up getting mixed with everyone else’s in the rinse bucket.
