SNORKLING KITS

[Gary ba]

Hi everyone
I am off to the Maldives in 3 weeks time with my wife and have been told to buy my gear before we go as it is quite expensive out there.
First of all can anyone recommend any sets for around £50 ( mask ,flipper and snorkle). Do not want to skimp so if this is not enough would be willing to spend more as we want to make the most of this experience.
Also as we live on the North East coast a friend has suggested we try snorkling on our coast St Abbs and surrounding areas after the holidays, would a 7 ml wet suit be okay as he has suggested, how much for this and boots, hood and gloves.Just want to get rough guide before i jump in to the sport.
Regards Gary:)

[Yak Diver]

I always think if you buy cheap you buy twice, my one and only set is Tusa mask, fins and snorkel good quality gear that lasts, as for a wet suit 5 mm OK for spring/summer, 7 mm for autumn and early winter.

[DRW]

I snorkel every weekend in the North Sea wearing the same classic style of mask, snorkel and full-foot fins that I wore when I began in the early 1960s. I used the same kit when I snorkelled in the Mediterranean during the 1970s and in the La Jolla Cove in California in the 1990s. I've never seen any reason to change because every item works perfectly for me.

It's really important to get a mask, fins and snorkel that suit your individual needs and nobody else's. That way you will get a lifetime, not just a season, of enjoyment out of the sport. In the case of mask and fins, a good fit is more important than any brand name. That means trying them on if you can. A poor mask fit will result in a flooded mask. Fins that are too small will cramp your feet. If they are too big, they may fall off. To avoid foot abrasions if you prefer full-foot fins, it may be worth investing in fin socks.

Only you can tell whether the kit you have chosen is the best kit for you. That means trying it on in the shop, if you are purchasing gear locally, or having the right to swap goods if you buy online. Try out whatever you have chosen in a swimming pool, if possible, or failing that in shallow water somewhere. You won't have to spend a lot of money in the process.