Why can’t I rent Personal Gear for the Altitude Program?

This is not a snorkeling class in Hawaii! Personal gear is life support and must fit properly. It must be perfectly sized and proofed before attempting to take it down to 60-100 feet in open ocean. The last thing you want to do is blow your checkout dives because of a rental mask that leaked and a snorkel that has been in 1500 other peoples mouths before yours. We are a diving school first and retail store second. Stocked equipment is selected and placed on the shelves by instructors that teach on a weekly basis. They want nothing to go wrong with you and yours at 50 feet – they know what works and what does not. We understand when a diver candidate is planning to backpack through Thailand and does not want to carry it – In that case we say stick to snorkeling and stay clear of diving until you are ready to commit and take it seriously! All of us here have witnessed first hand the failed use of child like snorkel kits bought from save mart or borrowed poorly fitting masks from uncle Bob. Please buy from the store you are taking lessons with and get some good personal gear. Cutting corners by purchasing from “Cost Mart” will only set you back with a re-buy. Plastic lens masks and flimsy child sized snorkeling fins will not do for open ocean diving. Saving $20 on a cheap pair of fins is not worth it when they fall off 60 feet below the ocean’s surface. Please plan your class at least one week in advance. This will allow you ample time to choose your personal gear. Please do not wait until the last minute. We may not have your size or color choice available.

Scuba Fusion now offers a no questions asked exchange policy on personal gear. During your class, if you are not comfortable with it in the ocean – exchange it for another or take store credit. Your instructor will encourage you to do so if your personal gear is not working for you (Policy good for Scuba Fusion students only during the lake diving portion of the Altitude course).