Scuba personal gear is life support and must fit properly. It must be perfectly sized and proofed in a pool before attempting to take it down to 60-100 feet in open ocean. The last thing you want to do is blow your ocean 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 in Monterey – 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 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.
You will be able to exchange purchased gear during pool sessions. This process of trial and error will better your odds of passing your ocean checkout dives. Please plan your class at least one week in advance. This will allow you ample time to choose your snorkeling gear. Please do not wait until the last minute. We may not have your size or color choice available.