Shore Diving: Donning Scuba Gear

So you have all your gear set up and ready, you are excited to jump into the beautiful ocean for your Maui shore dives, and you and your buddy have gone through your dive plans and emergency procedures in detail. Now what?
Time to get your scuba equipment on!
(As always, check with your physician before any strenuous physical activity.)

Follow these tips to avoid injury and make scuba diving in Maui easy and fun.

Use your legs.
It’s leg day everyday! Be sure to keep your back straight, engage your core, and lift with your legs. Get your buddy’s help if your gear is heavier than your physical capabilities allow.

Use the high ground.
(Resisting the urge to insert a Star Wars quote here.)
If you have a bench, table, sturdy fence post, or even the trunk of your car handy, haul your gear up to that level to make scuba gear donning a breeze.

Use your buddy’s help.
Whether it’s getting your arm through a shoulder strap or lifting heavy gear, your Maui scuba dive is going to be a whole lot easier with your buddy’s help. A good scuba diver is always aware of their limits and knows when to ask for help.

Save the weights for later.
If you use integrated weight pockets, simply removing the weights before donning your gear is a massive help. Leaving your weights out until after you have your scuba kit on is an easy way to break the weight down into a manageable amount.
Just remember to get that satisfying “click” and replace them before leaving for your dive!

Get your weight distribution comfortable.
A properly donned BCD cummerbund or waist strap can help to keep the weight mostly on your hips, saving your shoulders from undue suffering. Be sure to secure your bottom BCD strap right above your hips or on the smallest point of your waist so the weight sits comfortably where it should.

For more tips and tricks or to rent scuba gear on Maui, drop by our friendly Maui dive shop and we will be happy to help!