New Diver Equipment: Should You Buy or Hire?
Choosing new diver equipment does not mean buying everything at once. First, give yourself time to enjoy scuba diving and find out how often you want to dive. We do not expect new divers to arrive with a full set of their own kit.
New diver equipment: start with the diving
You may have just completed your Open Water course, or you may still be deciding whether diving will become a regular part of your holidays. In either case, there is no need to rush into a large equipment purchase.
Using provided or hired equipment can help you learn what feels comfortable. As you gain experience, you will have a clearer idea of the features, fit and type of diving that matter to you.
If you are still learning, explore the PADI Open Water course. For qualified divers, a few days of guided diving give you useful time in the water without requiring you to own everything.
Buying versus hiring: think about the whole cost
Think about how many dives you realistically expect to make each year. Occasional holiday divers may find that hiring the larger items makes sense. Frequent divers may value the familiarity and fit of their own equipment.
The purchase price is only one part of the decision. Allow for servicing, inspections, replacement parts, storage and airline baggage. Equipment needs care even when it spends much of the year out of the water.
Also consider where you will dive. A setup for warm holiday water may not suit colder conditions at home. Ask for advice before buying around a single trip.
Which new diver equipment is useful first?
A well-fitting mask is a sensible first purchase after your Open Water course. A dive computer is often the next useful item: both travel easily and can accompany you on future trips. Learn how your computer works before using it on a dive.
Boots, fins and a wetsuit may become worthwhile as you dive more often. A BCD and regulators are a bigger commitment, with fit, suitability and ongoing care all part of the choice.
Our companion guide explains what scuba diving equipment to buy at each stage. This page helps you decide whether owning more kit makes sense for you in the first place.
We will help you choose, without selling you equipment
Dive UK Hurghada does not sell scuba equipment. However, we happily help our customers think through purchases and recommend what best fits their needs, experience and budget.
Tell us what you already own, what you are considering and how much diving you expect to do. There is no pressure to buy a full set. Sometimes the best decision is to keep using hire equipment while you gain more experience.
Equipment for your next Hurghada trip
You can arrange equipment hire with your diving booking. Our scuba equipment hire information explains the available kit. Tell us what you need early so we can confirm sizing and arrangements.
Standard equipment hire is £25 per day or £100 for five diving days per person. Dive computers are charged separately. Confirm exactly what you need and what is included before booking.
If you bring your own kit, check its condition and servicing requirements well before travelling. Read our equipment servicing guide and ask us about anything you are unsure of.
Make more of your diving holiday
Our daily diving and five-day packages give qualified divers time to settle into the routine and explore a variety of sites. A five-day package includes two guided dives each day. The price is £325 for one diver, or £300 per person when two book together for five consecutive diving days.
Air, weights, boat lunch, marine fees and local transfers within two kilometres of our facility are included. Equipment hire is extra: £100 per person for five days; dive computers are separate. See our current diving prices for other group sizes and transfer areas.
If you would like accommodation too, explore our diving holidays in Hurghada. Tell us your dates, qualifications, last dive and any equipment needs, and we will help you choose a suitable plan.
Ask before you buy
Good new diver equipment choices begin with honest advice. If you are weighing up a purchase or planning your first trip after qualifying, contact our team. We are happy to help you enjoy the diving and build your kit gradually.
