Buy or rent the gear? This is a question that everyone entering the world of snorkeling asks. Here are a few factors to think about when making your decision.
Renting – The Pros
- If you are unsure that snorkeling may not be right for you, so then renting the gear would be a good place to start. Renting the gear means that you don’t have to commit to an investment until you are sure that you want to continue to snorkel.
- Half the fun of snorkeling is in exploring the waters in new places. The gear, especially the fins, can be difficult to pack and carry with you. By renting the equipment, it leaves you free to travel lightly, and you can pick up what you need at your destination.
- As you continue to rent you can try out various styles and makes of gear and find what suits you best. If you do decide to buy later on, you will know exactly what you want.
Renting – The Cons
- The quality of fit of rental gear may not be the best and this could lead to some amount of discomfort when it is being used.
- Some equipment renters may not pay enough attention to sanitation. Using gear that has not been properly cleaned or sanitized after the last use, could lead to infections.
- Rental gear may be hard to find at your destination. Not being able to snorkel could ruin your trip.
- The cost of renting the gear, will have to be added to your travel budget.
Buying – The Pros
- You can always be sure of the quality and fit of the gear you will be using. That peace of mind is worth a lot.
- You know that the gear is clean and safe to use. More peace of mind.
- You never know when you may hit the beach again. With your own gear, you can leave at a moment’s notice.
- You won’t have to waste time looking for gear when you arrive. You can hit the water right away instead of wasting time looking for rental shops.
Buying – The Cons
- If you are buying, you need gear that will last. That could mean a significant expenditure. If you decide not to snorkel again, selling your equipment, may entaila loss.
- Hauling your gear along when traveling can be a pain. With airlines now making you pay for almost everything you carry,taking your gear along with you on a trip, means that is also an added expense. If you do any shopping on your trip, your return flight will cost you even more. One way out would be to carry your mask and snorkel (which do not take up too much space) and rent only the fins at your destination.
So What Should You Do?
If you are travelling to a place like Hawaii, with its well-developed snorkeling infrastructure, renting is the best option. There are well equipped charter boats available which offer rental gear along with experienced crews who will take you to the best snorkeling locations. The really good boats will offer you food and all the other creature comforts you need to make the experience a memorable one. Once you know how enjoyable snorkeling is, you will want to continue with it and that is when buying your own gear would be practical.
