In a nutshell: Try out some gear you’ve had your eye on. Bring some gear, you think someone else would like to try.

The problem: We all want new gear-all the time. At least I do. But it’s almost impossible to try gear out before you buy it – only to find out that you don’t actually like it.

Maybe you’re looking for your first set of gear, maybe it’s an upgrade you’ve always wanted, or maybe, just maybe, you’ve yet to find a mask that doesn’t freaking leak. Scuba is an expensive enough hobby without having to buy gear for the sake of it – only to give it away again on Ebay. I should know. I’ve been through about 5 masks and 3 sets of fins in two years – and I’m still still not sure about the latest fins.

Most scuba stores are pretty reluctant to take things back again once they’ve been in salt water – and who can blame them. Unless you’re the Walmart of diving (ahem!) then the margins just don’t allow for it. We get it. But at the same time, how many divers can afford to buy every set of fins in the store to find the pair that’s right for them?

That’s why we’re setting up an event that I’ve always wanted to do.

The Solution:

The Great Scuba Gear Tryout!

We’re going to charter a boat for a 3-tank boat dive in Jupiter or West Palm, and fill it with guys and gals that want to try out new gear before making a purchase. The first two dives will be “gear swaps” and the last one, everyone gets to relax and just enjoy the dive. Or maybe I’ll borrow your mask.

For example, of all the fins I’ve tried, I’ve never tried me some free diving fins. I’d love to give them a whirl and see how fast they really are.

Here’s are examples of what I could let you try (one piece on each dive): 1.) Atomic ST1 regulator, 2.) Atomic split fins, 3.) Zeagle back inflate BDC, 4.) Atomic Venom mask, 5.) ScubaPro Seawing Nova Gorilla fins, 6.) Atomic cobalt computer.

Think we can fill a boat with a bunch of crazy gear-trading divers? I do!

Just comment below if you’d be interested in a fun day out and the opportunity to make some new friends. Let us know what gear you have – and what you’d love to try out.

Dates and cost to be determined. Probably mid-August, probably around $75 to dive, plus air… you know the usual.