The right gear keeps you dive deeply satisfying.
By Megan Wagstaff
Skiing and snowboarding are about to be on everyone’s minds this time of year but don’t forget about Utah’s other “S” sport: scuba diving. Whether you’re an underwater enthusiast or holiday shopping for someone who is, these top picks from local dive shops are must-haves for heading into the blue.
Kraken NR-700 Dive Light
This rechargeable 700 lumen light is a dive-instructor favorite, especially for Homestead Crater in Midway (as it happens, divers prefer to be able to see their surroundings). Compact and handheld, the Kraken NR-700 lasts up to 2 hours at a depth of 330 feet, with a convenient wrist strap to keep it from sinking into the deep. Plus, it comes with a mini USB-charger for your lithium battery and spare O-rings. $90
Dive Utah
4679 S. 2225 East, Holladay
801-277-3483
DiveUtah.com
Tilos Spawn Mask
When it comes to scuba masks, there are more options than there are fish in the sea. The pros at Scuba Utah love the Spawn from Tilos, a popular pick due to its “ultra soft silicone skirt, which fits a wide range of faces (narrow to regular).” Bonus: when you shop from Scuba Utah, they’ll guarantee your mask fits. We guarantee you’ll look good; the Spawn comes in lots of color. $65
Scuba Utah
1942 Fort Union Blvd., Cottonwood Heights
801-942-2100
ScubaUtah.com
BARE Wetsuits
An affiliate of local Utah company Huish Outdoors, BARE wetsuits are the brainchild of two divers from British Columbia. We say if these suits are good enough for the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest, they’re good enough for us. And they’re good enough for Neptune Divers, where pros will help you find the right suit, starting at $300. Plus, with an all-female design team, BARE wet and drysuits are as fashionable as they are functional. $300 and up
Neptune Divers
2445 S. 900 East, SLC
801-466-9630
NeptuneDivers.net
TUSA X-Pert Z-3 Zoom Split Fins
If you want to swim with the fish it helps to swim like a fish, which is why you need these best-selling fins for every dive, uniquely angled to create less strain on your legs as you kick (which also means you use less air in your tank). The split-fin design is based off a boat propeller and similarly propels you forward with such ease you’ll swear you traded your legs for a mermaid tail. Plus, struggling to put on your fins and adjust them is a thing of the past thanks to TUSA’s EZ strap and buckle system. $149
Neptune Divers
2445 S. 900 East, SLC
801-466-9630
NeptuneDivers.net
Paralenz Dive Camera
You’ve heard the saying, “Pics or it didn’t happen.” The Paralenz Dive Camera ensures your search for Atlantis gets properly documented on the ‘Gram. According to The Dive Shop owner Mac Garrabrants, “It is the only camera on the market that automatically adjusts its color rendering based on the current depth of the camera. As a result, no filters or artificial light are required—all other underwater cameras require lighting, filters or post processing.” And if that doesn’t sell it, the Paralenz also boasts three hours of battery life and a tough, military-grade aluminum casing. $699
The Dive Shop
429 W. 500 South, Bountiful
801-295-5445
The-Dive-Shop.com
Scuba School
Where to get Open Water Diver certified in the Beehive
By Megan Wagstaff
Ready to channel your inner Jacques Cousteau? Never mind that Utah is landlocked; there are plenty of places to scuba dive in the Beehive. But first you’ll need an Open Water Diver certification. Here are two places to get your feet (and a lot more) wet.
Neptune Divers
This full-service dive shop in the heart of Sugar House is a Vamoose top pick because of its small class size (six students on average). You’ll attend six lecture/pool classes, then complete six open-water dives over two days. In addition to all your scuba gear for classes and dives, your $400 tuition includes a mask, snorkel, fins and boot demo so you can try all the essentials before you buy, then shop for your faves and save with your student discount. Already certified? Locals can rent a 5-day, 6-piece scuba package including two air tanks, regulator with computer, buoyancy compensator, weights and wetsuit for $100.
Neptune Divers
2445 S. 900 East, SLC
801-466-9630
NeptuneDivers.net
The Dive Shop
For a life aquatic that’s easier on the wallet, The Dive Shop in Bountiful will get you scuba certified for just $250. Supply your own mask, snorkel, fins and boots or sign up for their Internet Student Special Diver’s Kit and choose your custom-fitted gear for $175 (a $300 value). Certification entails four class/pool sessions and four open-water dives. Weber State and U of U students who register for Open Water Scuba Certification through their universities may also be eligible for additional discounts—and receive college credit!
The Dive Shop
429 W. 500 South, Bountiful
801-295-5445
The-Dive-Shop.com
