SCUBA diving in Singapore?

[zjules]

Hey Funkz,
If you are just diving around here, then a shortie will do (elbow and knee length), although i often go without a suit at all. Just board shorts and a rash guard is fine. A full length suit is not necessary unless your planning on kneeling on the bottom or overly converned about scraping yourself. I think wearing as little neoprene as poss is best as you then need less weights. Try Waikiki dive just off Jalan Sultan, they have lots of choices

[fuNkz]

hey zjules!

Thanks for the kind advice. Erm yes, most probably i will be diving around this region first so i suppose i will be getting a rashguard/thermal guard too. I dun really like wearing a full suit or a shortie because i always find it a hassle to put it on and off. Any idea which brand is good for thermal guard? Please advise. Thanks

[taxico]

if you're a newbie and don't have good bouyancy control, don't go with the sunshirt/rashguard route that you see many divemasters/instructors do.

you will also have to wait at the bottom while the group assembles during your first few certifications (basic/advanced). you may end up getting lots of scrapes without good control.

go with at least an 0.5mm wetsuit. oceanic has very competitively priced wetsuits (i think $100 for a 3mil which will work just nice for this region).

get a full length suit. i see divers get injured on rental shorties regularly. dive safe and have fun!

taxico (NAUI instructor)

[zjules]

Hi Taxico,
Funkz says hes an advanced diver, so im sure buoyancy wont be a problem.. I guess the shortie/full length discussion is just personal preference, but for me, the hassle of wearing full length is greater than the annoyance of scrapes etc. A friend almost bought full suit recently until i advised a shortie, now hes glad of the shortie freedom
The water temp doesnt justify a full length, its just the extra protection. I have mares 2.5 mm shortie and ralftech 3mm separate top which i just wear with board shorts. Its so much better than the 5mm full suits i used to wear in Aus. Mares, Ralftech, Bare are all popular here

[fuNkz]

Hi Taxico,

Thanks for the advice but i suppose i will be getting a rashguard/thermal guard to dive in this tropical region. As for the colder region, i will definitely get a shortie or even a full suit in the future. Thanks.

Hi zjules,

As you said that you have a 3mm ralftech top, may I enquire where did you get it from and whats the price of it? Actually, i was looking at the BARE 3mm top and the price is roughly at $135. May i enquire if the item is over priced? Thanks.

[zjules]

They have Ralftech at Waikiki dive, just off Jalan Sultan. They tend to be more expensive than Bare, maybe more like 160+. Check their selection in store. Sometimes can get discount too

[fuNkz]

okay thanks for all the advice given. I think i shall make a trip down and look at it then. Thanks.

[synkronize]

Hi Everyone

I just got myself certified for OW. I'm going diving in 2 weeks time ... so I plan to get a wetsuit (haven't decided if long or shorties although I used shorties during my OW assessment).

I was told vaguely of this place opposite Golden Mile Complex which sells wholesale scuba equipment and at very reasonable price. Apparently a wetsuit (long) sold there is around $80 - $100. I haven't checked out the prices at the dive shops yet. But does anyone know of this shop on Beach Road (apparently its next to some food centre). I still don't quite know where unless I go and explore.

I've heard nasty stories about renting wetsuits .. haha, but I'm not fussed. Although I thought I "should" invest in a wetsuit first.

[fuNkz]

Hi synkronize

There are several dive shops around beach road. The one that i know which is near any food centre is the Orpheus Scuba Shop. It is located near the army market and you may checkout their detailed location at http://www.orpheusdive.com. They carry several brands over there and as for the prices, its rather reasonable. The sales assistant over there is v. friendly and im sure they will be able to help you out.

Hope that this will aid you in getting your wetsuit! =)

[taxico]

poke around oceanic at parklane too. i got a cheap wetsuit from them. $89 for a full suit.

[taxico]

89 for a full wetsuit is really dirt cheap.....is there anymore available...would love to get one too

no idea. you should call them up or something... i think they're in the book.

[MandarinFish]

I'm arriving on Tuesday and will be looking to dive regularly while I live in Singapore for a minimum three years. However I had to throw away my old shortie the other week and have not had time to buy a new one in the UK before I leave.
So can anyone tell me where is the best place to get O'Neill wetsuits so I can get a new shortie in Singapore when I arrive? Thx in advance

[synkronize]

wow thanks for the feedback guys! i went round and round beachroad last week and couldn't locate any shop which sells "cheap" wetsuits for < $100. I ended up buying a full wetsuit from Waikiki @ $240 (Brand: BARE) .. bleh

[nahmar]

Hi, I got OW lately and now thinking to go first dive trip as "diver" in July or Aug. Everyone told me I should go back to sea sooner if have chance. Otherwise I easiliy forget the technic and others... And I'm looking for someone (or friend?) who can go with me as some of my diver friend cannot make it within a few months. Glad if someone knows good info for trip or organizes it.
Probably I like to buy scuba boots (and wetsuits, if affordable) so would walk around beach road as well...

Thank you,

[fuNkz]

hey nahmar,

My friend and I are thinking of going for a dive trip in Aug(during the national day weekend). We are trying to get more people to join the trip. If you are interested, you may email me at [email protected] and we shall discuss abt it!