How to choose the right diving gear

Don’t be stingy when it comes a mask, even for kids. Prioritise comfort and fit: silicone skirts are more comfortable, last longer and won’t get brittle with age as cheaper plastics do. To test the fit, press the mask to your face and inhale through your nose. Let go of the mask. If it stays put, the mask has created a good vacuum and should remain watertight.

Also consider colour: a clear skirt lets in more light but yellows after time, while a black skirt creates a telescopic view and is recommended for underwater photography as it blocks out unwanted light that causes reflections in the lens.

You might think a snorkel’s a snorkel, but some features make all the difference. Look for a splash guard that prevents water from entering the top and a flexible mouthpiece for a better fit.

Full-foot fins with a soft blade are recommended for beginners as they’re more flexible, lighter and easier on the thighs. Fins with adjustable heel straps usually cost more and are designed to be worn with booties. To ensure a proper fit, try on the fins and stand on your tip-toes – if your heel pops out try a smaller size.