This portion of our guide will feature equipment, gear, and accessories used in cave diving, an extreme sport or explorational activity that involves underwater diving in water-filled caves.
The required equipment depends on the circumstances, although almost all cave-diving uses scuba equipment. Recreational cave diving is considered to be a type of technical diving.
To navigate the unforgiving environment of an underwater cave, divers are equipped with specialized gear designed for navigation, communication, and safety.
The essential diving gear is the core of a cave diver's equipment. This includes a mask, fins, wetsuit or drysuit, buoyancy compensator device, regulator, and tanks.
A high-quality mask with a wide field of vision is critical. Low-volume masks are preferred because they reduce issues with buoyancy and make clearing easier. A backup mask is often carried, as well. Brands like Aqua Lung and Subapro are often used.
Fins with a sturdy yet flexible design allow for better maneuverability. Apeks and Mares are popular cave diving brands.
The choice between a wetsuit and a drysuit depends on water temperatures. Drysuits provide thermal protection in cold-water caves like those found in natural pits in regions like the Yucatan Peninsula. Manufacturers like DUI and Santi are respected brands.
Because visibility is limited in caves, powerful lights are essential. Dive lights from brands like Halcyon and Light & Motion are common choices. Divers generally carry at least one primary light and two backups.
A guide line is necessary for navigating dark passages with twists and turns. Dive Rite and OMS produce durable reels and lines designed for cave diving.
A helmet with mount points for lights is sometimes used to protect the diver's head and provide primary lighting while leaving the hands free.
Reliable breathing systems that can handle extended periods underwater in varying conditions are required. High-performance regulators with environmental sealing are critical for preventing free-flow in cold water. Apeks and Subapro produce regulators explicitly made for harsh conditions. Side-mount diving allows for easier access to multiple tasks, increasing safety and redundancy. Hollis and XDeep systems are highly regarded by the cave diving community. For extended dives, closed-circuit rebreathers are used to recycle exhaled gases. JJ-CCR and rEvo are prominent brands.
Safety is a matter of incredible importance in cave diving, and effective communication is a vital component.
Advanced dive computers capable of handling multi-gas mixes and providing real-time data are essential. Shearwater Research and Suunto produce top-of-the-line computers that are popular with cave divers.
Surface marker buoys and lift bags are used to mark positions and to provide additional buoyancy when needed. Brands like Halcyon and OMS are good options.
Full-face masks with integrated communications systems allow cave divers to talk to each other and with surface support personnel. Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) provides industry-leading communication gear.
Different cave systems around the world present unique challenges that require specialized equipment.
In cold water environments, drysuits with heating systems may be necessary. Dry glove systems from brands like Santi and heating solutions from Thermalution provide added comfort.
Clear water and intricate passageways in Mexico's cenotes require excellent navigation tools as well as lightweight, compact gear. XDeep's side-mount systems are popular in this region.
European caves, such as those in Italy and France, often have strong currents that require durable and robust gear. Aqua Lung and Scubapro's designers work well in these conditions.
Cave diving is a form of underwater exploration and an extreme sport that requires meticulous planning and reliable equipment designed for each unique situation.
Manufacturers and retailers specializing in cave diving equipment and gear are the focus of this category. Websites featuring product reviews and comparisons of cave diving products are also appropriate in this part of our guide.
Recommended Resources
The Florida-based company produces equipment and gear for cave diving and other cave diving experiences, including Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs), guidelines, underwater dive lights, helmets, drysuit accessories, tank accessories, and Light Monkey-branded t-shirts, hats, and other items. Dealer information is provided, and an online shop and an informational blog are available. The company also offers repair services. Its basic service cost menu is included and a form is available.
https://www.lightmonkey.us/
In business since 1987, the company behind Otter Drysuits is Otter Watersports, which has been manufacturing high-quality drysuits since 1987. Located in West Burton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, they offer a range of drysuits, including membrane (trilaminate), neoprene, and Kevlar options, each made to measure for a perfect fit. Besides drysuits, Otter Watersports also produces dive gear and clothing, with a range of bespoke (custom) options, such as multiple valve systems.
https://www.otterwatersports.uk/
Based in Freeport, New York, Stone Rust is a premier technical diving equipment retailer specializing in wreck diving, cave diving, and rebreathers. Founded by Captain Tom McCarthy, a closed circuit rebreather instructor, and avid wreck and cave diver, the company is the sister company of East Coast Wreck Diving, a provider of technical diver training and owner of the Tempest Dive Boat. The company's catalog includes BCs, rebreathers, dive lights, drysuits, regulators, tanks, and accessories.
https://stonerust.com/
Located in Jackson, New Jersey, Tec Dive Gear provides high-quality scuba diving equipment for recreational and technical diving, including a range of gear, including Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs), side-mount systems, masks, and other diving accessories. Its XDeep NX Gen BCDs are featured on its website and made available for purchase online, along with backmount BCDs, sidemount BCDs, masks, fins, hardware, and apparel. Its shipping, delivery, and returns policies are stated.
https://tecdivegear.com/
Founded in 2001, TDS has showrooms and offices in several locations, including Florida, Spain, Chile, Mexico, and Panama. The company specializes in technical diving equipment, including drysuits, wetsuits, underwear, gloves, and boots, as well as gas regulators, tanks, buoyancy devices, fins, reels, and accessories, catering to various diving styles, including cave diving, sidemount, backmount, and wreck diving. Dealer information is included, and contacts are provided.
https://tdsdive.com/
