Who am I?
My name is Kristen Huth. I am an elementary school teacher by day and scuba instructor by heart.
I first got certified as an open water diver in May of 2018 through Linfield University at the Yellow House in Hoodsport, Washington. In May of 2020 I started my Dive Master Candidacy and in August of that year I completed the course. I did my Instructor Development Course in Oregon in July of 2021, then completed the Instructor Exam and got my PADI instructor rating in August of 2021. My member number is 456303.
I teach classes as an independent contractor. I’ve taught classes ranging from open water through divemaster and have many specialties that I can teach.
I am largely a cold water diver in Oregon, Washington and sometimes California but when I can swing it, warm water trips are always a fun time.
Check me out on Instagram @kristen.scuba or YouTube kristenscuba to see tips and tricks.
MY gear and recommendations!
BCD
In cold water I tend to use an Aqualung BCD which can hold lots of weight integrated in the BCD itself.
However, in warm water, I prefer my smaller ScubaPro BCD that has a weight capacity of 24lbs.
When picking a BCD make sure you take into account that it should be big enough to go over many layers of wetsuit but also work in just a thin skin. BCDs do not need to be tightened as much as possible, we aren’t wrestling sharks down there.
Mask & Snorkel
I prefer a simple TUSA mask and a used snorkel that looks like it’s from the 80’s.
Masks are one of the most important scuba purchases you’ll make. A comfortable mask that lets you equalize effectively will allow you to dive forever, but an uncomfortable one will have you hoping the dive ends. Similarly, making sure that you have a snorkel that comfortably sits on the side of your face when you aren’t using it is key.
Wet suits and dry suits
For cold water I have a drysuit and a 2 layer wetsuit which consists of a farmer john and jacket, both of 7mm.
In warm water I tend to wear a full body 3mm wetsuit.
I have a lot of protective layers as an instructor but I recommend finding one that fits you well and sticking with it. For casual diving you really dont need more than one good suit. Remember, if you want a dry suit, get the appropriate training to know what you’re doing.
Regulator
I use an aqualung regulator with a compass and SPG attached. I also have a mouth piece that is fit to me made by Rite Bite.
Regulators are one of the last things I suggest that people buy. I know it’s tempting because of the fact that it’s something you put in your mouth, however, they also are expensive to own. What I mean by that is that they are not only expensive up front but also expensive to maintain as you have to use them frequently to keep them working and you have to get them serviced for a few hundred dollars every couple of years.
Camera
I use an Olympus TG6 with underwater housing 059. I have recently been looking into getting a backscatter strobe and snoot through http://www.housingcamera.com/ and will update as soon as I have more information!
A camera is also one of the last things to buy as you should have solid bouyancy control before adding it to your gear. A camera is an expensive investment to make and if you’re not ready, many divers around you will feel frusterated with your unawareness to the environment around you.