Favorite Gear and Island Supplies?

[HaveToTravel]

It's time to start ordering a few things for our Dec trip so we have time to exchange sizes if needed. I'm looking for suggestions as to your favorite sources and brands for rash guards/snorkel shirts, snorkel gear, float belts, and hiking sandals/water shoes. I'm not sure if all 4 of us will buy snorkel gear; some of us may just rent it on island. We want what we need to be comfortable, but we are keeping value in mind as well. Most of these things aren't useful where we live, so they will only get pulled out once a year or every other year on vacation, much to my dismay! If there are any other just have items I left out, please share your tips for those as well.

[PA Girl]

Keep an eye on lands end for cheap rash guards. I just picked up 5 for my son for $7 each. I personally don't think a rash guard(sun shirt) is a must have but then again, I have medium complexion.

We have a bunch of gear from US Divers that has served us well. Personally, I rather have my own gear rather than spending time on island going to a shop to rent/return. I think I paid $5 or $10 for my belt at home. It would cost at least that much to rent one.

I have yet to find water shoes/hiking sandals that I like. I have tevas, Keens and jambus and all have faults that annoy me. Do you plan to do a lot of hiking? I have worn sneakers for the Reef Bay Trail and was glad it picked those over the sandal choices.

[AquaGirl]

For our masks, we like to go to the local dive shop at home and try them on. The shop staff can help you get the correct fit. We spend many hours snorkeling on our once/year trip and definitely don't want an ill-fitting and leaky mask. If anyone in your party wears glasses, they have prescription masks as well (if you want to invest in something like that). For my hubby, its well worth it, as his prescription mask allows him to see everything clearly. We also bought our fins at the dive shop, but you might be able to find them cheaper online.

For water sandals, I bought some at Lands End years ago, and they are the only type that are comfortable on my messed up feet. They are a little bit like Tevas, but much more comfortable. I think LL Bean also sells water sandals. When we hiked into Cobblestone Beach, we wore sneakers. We didn't want to scramble over rocks while wearing sandals.

Happy shopping and trip planning!

[iheartsj]

Don't get hung up on getting the best brand name gear. I live on island and snorkel in a t-shirt to prevent sunburn. I do recommend bringing your own mask and tube for sure. You can rent fins cheaply and they take a lot of space in luggage. Unless you are an experienced snorkeler and plan to free dive, fins are not that important. As for clothing, pack light. 2 swimsuits, some shorts, sundress or 2. A light jacket or wrap for evening. A good pair of teva-type shoes will suffice for beach and hiking. A trekking pole is helpful as many of the trails are steep, but there are also trails that are much less challenging.

Enjoy your visit.

[toes in the sand]

I just purchased a set of short fins to replace my really old full sized fins. The new ones are Trek made by Aqua Lung. I picked them up at Dick's Sporting Goods. I really like them in the pool but we will see how much power they supply when we snorkel water lemon. They are short enough to fit in my carry on bag.
I ended up going online to buy a set with a mask and snorkel for my wife. I got the best price from Primescuba.com but it was not without problems. I placed the order the first time and after 48 hrs they emailed me to tell me that they could not fill the order because my shipping address did not match my CC billing address. I verified my billing address was correct with my CC and ordered again. Same result with a longer wait. The price was so good that I re-ordered with another card. It took an email inquiry before they confirmed the order was shipped. Bottom line, we got the order at a good price, free shipping, nice gear but I will be monitoring my CC's to be sure they don't screw up.

[Lindy]

We've had good luck with www.divers-supply.com. I like that they offer entire snorkel packages or you buy pieces separately. You might want to go to a local sports store to find out which style of mask fits you most comfortably and is the right size for your face and then order on line. I bought a package a number of years ago and it came with a mesh carrying bag which is roomy enough to fit 2 sets of snorkel gear, plus my neat sheet and a couple towels. I'm able to sling it over my shoulder which makes it easier to schlep chairs and a cooler and all of the other "stuff" we have to take with us. And the nice part about the mess is that most of the sand falls out of it by the time we get backl to the car and it also allows things to drain/dry.

[54b]

After six trips to STJ, here are some apparel and other items that now make every trip:

1) Nike Dri-Fit Shirts - We typically go in June, so December likely isn't as muggy, but I love these dri-fit shirts. They wick away the sweat where as Cotton absorbs it. Plus, they're much more light weight.

2) BodyGlide - Distance runners use this on parts of their bodies like inner thighs and under arms to prevent chaffing. Looks like stick of deodorant. I like using it before and after hikes and trips to beaches that require a lot of walking. If you do end up getting a rash, we like the Cortizon cream.

3) Jogging Shoes - My wife loves the Keens, but like PA Girl, I've yet to find a shoe I like better than just my Brooks or New Balance jogging shoes on hikes. I think they're more stable than sandals and I also probably like being able to wear socks. I usually take my oldest pair of jogging shoes to STJ and throw them away at the end of the trip.

4) Neoprene Socks - Basically socks for fins, helps prevent blisters on your feet. They're also good for entering the water on rocky beaches.

5) Polar Bear Cooler - This is probably the one item on this list where I'm brand loyal. Polar Bear coolers are fantastic. I have loaded one up at 8am, spent an entire day at the beach, and still had ice at 3pm that afternoon. I don't take food to STJ, but a lot of people like to freeze steaks and use these coolers as carry ons because they keep the meat frozen even when you've got like 15+ hour commute.

6) Gatorade Single Powder Packets - Pretty easy to get dehydrated on STJ. You're much closer to the equator, it's humid, you're active and probably drinking a few more fruity cocktails than you typically have at home. So I mix up 20oz of gatorade each morning in my water bottle.

7) Neat Sheet - Basically a six foot by six food blanket for the beach that's extremely light weight and repels sand. I think you can get them on Amazon.

[northerngal]

Nice list! Is the Body Glide greasy?

[longingstjohn]

no. not greasy.

[ColumbiaSCTraveler]

We rented fins for my husband for $5 / day at Low Key. BARGAIN!!!

[iheartsj]

A note about sunscreen. You definitely should use it. But please use the spread on type rather than the spray. Some charter boat operators don't allow spray sunscreen because it makes the deck slippery and stains vinyl. Also, it is a real drag to be down wind from someone using spray. More of this stuff ends up in the breeze than on the skin.

[mindehankins]

A few other things that are on our perpetual St. John packing list are:

Kyss bag - for "securing" items on the beach while we snorkel (a whole 'nuther topic in itself). We carry the Kyss bag in the backpack and pull it out only when needed. It's not as comfortable to carry your stuff in, as a backpack is. http://www.kyssbags.com/

Canon D10 camera that can be taken underwater and takes ok land shots.

"Feet, Fins, and Four-Wheel-Drive" by Pam Gaffin and/or "St. John: Off the Beaten Path" by Gerald Singer.

"West Indies Itch Relief," which you don't need to buy unless you're bothered by itching bug bites. They have it at Chelsea Drug and probably St. John Spice, and it works great if you get bit up.

Baby powder sprinkled on your feet will make the sand brush off really easily.

You might want some kind of small dry box for your keys and money while snorkeling. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Black-Cle ... ds=dry+box

I always bring a few bandaids and Neosporin, cause inevitably someone gets a booboo somewhere!

Oh, and I always bring my least favorite, but recently sharpened, chef's knife, and just leave it behind. I can't stand a dull knife

Hope that helps!

[kklay]

I guess I've been lucky with my snorkel gear - It was bought from a SAM's Club about 5 years ago. Never had a problem with the mask, etc. Although I might buy some shorter fins for this November's trip. I should also mention that I am not an "avid" snorkeler, so someone who spends the majority of their time snorkeling would want better equipment. I have a pair of Keens, great for rocky entry beaches. As far as hiking or when we have to walk a bit to get to our beach, I also prefer my regular tennis/walking shoes. More support and less likely to "turn an ankle".

Regarding some items always on my packing list you might want to consider: duct tape, bungee cords, pocket-size 100% deet spray and a couple of the fabric/cloth bags that fold up for easy packing but can be used to haul some groceries, towels or snacks to the beach. I like the ones with long enough straps/handles that I can put it on my shoulder.

Enjoy your trip!

[michigan girls]

Love my KYSS bag, so I don't worry about the stuff left on the beach during extended snorkeling.

My parasheet beach blanket is a must.

Baby powder for cleaning off sand before getting in the car.

I always bring a ziplock bag full of other ziplock bags in various sizes. Always need them for something, and if I have any left over I leave them in a drawer for the next person.

Feet, Fins, and Four Wheel Drive, St John off the Beaten Path and my Fish ID book make every trip.

Bought my daughters snorkel gear off Amazon, after she tried out mine and wanted the same set. Paid about $25 less on Amazon than when I bought mine a few years ago.

My boys use O'Neil rash guards we bought at Dick's and have been very happy with them. I think you can get them on Amazon even cheaper.

Also love my ScuboDooRag for keeping my hair from tangling in my mask strap and keeping my scalp from sunburning during long snorkel sessions.

Oh, and my Acuna neoprene socks. Both for protecting my feet from getting bothered by my fins and for entering the water in rocky areas.

[sailgclass]

Target has cheap shirts that work as rash guards.


Chacos are hands down the best sandal/water shoe/hiking shoe you could get. Leaps and bounds above Teva, just make sure you buy them well beforehand and get your feet used to them. They're the only thing I've worn down here on my long vacation.