USVI-On-Line

Hey all!

I'm trying to buy a good starter snorkel set for my cousin (who we're bringing to STJ as a HS graduation present this June).

Anyway, I usually find that the starter sets at Costco are pretty decent. But I HATE the blue.

But every starter set out there is either blue, yellow or silver. BORING!! Any of the fun colors are WAY more expensive.

The one at Costco that I like (pricewise for what you get) is $49.99 and I think that's a great deal since you get the short fins, mask, snorkel, bag and slap strap. See it here: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgro ... opnav=&s=1

That also begs the question-- my fins are full size snorkel split fins-- are the short fins OK ro should I get her the full size ones??

I'm searching on line but I can't seem to find anything as decent quality with the same amenities for the same price.

This is her first trip anywhere. Seriously. She's only been on a plane like twice in her life. And she certainly hasn't been anywhere like STJ. She definitely has never snorkeled but I can see her getting into it.

I want to get her a decent set but in case she doesn't like it, I don't want to spend too much on the gear.

Anyway, does anyone have know of any decent satrter snorkel sets for around $50-$60 buck that aren't BORING Blue??

I don't want to rent gear I definitely want to buy.

When we brought family down for the first time a few years ago we gave them Cruz Bay Watersports gift certificates for Christmas. I think it is important to have a mask that fits well and that way they were able to try them on first. The GC covered the cost of a basic set and they could cover the cost of an upgrade if they wished. CBD was great about mailing the certificates right away too.

Can't help you too much regarding sets, but I have the short fins and love them. I use them for my exercise lap swimming as well as snorkeling, and they propel my largeness along just fine and are much easier to pack for travel:
http://www.triathletesports.com/Aqua-Sp ... dsshop.htm

Short fins are good for rapid bursts of speed (kneeboarding) or swimming laps. In both cases you are thrashing on top of the water. I prefer a longer fin when diving or snorkeling. The long fin allows you to hang your feet below the water line while kicking and rotating your hips - very little splash. It's a much gentler motion and you get good propulsion through the water.

I kinda like these!!

Maho pumps!

Gromit, they don't look too bad, she'll match the Blue Tang fish with those.

Bob & Anita -- True!!

I bought the "set" from BJ's (similar to Costco; mentioning just in case you're unfamilar) for my 17 yr old daughter for her first trip to STJ. I think they were like $39 bucks. Also blue in color, much like the light blue at the top of this page (for the categories, Villa rentals, trip planning, etc....). It actually worked out quite well. This "set" came with the shorter fins, which were adjustable (she's about a size . Honestly, I know take the fins from her "set" (size 10) and leave my fins (the longer ones) at home, especially now that I've learned to do carry-on luggage. As far as I'm concerned, they work just fine for my needs. Ali~

That is a lot like our set except we have the long fins. It is USDIVER. We were happy with them. The shorter fins would have been nice. THe long ones didn't fit in my carry one so we had check a bag.

Gina

We have ordered from Snorkel Mart in the past and were very happy You can buy a mask and tube in hot pink and maybe get her the platinum fins

Check out the links below........

Pia

http://www.snorkel-mart.com/detail.cfm? ... ductID=177

http://www.snorkel-mart.com/detail.cfm? ... ductID=196

Gromit, checkout The Dive Shop in Fairfax. Their US Divers sets are reasonably priced.

Cheers, RickG

The one in the PanAm shopping center next to Safeway?

I tried the one in city of FFX next to Trader Joes with no luck but I drive by Pan Am every day on the way home. Is that the one you're talking about?

My co-worker says yes, The Dive Shop is in the PanAm shopping center. He also suggests Adventure Scuba in Chantilly. (In the Kmart shopping center on Rt 50)

Thanks guys-- I'll swing by...