Equipment
We have some loaner gear for first time players, but eventually you will need to purchase and maintain your own equipment.
Swim Suits and Ear Protection
Recommended Equipment:
Our team branded swimsuits and waterpolo caps: https://agonswim.com/teams/122020
You'll need a set of two swim suits (dark and light colors) and two waterpolo caps (dark/light).
Masks
Recommended Equipment:
Aqualung Micromask - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$$
Cressi Superocchio - ⭐⭐⭐- $$
Scubapro Futura 1 - ⭐⭐⭐ - $ (Hard to find in USA)
Other suggestions: Omer Abyss, IST M-99, Aqualung Sphera
A well fitting, leak-free, comfortable, safe mask is the most important piece of equipment in your kit, and will vastly improve your enjoyment of the game. Mask fit depends on the size and shape of your head, so it is recommend to try one in a pool or dive shop before buying.
A good mask should be:
Well fitting
Double pane (has a divider between each eye) tempered glass to reduce the risk of shattering.
Low volume; most masks designed for free-diving are suitable.
Have no pointy or sharp edges/corners.
Have good peripheral visibility.
Fins
Recommended Equipment:
Waterway Rugby or Hockey Nemos - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$$$
Leader Underwater Sport Fins - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$$$
Fins4u K8s - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$$$$
Mares Avanti Super-Channel - ⭐⭐ - $$
Mares Quattro Power - ⭐⭐⭐ - $$$
Najade UW Sport Fins - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$$
Other Suggestions: Technisub Stratos, Fins4u Open Heel or K8 (http://www.fins4u.com)
Lots of trade offs between speed, acceleration, maneuverability, comfort, price, durability. Highly recommend to try another players fins in the pool before purchasing. Avoid fins that are very small, very soft, or very long (no 4 foot long free diving fins!), or have holes/vents.
Things to consider:
Foot pocket style: open or closed heel. This makes a huge difference in comfort and how power is applied. Open heel puts more pressure on the top of the foot, closed heel on the bottom. This is mostly a matter of personal preference.
Material, stiffness, blade size, overall resistance. Flexible rubber is great for acceleration and durability, not so much for top speed. Rigid plastic, carbon fiber or fiberglass fins are much harder to accelerate and maneuver in, but provide a lot of top speed. Very rigid fins also tend to break more easily, this is the price of speed.
Foot pocket size. You want it pretty tight, but not crazy tight.
Snorkel
Recommend Equipment:
Cressi America Snorkel - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $
CanAm Large Bore Snorkel - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$
Avoid anything fancy, like special valves at the bottom or top of the snorkel. Large bore (diameter) snorkels may be better for players with big lungs, they can also be harder to clear. Snorkels can be cut down to a custom length quite easily. You will also want some silicone "snorkel keepers" to attach your snorkel to your mask/cap, or a "snorkel band".
Mask Strap
Many players replace stock silicon straps with polyester or polypropylene straps that keeps masks firmly on ones head. This can be made from a camping strap such as those found at REI, or purchased from an UWH/UWR shop. Ask around for more info on how to make one.
Mouth Gaurd
Specific Recommendations
This is optional, but highly recommended. You have a beautiful face, lets keep it that way.
Merchants
Items can be found at local dive shops, various online retailers, or the following online shops that have items very specific to underwater sports: