Denver Divers: Why You Need Your Own Gear — And Where to Get It
Denver is a surprising hub for scuba divers. Between local reservoirs like Aurora Reservoir and Chatfield State Park, and weekend trips to Carter Lake or Turquoise Lake, the Mile High City has a thriving dive community. But diving here comes with unique challenges — and that makes owning your own gear even more important than it is for divers at sea level.
Altitude Changes Everything
Colorado's dive sites sit well above sea level, which affects how your body absorbs nitrogen and how you plan your dives. Cold freshwater conditions (water temps can dip to 47°F) demand a reliable 5mm wetsuit or drysuit — not whatever rental happens to be available that day. When you own your gear, you know exactly what protection you're getting before you hit the water.
Fit Makes All the Difference
Rental gear is a one-size-fits-most compromise. Your mask is the most critical example: a poor seal causes constant flooding and frustration. When you own your mask, you've tested the fit and know it won't let you down 30 feet below the surface of Aurora Reservoir. Same goes for fins — the right size prevents cramps and lets you focus on the dive.
You'll Dive Better with Familiar Gear
Denver divers frequently make day trips to multiple sites in a single weekend. When you own your BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), you've already learned exactly how it inflates and deflates — that muscle memory keeps you safer across different sites and conditions. Unfamiliar rental gear adds unnecessary mental load.
The Long-Term Math Works Out
Rental fees add up fast — typically $30–$60 per dive for a full kit. Denver divers who explore local sites regularly will recoup the cost of their own gear surprisingly quickly.
Where to Buy: Underwater Phantaseas in Lakewood
When it comes to buying gear in the Denver area, one shop stands out for beginners: Underwater Phantaseas, located at 160 S Union Blvd in Lakewood. Established in 1982 and a PADI 5 Star Dive Center, we've spent over 40 years certifying thousands of divers and serving the Denver metro area.
Why are we theright choice for new divers?
We know Colorado diving. Because of our location, Underwater Phantaseas offers Altitude Diver training — understanding how altitude affects pressure, planning, and safety is critical when diving in mountain lakes or preparing for travel after high-altitude living. That's expertise you won't find on Amazon.
We carry everything you need. Our shop offers scuba gear sales from trusted brands, including masks, fins, wetsuits, BCDs, regulators, dive computers, and accessories.
We're a real Denver community hub. Our staff is passionate about diving and love sharing their knowledge and experience — and they also organize escorted group dive trips around the world for when you're ready to take the next step.
