A good mask is one that fits well, and does not interfere with your
peripheral vision. Also the material should be sticky. Put the mask on, look
forward and press the mask towards your face. The mask should seal around
the contours of your face and stay in this position without the use of the
strap. If you need to press hard for the mask to stay on, and you feel
strain on your eyes from the difference in pressure, try another mask.
Ideally, the mask should stay in place without the strap.

Fin should be both stiff and flexible, but not rigid. Split fins are great
in still water, but I find them difficult when swimming into a current.

If you want to take pictures I highly recommend a digital camera with an
underwater housing. It's virtually impossible to see through the view finder
and track wildlife without a display. Even with a display it can be tricky
if there is too much or too little sunlight.
One out of 30 photos of my Grand Cayman dives turned out, most of my New
Zealand dive photos (I took multiple shot of the same thing since I had 277
pic on each 256MB card). I was so happy that I forgot I could have taken
video!

Happy diving!

Dwayne

Consider going to Blue Water Divers in Ramsey on Route 17 (there's a
second store, also on Route 17 just south of the Route 4 intersection.)
 As NJ wreck divers go, they're pretty good.

Don't get split fins.  Get a mask that fits your face. Get a J snorkel
without a purge valve (you can order really good ones from
picassoamerica.com) and learn how to freedive.  Leave the snorkel on the
boat when you're on SCUBA.

Aqualung (US DIVERS) and Mares are two widely available good brands.
DO NOT buy at a general "sporting goods" store; they generally sell only
low end gear.  Goto a SCUBA shop.  Yes, you will pay more, but you will
get equipment that will serve you well for a long time.

If at all possible, look at equipment and compare prices in two or three
different shops before you buy anything.

Choose a mask that fits well; the people at the SCUBA shop can/should
help you to find one that is right for you.

Personally, I find that a snorkel with just a straight tube works better
than the ones that have gizmos and gadgets to keep water out.  Water
*WILL* get in anyway, and it is much easier to to clear a straight tube.

Although they are the "in thing" today, I do NOT recomend split fins.
They are probably OK in most conditions, but sooner or later you will
get into a situation where you need more power than they allow you to
deliver.

I do suggest that you get fins with straps, rather than full-foot fins.
This means you will also need to bet some booties to wear with the fins.
This may sound like a bother, but you will often find that the protection
the booties offer your feet is very welcome.  Also, there tends to be a
larger selection of better fins in the strap modles than the full-foot.