Like masks and snorkels there are lots of different fins on market today. Some fins are better utilized for Scuba Diving, rather than snorkeling. There are really two types of fins used, and these are full-foot or adjustable heel models. Again, each has it's own advantages. For example, full-foot fins, which are designed to be worn barefoot, are better for travel, as they weigh less, and are generally shorter and narrower than adjustable heel style. The full-foot fins come in a variety of price ranges and materials, with thermoplastic blades and rubber foot pockets being most common for snorkeling fins. Adjustable heel fins require use of neoprene booties to protect your feet from rather stiff foot pocket. The booties will, however, make rocky or coral shoreline entries much more comfortable, as well as warmer in cooler local waters. The downside to strap fins is their bulk...they tend to be heavier and more cumbersome for snorkeling than full-foot styles, consequently you'll see more Wisconsin divers using this type of fin for local diving. They also provide more proulsion with scuba gear than full-foot styles can. Strap style fins may be used in both warm and cooler waters, with many folks simply changing thickness of booties they wear when traveling to warmer waters. When selecting fins, most manufacturers make their full-foot fins in regular men's shoe sizes. Women generally have to order one size smaller than a man's size for best fit. Full-foot fins should be worn comfortably, but not tight, as this can cause irritation on top of foot and can also cause blisters in toe area. Adjustable heel fins generally come in three sizes...small, regular, and extra large. The small sizes generally fit shoe sizes 7 through 8, while regular sizes fit sizes 9 thru 10, and extra large size fits 11 and up. Some things to consider when trying adjustable heel fins: make sure you try them with booties. Next, be sure there are no tight areas; fins should be comfortable across all parts of your foot. Extend your foot outwards to see if there are any tight spots across top of your foot. Next, try wiggling your toes, so you'll have good circulation. Lastly, try wiggling entire fin side-to-side, to see how much play there is in toe area. A little is OK, but too much will cause leg cramps. Either style of fins should feel like they're an extension of your leg.

Some of most popular accessories for scuba and snorkeling include lights, slates, and marine life identification cards or books. Lights are a great way to explore marine world at night or early in morning. Some of most colorful and interesting life can be found once sun goes down. Lights also help bring out natural colors in corals and fish, because as light passes through water, some colors like red get absorbed, and a light will bring out true colors. Having a waterproof writing slate with you can be helpful when trying to describe a fish you saw, or when recording data about your adventure. Even most experienced snorkeler sometimes has a difficult time remembering all names of fish they see, so having fish ID cards with you or a set of fish ID books at home will make job of identifyng fish and corals much easier.

Because today's equipment is made from better materials, need for special care is practically eliminated. There is really no other requirement other than to rinse all your gear well in fresh water as soon as possible to avoid odors or bacteria forming in your gear. There are special cleaners available for deeper cleaning; these cleaners contain enzymes that will attack odor causing bacteria and eliminate them, while giving your gear a fresh scent. Mask skirts sometimes can have a buildup of suntan lotion on them....this is easily removed by mild detergent and warm water. Some folks use dish soap as a general purpose cleaner, as it cuts through grease and rinses away easily. Before each outing or trip, inspect all your gear for any tears, cuts, or breaks. Most locations will have spare mask straps and snorkel keepers, but why bother? Keep one of each in with your gear and you'll never have to postpone or cancel an outing because you can't get a replacement part.

Golf Shoes

Depending on where he/she will be playing, beginner golfer may need to wear golf shoesicon to get onto course. Check into this first, as many courses have rules in this regard. Consider buying a pair of either soft spiked shoes, or ones that can be converted to soft spikes, as this, too, is a requirement for some golf courses. If they don't need golf shoes right away, avoid choosing them as your beginner golf gift selection. We say this for a couple of reasons: 1) any type of shoe is hard to pick out as a gift, and fit of a golf shoe is important for comfort, especially if you consider amount of walking that a golfer does. 2) It's actually better for golfer's balance to practice without golf shoes, as golfer cannot depend on stability of spikes to hold them in place. An alternative to golf shoes as a beginner golf gift is ever-present gift certificate, so they can pick out their own shoes.

Golf Balls

Like golf clubs, type and brand of golf balls aren't important for beginner. While you may want to consider compression when picking them out (the softer hitter, lower compression), type and construction of golf ball will have very little bearing when he/she is first starting out. It would probably be a more appreciated gift if you were to personalize balls with their name, nickname, or other custom logo, but that might make them all more upset when balls are lost (and they WILL be lost).

Gloves and Accessories

Don't forget accessories! Gloves, tees, and ball markers are inexpensive items that will add a nice touch for beginner golf gifts. It's like giving a golf starter kit. Get him/her a glove - it will make them feel more confident or credible when holding their clubs - like a "real" golfer! Remember, right-handed golfer needs a left-hand glove (and vice-versa). And get them some tees (perhaps personalized) and a few ball markers. You don't want them to feel left out, do you?

Save expensive and fancy golf gifts for another gift occasion. If recipient of your gifts decides to give up golf, then expensive or extravagant gifts would be a waste. If he/she sticks with game, then more elaborate golf gifts will be more appreciated down road. For now, focus on simple beginner golf gifts to get them started.