A Guide To Freediving Gear [For The Beginner]

Freediving is the practice of exploring the underwater world without the use of a breathing apparatus. This type of diving is suitable for beginners as well as experienced divers who wish to explore the shallow and deep waters.

Freediving gear is designed to be lightweight and streamlined so it won’t hinder your movement. This equipment will enhance your mobility underwater and help you explore the wonders of the marine life comfortably. If you don’t know which piece of equipment you need to buy, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out what gear you need for a successful dive – freediving.

Types of Freediving Gear

Freedivers don’t need the complicated equipment used in scuba diving like tanks and buoyancy compensators. As a matter of fact, an enthusiastic diver can practice freediving with no gear whatsoever.

However, most beginners as well professionals prefer to buy some special gear that can make their experience more fun. Here are some types of gear that you can add to your freediving kit.

Freediving Masks

These masks need to provide an excellent fit to prevent fogging and leaking. A good freediving mask should have low volume to prevent buoyancy so you can smoothly go deeper into the water. It should also feel comfortable so you can spend enough time underwater without feeling pain or discomfort.

Freediving Snorkels

Snorkels allow freedivers to breathe out comfortably during a dive. A snorkel features a mouthpiece that fits well and usually has a valve that closes automatically so you won’t worry about the water getting into the tube.

Freediving Fins

Freedivers use either bi-fins or monofins for swimming easily underwater. Bi-fins are longer than scuba diving fins to facilitate descending. They usually feature a full-foot design that provides better propulsion than open-heeled fins.

A monofin is a wide fin that fits both feet at the same time. Monofins provide excellent propulsion, but the kicking technique is different. You might need to take a course to learn how to use one before buying a monofin. These are perfect for fast freediving, but they offer limited maneuverability.

Freediving Wetsuits

Wetsuits are optional if you’re diving in warm water, but they allow you to freedive comfortably in cold water. They provide a close fit and are usually made of open-cell neoprene, so they’re not as durable as scuba diving wetsuits.

Weight Systems

Although some freedivers prefer to carry pieces of rocks to descend, professionals prefer to buy weight systems that can minimize water resistance. The weights are worn in belts around the hips, so they don’t restrict breathing. They also come with a safety mechanism that allows the diver to drop the weights quickly in case of an emergency.

Reviews of Best Freediving Gear

Comfort and functionality are two important aspects that you must consider when you’re shopping for new freediving gear. Here are some of the most useful pieces of freediving equipment that you should pack for your upcoming adventure.

1.      Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Freediving Mask Snorkel Set

Unlike other snorkel masks, this one doesn’t feature much internal air space which might make you uncomfortable when you go below the surface. The low volume mask prevents buoyancy when you’re diving. This is a  frameless mask that features a single lens made of tempered glass so it won’t bend or break when you go deep underwater.

The glass is clear so you can see the surroundings clearly. The mask is made of silicone that feels comfortable when it touches your skin. It has an adjustable strap so you can easily adjust it underwater thanks to the push-button buckle. The strap is wide for comfort and provides a proper seal.

If you wish to switch between snorkeling and freediving, you can wear this mask because it has a high-quality snorkel tube. It features an anti-splash top and a valve that closes instantly so it won’t get filled with water when you decide to dive. The lower part of the tube features a corrugated section with a smooth internal design that allows the excess water to drain easily into the reservoir.

This mask provides a wide field of vision and comes in various colors. It folds flat for easy carrying and storage so it will easily fit into your gear bag. It tends to fog up, especially in cold water, but you can submerge it in baby shampoo and rinse it before use to overcome this problem.

 Things We Like

• High-quality silicone mask with a wide strap.
• Adjustable strap to prevent leaking.
• Low volume mask that prevents buoyancy.
• Wide field of vision.

Things We Don’t Like

• Tends to fog up, especially in cold water.

2.      Cressi Corsica, Flexible Rubber Snorkel

This wide diameter snorkel is an excellent choice for freediving as it doesn’t obstruct breathing. It’s made of hypoallergenic silicone that doesn’t move or cause any discomfort when you’re ascending or descending. It’s neither too stiff nor too soft, so it doesn’t compress if you choose to fit it under the mask.

Freedivers spend long periods of time underwater, and comfort should be of utmost importance. The mouthpiece of this snorkel is designed for maximum comfort and reduces fatigue with prolonged use. The u-shaped design doesn’t restrict breathing so you can freedive comfortably.

It can be folded easily when it’s not in use. The snorkel comes in various colors but doesn’t have a dry top. For most freedivers, this doesn’t represent a problem as a dry top system restricts the airflow and weighs the snorkel down. It doesn’t have a purge valve either which creates drag and adds weight, although some freedivers prefer one because it doesn’t let the water in.

Things We Like

• Flexible snorkel made of hypoallergenic silicone.
• Comfortable mouthpiece.
• Folds easily for convenient storage.
• Comes in various colors.

Things We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t have a purge valve or a dry top system.

3.      Soft Full Pocket Long Blade Fins for Freediving

These long-blade fins are suitable for freediving as well as spearfishing because they minimize effort underwater so you can go deep quickly. They feature long ribs that run along the blades to direct the water more efficiently and help you move faster.

The blades are made of elastomer polypropylene which provides more fluid movements and flexibility because they aren’t too stiff or too soft. The foot pocket is designed for maximum comfort and disperses energy during the kick, so you don’t feel much strain while freediving.

These fins are suitable for untrained legs and long distance freediving because they maximize the power of every kick thanks to the blade position over the foot pocket. Unlike shorter fins, these long fins will provide greater forward propulsion, but you might find it challenging to change direction easily.

They come in various sizes, but if you have exceptionally small and narrow feet, you can wear socks for a snug fit.

Things We Like

• Excellent fins for beginners.
• Long blades that provide great forward propulsion.
• More flexibility and fluid movements.

Things We Don’t Like

• You might struggle a little when you’re trying to change direction.
• Not suitable for small feet.

4.      Zoot Sports Men’s Z Force 3.0 Sl Wetzoot

This sleeveless wetsuit is lightweight and extremely comfortable, so you can wear it in warm and slightly cold water. The shell is made of 100% Polyester Microsilk that feels soft and smooth to touch. It comes in various sizes so you can pick one that provides a comfortable yet snug fit.

The wetsuit features a comfort neck closure that doesn’t let water in for maximum comfort. It features panels that provide more thickness in the sensitive parts of your body to keep you warm as the temperature drops underwater. The thickness ranges from 4 to 3 mm so you’ll feel comfortable and warm when you’re freediving.

Lots of users prefer the sleeveless design that allows you to feel the water. It doesn’t restrict the movement of your arms or shoulders if you wish to swim. It might not be warm enough to swim in extremely cold water.

Things We Like

• Sleeveless design that doesn’t restrict movement.
• Softshell made of Polyester Microsilk.
• Comfort neck closure.
• Variable thickness to keep the sensitive parts of your body warm.

Things We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for freediving in cold water.

5.      Riffe Rubber Weight Belt with Buckle for Freediving

This low-cost and flexible rubber belt feels comfortable and can secure the weights around your body when you’re freediving. It features horizontal ribs that keep the belt in place so it won’t move as you swim through the water.

The cam-lock buckle is made of glass-filled nylon. It allows for fast and safe release in case of an emergency so you can get rid of weights quickly thanks to the fast ditch capability. The rubber belt can support weights up to 20 pounds, so you can descend deep enough to practice freediving.

The belt is 54 inches long to suit different sizes. It’s usually worn around the hips for more comfort as it won’t restrict breathing. It’s two inches wide so it won’t press against your skin because it’s not narrow. If you find the belt too long, you can easily cut it to fit your size.

It doesn’t stretch, and you can easily adjust the size to fit your body comfortably. It won’t slide around the wetsuit like a nylon belt, so you know that it will not restrict your movement.

Things We Like

• Flexible rubber belt that can be cut to fit your size.
• Adjustable size.
• Fast ditch buckle for an emergency.
• Can support weights up to 20 pounds.

Things We Don’t Like

• The belt can be too long for some users.

6.      Sea Pearls Lead Shot Soft Weights

These weights are made of lead that has been reclaimed from car batteries. They come in eight sizes ranging from 1 to 10 pounds, so you can pick the right one for your freediving adventure. The lead is melted down then mixed with chemicals to enhance its qualities.

The freediving weight will stabilize you in water and allow you to reach further depths fast. Once you’re out of the water, you can easily remove it so you can move comfortably. These weights are soft and won’t hurt your hip bones, especially if you choose to attach the heavier ones. They don’t cause any bruises, and you can attach several ones to create the perfect weight combination.

Each weight is covered in a heavy-duty mesh bag that allows for fast drainage and drying. The seams are perfectly sewn to prevent the loss of lead shots. Freedivers sometimes feel that it’s more practical to rent the weights instead of buying them, especially if you need to attach more weights to your freediving belt.

Things We Like

• Practical lead weights that come in different weights.
• Soft weights that won’t hurt your hip bones.
• Mesh bags for fast drying.

Things We Don’t Like

• Quite expensive.
• The bags aren’t color coded so you might get confused while attaching the right weight.

How Can You Become a Better Freediver?

Freediving is a safe sport that you can become good at in a short time. Here are several freediving tips that you can follow.

1.      Don’t Dive Alone

As tempting as it may be, you shouldn’t freedive alone, even if you’re an experienced diver. The buddy system guarantees that there will always be someone who can keep an eye on you, help you in case of danger, and enjoy the whole experience with you.

2.      Take a Course

If possible, enroll for a freediving course to learn the basics. There are several courses designed for different levels of experience so you can find one that suits you.

3.      Relax

When you’re relaxed, you can breathe more comfortably, and you’ll be able to enjoy your freediving experience. Your body will conserve oxygen so you can last longer underwater.

4.      Get your Gear Ready

You can dive using nothing, or buy a bunch of items. Some of these freediving items can make you more comfortable and help you enjoy your time better. Beginners don’t usually wish to spend lots of cash on freediving gear. But a pair of long fins and a good mask are usually good enough to start with.

Tips for Buying the Best Freediving Fin

There are several factors to consider when you’re shopping for the right freediving fin.

1.      Material

Beginner freedivers usually prefer fins that are made of polymer plastic. Most of them usually prefer bi-fins that allow them to move comfortably in the water. Plastic is more affordable, durable, and provides the right amount of flexibility. It, however, has some memory. This means that the fin will curve up with prolonged use.

More experienced divers can choose monofins that can push them for longer distances in the water. As you get more skilled, you might try fiberglass or carbon fiber fins.

Fiberglass fins are more expensive but they’re lightweight and more durable. It’s rather stiff, which might be a problem for beginners. Carbon fiber is the right choice for avid freedivers. It’s expensive, but it provides the best propulsion from every kick. Carbon fiber has no memory, but it’s more fragile and requires careful handling.

2.      Foot Pockets

Most freediving fins feature foot pockets and blades that are attached. However, some divers prefer to buy them separately. This way, they can get the best fit as an empty heel means wasted energy that doesn’t provide enough propulsion in water.

3.      Stiffness

The softness of the blades is directly related to your level of experience and body type. Beginners and people who have smaller builds and weaker muscles are better off using softer blades. These don’t require much effort to keep you moving in the water.

Stiff blades are more difficult to control. They’re suitable for stronger divers who have bigger bodies and more leg muscles.

If you are diving in strong current, or wish to go spearfishing, then you’re better off using a stiff blade. Stiffer blades are suitable for deep diving as they balance out the lack of buoyancy.

How to Care for your Wetsuit?

Buying a wetsuit can be quite confusing, especially for a beginner. It should fit snugly, but shouldn’t be too tight as this might stretch out the seams and make your wetsuit less durable.

In order to make sure that your wetsuit will last long, you must learn to use it right.

Put it On

Surprisingly, most wetsuits face durability problems because people don’t know how to put them on. Although neoprene fabric is very durable, it can be easily punctured by sharp objects like fingernails.

Start by putting on the pants and pull the rest of the suit up. Make sure that you pull it up slowly. Follow the opposite steps when you’re taking it off to make sure that it stays in good condition.

Clean it

Rinse your wetsuit with water after every use. Make sure that there is no sand or sharp objects that can damage the suit fabric.

Don’t clean the suit using hot water that can make the material lose some of its flexibility. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents.

You should never put the wetsuit in the washing machine. Hang it inside out to dry. Don’t hang the wetsuit in direct sunlight which can damage the fabric.

Repair the Wetsuit

If there’s a small tear in the wetsuit, this doesn’t mean that you should throw it away. Inspect the suit for small tears and deal with them as soon as they happen. You can buy a puncture repair kit or a sealant to make sure that it doesn’t allow any water inside.

Conclusion

Although there are lots of pieces of gear that you can buy to enhance your freediving experience, we recommend that you buy the Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Freediving Mask Snorkel Set. It will allow you to dive comfortably and won’t restrict your vision or breathing.

You can also buy the Soft Full Pocket Long Blade Fins for Freediving that provide excellent propulsion with every kick, so you can move forward through the water. These will allow you to practice freediving even if you’re not athletic.

Freediving is an easy sport that can be learned fast. It allows divers to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world without worrying about expensive equipment and complicated techniques. For other recommended gear when it comes to scuba diving and spearfishing click here to browse our other recommendations.