New To Free Diving? The Equipment You Need To Get Started

Hobbies don’t get more minimalist than free diving. In fact, one of the main draws of this sport is the absence of tanks and hoses and the meditative feeling of being at one with the water.

However, there are some essential pieces of kit you’ll need to get started. A diving mask, fins, and a wetsuit or drysuit are vital, with some freedivers also using a snorkel, weight belt, and gloves or booties for added warmth. 

With the sport’s growing popularity, there’s a wide variety of styles and materials to choose from. We’ve put together this small guide to help you find the right gear for your first freediving experience.

What to consider

Location

Consider the type of freediving being practised and the environment you’re doing it in when buying equipment. For example, a spearfisher in chilly waters might benefit from more powerful fins and a thicker wetsuit compared to a freediver in a calm sea and warm climate.

Quality and sustainability

Enjoying the beauty of the natural environment is one of the main attractions of freediving, so it’s important to be mindful of our impact on the environment. Finding a responsible brand like Agulhasocean.com that creates premium quality and sustainably sourced diving equipment is a great place to start.

Comfort

While freedivers tend to have more self-confident coping strategies and a stronger belief in an internal locus of control, for beginner-level freedivers, one of the most challenging obstacles is learning to overcome their own self-doubt. Therefore, confidence before, during and after a dive is important for safety, relaxation and a good dive overall.

Ill-fitting equipment is a surefire way to zap the enjoyment out of a freediving experience. Not only that, relaxation is critical to effective breath retention. Take the time to find ergonomic freediving equipment that feels like an extension of your body for the best experience.

The Freediving Mask

Let’s start with an essential piece of freediving equipment – the freediving mask. A properly fitted, ergonomic mask enables you to see, descend and equalise efficiently underwater.

Here’s what to consider when buying a freediving mask:

Comfort and fit

A good fit is essential for a comfortable and leak-free dive. Try on several masks and make sure they seal well around your face without being too tight. The mask should fit like you almost don’t know it’s there.

To test both adherence and comfort, position the mask on your face without using the strap to hold it in place. Breathe in through your nose. If the mask is the right size, the suction effect will cause it to stay in place and only come off once you exhale.

Low volume

Freediving masks should have a pinchable nose pocket specially designed for equalising manoeuvres. The critical difference between a freediving mask and a scuba mask is that freediving masks are designed to have an extra low internal volume and don’t require you to use a lot of precious air to equalise. This makes a huge difference in staying safe and comfortable underwater. You’ll need to release some breath to equalise the mask but save enough oxygen from powering your dive. A low internal volume mask allows you to hold on to more precious oxygen.

Durability

Look for a mask made from durable materials that can withstand the pressure of deep dives. Tempered glass is essential to withstand the pressure of the dive. Buying directly from a diving equipment brand helps ensure the mask is suitable for freediving.

Skirt

The skirt of the mask is the part that goes around your face, it should be made of a soft and comfortable material that fits snugly against your face without leaking.

Fins

Freediving fins tend to be larger and more flexible than scuba fins, providing the power behind the dive. When buying freediving fins, here’s what to know:

Material

Look for fins made from durable materials such as carbon fibre, fibreglass, or a combination of both. These materials provide a good balance of being lightweight, powerful and flexible. Long and narrow blades are best for maximum propulsion and efficiency.

Consider the amount of flexibility you prefer in your fins. Stiffer fins provide more power but can be tiring to use, while more flexible fins are easier to use but provide less propulsion. Soft fins are recommended for most new freedivers, with those under 60kg often better suited to super soft blades.

Comfort

Make sure to select the correct size and ensure a comfortable fit. Pay attention to socks which are very valuable to your foot pockets and the comfort of your feet. Socks can prevent rubbing and blisters, protect your feet and ankles from jellyfish stings and keep your feet warm. 

Open heel or full foot

Consider whether you prefer open-heel fins that accommodate different foot sizes and are easier to put on and take off or full-foot fins that provide a more secure fit and are usually more comfortable.

Wetsuit

Fit and diving conditions are essential factors to consider when choosing a wetsuit. Here’s what else to look for:

Thickness

Look for a wetsuit with a thickness appropriate for the water temperature you’ll be diving in. A thicker wetsuit will provide more warmth but may be less flexible.

Material

Look for a wetsuit made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber that provides good insulation and flexibility.

Fit

Make sure to choose a wetsuit that fits snugly but is not too tight. A wetsuit that is too loose can cause drag and reduce mobility, while one that is too tight can be uncomfortable and restrict movement.

Durability

A freediving wetsuit should be made from durable materials that can withstand the pressures of deep dives.

Style

Look for a wetsuit that covers the areas of the body that need to be protected from the cold water. This can be a full wetsuit, a shorty, a jumpsuit, or a different style, depending on the environment.

Another option is a dry suit, which will keep the diver dry and warm by using an airtight membrane and an insulation layer.

Final Thoughts

Preparation is an essential part of any sport, especially one as novel as freediving. Along with proper training, having the right equipment will make your experience as smooth, safe and as comfortable as possible.