How to Choose the Best Freediving Equipment for Beginners

...promising to make you the best at an activity you’ve never tried or buy an entry-level product that could turn out to be more counterproductive than using nothing at all. So, how do you determine which product is best suited to your needs while still getting the best bang for your buck?

First and foremost, your equipment needs to feel comfortable and fit your body type. There is no point in spending money on gear that makes you feel uncomfortable, especially for freediving. But the only way to know if something fits is to try it on. While many people prefer to save a few dollars and shop online, freediving gear is best purchased in person so that you can test multiple styles for the most compatible fit.

Freediving is a skill-based sport. The most effective approach to taking up freediving is therefore to learn fundamental skills through proper training and then make educated buying decisions based on your individual body type and freediving/spearfishing goals.

Here are some basic tips for choosing your first pieces of freediving equipment:

Mask

Your mask must seal against your face and feel comfortable. Pay attention to its shape and surface area. The more volume a mask has, the more air you need to use to equalize the space, and the more drag it will have in the water. However, keep in mind that the field of vision tends to decrease with lesser volume.

Snorkel

A very basic J snorkel is the best snorkel for freediving.

Wetsuit

Select the most popular thickness for the waters where you’ll dive, and make sure the suit fits you extremely well. A wetsuit is the most important piece of freediving equipment for both safety (buoyancy) and warmth (comfort). Freedivers prefer to use open cell wetsuits with a thin, nylon outer surface because they provide unmatched warmth and flexibility.

Fins

Long blade fins are the symbol of our sport. Your foot should sit in the foot pocket comfortably, and when the fin is flat on the floor, you shouldn’t be able to lift your heel away from the pocket. Softer fins are easier to maneuver and help establish the correct freediving kicking technique, but the heavier you are, the firmer fins you’ll need. Steer clear of gimmicky angles and very stiff blades. Keep it simple with plastic or composite.

Weight Belt

Go for a stretchy rubber belt with a simple plastic buckle.

Freediving Computer

For the Freediving Instructors International (FII) Level 1 Freediver course, any type of waterproof timing device is sufficient; many facilities rent freediving computers if you’d like to try one during a course or practice session. If you’re fully equipped with the other basic gear and committed to the sport, then the Oceanic F10, Suunto D4, and Garmin Descent are all popular choices among the freediving and spearfishing community.

Most people are content with renting or borrowing freediving equipment for their first course, which allows them to make fully informed buying choices after the class. If you prefer your own equipment for a course, then we highly recommend consulting an FII-certified freediving facility to make any pre-course purchase. FII facilities stock a range of proven freediving equipment, and they can provide you with expert advice on your purchase based on an item’s fit, your body type, your level of freediving, and your goals.