One of the compelling things about freediving is the lack of gear needed to enjoy it, hence the ‘free’ part of the sport. Compared to all the gear required for scuba diving, you hardly need anything at all. But there are a few very essential items that you’ll need to have. If you’re a scuba diver, you probably have these items already. But chances are the gear you have for diving isn’t the best for freediving. So what should you look for when it comes to investing in gear that’s specific to freediving?
Let’s start from the top.
Masks
If you buy a mask that’s best for freediving – even a specialty one – you can of course use it for scuba diving, too. But not all scuba diving masks are good for freediving. For freediving, you want a low volume mask that fits very well and is very comfortable. Most freedivers prefer masks with softer silicone for a better fit and more comfort. The last thing you want is for your mask to start flooding when you’re on a dive, as it can be distractingly uncomfortable. When poor mask fit becomes an issue when you’re scuba diving, it’s not usually a big deal since you’re casually swimming along and have an air source to help you clear your mask. But that’s not the case with freediving. Many divers say that black silicone is softer than the clear variety, but I can’t speak to that myself. You will notice, however, that most freediving specialty masks are made of black silicone.
If you’re not sure what I mean by the phrase ‘low volume,’ it refers to the airspace inside the mask. As you go deeper, you must exhale into your mask to equalize it. This is something we all know from scuba diving, of course. But with freediving, equalizing needs to be done much more quickly and with limited air. The goal with having a low volume mask is that you have a smaller airspace and thus require less air and time to equalize as you descend at a rapid rate.
Some companies sell freediving-specific masks and spearfishing masks – the latter are basically the same as freediving masks, but generally have a wider field of vision. Sporasub, Aqualung, Omer, Spetton and Cressi are a few of the brands to look for.
Snorkels
Some freedivers don’t care what kind of snorkel they use and others swear by specific ones. Most often, you’ll find that a freediver’s snorkel is just a plain old J snorkel and not a dry one. The larger and heavier the snorkel, the more drag it creates. Simple, small, and light is the key here, but it’s all up to the individual diver. There’s really not a wrong snorkel.
Protection
If you’re diving in warm water, all you need is a light form of protection such as a dive skin. And the bonus when diving with just a light skin is that you don’t need much weight, if any at all. But when diving in colder water you’ll need to wear a wetsuit. It’s very important that you have one that fits properly to minimize water exchange and any drag that could be created by an ill-fitting wetsuit.
Traditional wetsuits can and do work just fine, but there are wetsuits designed specifically for freediving, too. These suits usually have an integrated hood and gaskets or seals around the wrist and ankles. Since I have not personally used those types of suits, I can’t speak to their comfort, price or necessity. They do greatly limit water exchange, however, keeping the diver warmer. Some of these wetsuits don’t even have zippers, which I can only imagine makes them a challenge to put on.
Weights
If you require a wetsuit where you’re diving, then you’re also going to need weights. And the thicker your wetsuit, the more weight you’ll need, of course. Weight yourself properly before attempting to freedive by putting on just a pound or two at a time until you are neutrally buoyant on the surface but can still easily descend. Keep in mind that you will be more buoyant in saltwater than you are in freshwater, so if you weight yourself in freshwater and end up diving in saltwater, plan to add between three and six extra pounds and do another weight test in the saltwater before attempting your freedives. Lastly, I can’t stress enough the necessity of a functional and easy-to-use quick release mechanism for your weight system.
Fins
I saved the most important and difficult decision when it comes to freediving gear for last: fins. These are what help propel you down and back up to the water’s surface, and fins can make or break your dive. You’ll find that freediving fins are longer than most scuba fins as well as more flexible. They’re designed to have a ‘snap’ that provides a second thrust when they’re used correctly. So should you just run off and buy the longest pair of fins you can find? Probably not. Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re making your decision; a decision that may take some trial and error for each individual.
Footpockets
The most obvious concern here is fit. Any movement of your foot within the footpocket results in lost power and wasted energy. The footpocket of your fins should be snug but comfortable. Keep in mind that you could be spending hours in the water wearing these fins, so you don’t want them rubbing you the wrong way, pinching or applying too much pressure in the same spot. Look for closed heels and stiff bottoms for better power transfer. Neoprene socks can help with comfort, too. Also, look into fins that have interchangeable blades. It’s possible that this option could save you quite a bit of money since it eliminates the need for two different sets of fins.
Material
Without a doubt, carbon fiber fins are the most reactive, have the best snap (for that second thrust) and are the lightest fins on the market. If you look at the gear of any professional freediver, chances are you’ll find they’re using carbon fiber fins. However, these types of fins are also the most expensive and unless you’re already a pro – or planning to become one – you probably don’t need carbon fiber fins just yet. So what should you plan to purchase, then? For beginners to freediving, I recommend plastic or plastic composite fins. They’re the most durable as well as the most affordable. And while they don’t have the best snap or power transfer, they’re perfectly fine for the beginner freediver. My next recommendation would be fiberglass fins. These are pricier than the plastic variety but have better snap. The trade off, however, is that fiberglass fins are less durable. If you’re just getting started with the sport, plastic fins are the way to go.
Stiffness
The stiffer the fin, the more power and speed you’re going to have in the water – and the more exhausting it’s going to be for your legs. If your goal is to dive straight up and down as quickly as you possibly can, then stiffer fins are for you. But if your goal is to head down and have a look around or practice your skills, then I recommend a more flexible fin – especially if you’re smaller in stature and don’t have large leg muscles. To put it simply, a stiff fin will move you farther and more quickly, but you’ll also use more energy and effort (as well as more O2). A softer fin will not move you quite as far and fast, but requires less energy and won’t tire out your legs.
Monofin
I have zero experience with monofins but aim to change that as soon as possible. I don’t think they’re the best fin for purely recreational freedivers and they’re certainly not for beginners, but they sure look like fun. If your goal is to reach your personal record depth, then this might be the fin for you. Monofins require you to kick in a completely different way that uses your whole body, a method known as the dolphin kick. Here’s a video of someone demonstrating the dolphin kick in a pool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCtbpm5asg0
Safety
In addition to your personal knowledge and experience and the safety techniques that go along with freediving, a freediving safety vest will soon go on the market. And if you can afford this item, you might want to check it out. The vest can be programmed to inflate and carry the diver to the surface if he or she exceeds a specified amount of time underwater. http://oceanicss.com/frv/index.htm
In conclusion, I hope I’ve given you some food for thought and greater understanding about the sport so you can purchase your freediving gear with increased confidence. In upcoming articles, I’ll explain techniques for using some of this gear. But for now, I’ll leave you with a little inspiration in the form of these fun links: