When it comes to freediving, the equipment is normally designed to be extremely comfortable and streamlined. They are usually lightweight so as to ensure an enhanced performance with the least amount of effort required.
In the diving world, therein lies a plethora of freediving equipment. And like any other types of equipment, there are many common factors such as fit, finish, color and whatnot. But when it comes to freediving, comfort is the most important and is key to having an enjoyable freediving experience. Ill-fitting diving equipment can also be fatal as freediving is a dangerous sport which requires perfect conditions and execution.
In freediving, there are 3 essential pieces of freediving gear.
Freediving Mask
The freediving mask is the most important as it enables divers to see clearly underwater. Without clear vision, it may throw divers off. Each freediving mask should also come with a nose pocket that provides ease for equalization. When it comes to selecting the right freediving mask, there are a list of several factors:
Comfort
As mentioned earlier, comfort is extremely important. In order to test for comfort, take the mask and hold it gently against the face with both hands, then inhale gently through the nose. There should be no air leaking in and the mask should stay secured on the face by itself after a few seconds of inhalation.
Lenses
When diving to great depths, your equipment will also be pushed to its limits. Freediving masks therefore have to come with thick, durable, tempered glass lenses that will not shatter under pressure. While tempered glass is highly recommended, there are several freediving masks out there that provide durable plastic lenses that work well at great depths as well. These are usually curved to aid in aqua dynamics and streamlining.
Air Volume
When descending, the freediving mask will need to be equalised through breathing out through the nose. However, exhaling would mean that there is less oxygen available to supply to the body. Hence in making freediving more comfortable and enjoyable, free diving masks are often built with very low air volume, which means you will not need as much air as regular diving masks to equalise.
Freediving Snorkel
Apart from the freediving mask, a snorkel is crucial as it helps the freediver to breathe comfortably while they are poised in a downward position. Snorkels should fit comfortably in the mouth and should therefore be not too flexible nor rigid.
Freediving Fins
Freediving fins come with long blades that are normally a third longer than the conventional scuba diving fins. They come with full foot pockets and are usually made of a smooth material that make it more flexible than your regular diving fins.
When it comes to freediving fins, there are often 3 different types of blade for the fins:
Fibreglass
Carbon Fibre
Plastic
Beginners are recommended to try on the plastic blades first while fibreglass and carbon fibre are made for more advanced freedivers who achieve greater depths.
When it comes to buying freediving fins, like the other equipment, one should always look out for comfort and efficiency. Here are the respective factors to consider:
Foot Pocket
Trying your fins goes without saying. When trying your fins, always test whether they fit well by taking long steps and exaggerating the movements. Ensure that the foot pocket does not slip from the heel and does not feel too loose nor tight. Slight stretchy and comfortable foot pockets are a must, as certain stiffer models are a pain to get in and out from. Stiff foot pockets can also cause blisters and abrasions.
Blade Stiffness
Beginners should start off with a softer blade stiffness. Choosing the right stiffness will also be dependent on the type of dive, and the individual brand. Generally rule of thumb is that you pick the stiffness of the blade in accordance to the weight of the Freediver. Lighter weight divers will go for softer fins.
Advance freedivers on the other hand, usually prefer softer fins, as they let the freediving fins do most of the work.
With that being said, here are some of the free diving equipment that we highly recommend.
Aqua Lung Sphera X Freediving Mask
The Sphera X Freediving mask comes with Pleisol® lenses that ensures a wide 180 degree angle field of vision that is anti-fog and scratch resistant. This allows all freedivers to enjoy the sport with a panoramic view.
The Sphera X Freediving mask is an upgrade from its previous generation, equipped with an all new silicone skirt with an attractive lightweight frame and comes with an Advanced Fit Technology (AFT), enhancing the sealing capabilities of the silicone skirt and improving its fit, comfort and feel to its utmost potential.
Find out more about the Aqua Lung Sphera X
Leaderfins Designer Edition
The Leaderfins Bi-Fins Designer Edition comes in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns. It is a limited edition series with options between semi transparent blades made of high quality epoxy resin and fibreglass, carbon fibre blades with 2 layers for upper and lower or pure carbon.
Foot pockets are made of a comfortable rubber composition and each pair of fins weigh up to about 2.25kg and they come with rubber rails attached to the blades to provide maximum efficiency when it comes to kicking. This makes it a perfect pair of fins for freediving, one that is both functional and classy.
Find out more about the Leaderfins Bi-Fins
Problue Deluxe Freediving Fin Bag
The Problue Deluxe Freediving Fin Bag is an extremely versatile dive bag that is made of a 500 denier polyester with PVC coating exterior. All compartments are made of ventilation mesh, allowing your diving equipment to breathe and dry quickly without the possibility of reeking up the bag.
It has a moveable sternum strap for extra stabilisation and double shoulder strap adjustment as well as side straps that help to reduce the size of the pack. Users can fit long diving fins up to 100cm.
Dimensions: 102 x 30 x 38cm
Find out more about the Problue Deluxe Freediving Fin Bag
Problue Freediving Safety Lanyard
Available in 100cm cable length, the Problue Freediving Safety Lanyard is a luminous lanyard that can be worn on both the wrists or ankles during dives. It also comes with a stainless steel snap hook.
As it is extremely lightweight and durable, it goes without saying that this is one of the most important safety diving equipment every freediver should get as it ensures safety for everyone around and ensures that the diver can still enjoy a proper dive.
Read more about the Problue Freediving Safety Lanyard
The Scubapro Apnea Snorkel is made from a soft and flexible non-toxic silicone that attaches easily to one’s mask strap when being used. The snorkel can be easily folded and stowed away when not in use and pops right back into shape when needed.
The Apnea’s upper barrel is removable as well should one prefer to use a shorter pipe. This easily makes it one of the most versatile and easy-to-use surface breathers out there.
Find out more about the Scubapro Apnea Snorkel
The XS Scuba 2mm Neoprene Socks is a form of foot protection from fin wear that comes with an extended heel for fin strap protection. The socks come with a rubberised textured bottom and a soft nylon lined body.
Glued and blind stitched, the socks are highly durable and help to keep divers free from injuries especially when wearing diving fins for a long period of time.
Find out more about the XS Scuba 2mm Neoprene Socks
In conclusion, like your regular diving gear, you have to understand the various factors that contribute to the perfect freediving gear for you. Always ensure that your diving equipment fits you best.