Freediving Gear: 9 Must-Have Items for Every Freediver
August 31, 2023
If you are fairly new to freediving, you might be starting to think about getting your own equipment. Freediving requires less equipment than scuba diving does; you are not breathing air at depth and so do not need a tank, a buoyancy control device (inflatable jacket), or regulators. However, there are a few essential pieces of freediving gear that you cannot freedive without.
Read on to discover the main pieces of freediving gear you need to enjoy recreational freediving. Whether you are exploring a vibrant coral reef, a pristine lake, or freediving in a pool, this is the gear you need.
Top 9 freediving gear essentials
1. Freediving mask
It is no good going freediving if you cannot see all the exciting things that are under the water. A mask is a barrier between your eyes and the water and allows you to see clearly, similarly to swimming goggles. However, a mask will also cover your nose to stop water from entering your nostrils.
There is not a huge difference in snorkeling, scuba diving, and freediving masks, other than that freediving masks tend to have lower volume (less space between the lenses and your face). This makes them easier to equalize (loosen) with air from your nose when the pressure makes it squeeze to your face.
- When you are buying a freediving mask, look for one that is low in volume. The Mares X-Free is an excellent low volume mask and comes in a range of colors.
For more tips on what to look for in your first mask, and how to prepare a new mask, check this out: How to Prepare a New Mask and Prevent Fog.
2. Snorkel
A snorkel is what allows you to breathe easily on the surface with your face in the water. In freediving, the snorkel should be removed from your mouth before you dive down, but they are very useful for breathing with as you prepare before a dive.
A simple snorkel is enough for freediving. The Element snorkel from Mares is a floating snorkel, which makes it harder to lose when you are freediving!
3. Freediving fins
Although you can freedive without fins ( no-fins freediving), fins make freediving much easier. They are also essential items of freediving gear if you want to act as safety to another diver while they are depth training.
Fins come in a variety of lengths and are made from various materials, but longer fins make it easier to move in the water while holding your breath.
- Plastic freediving fins such as the Mares Razor Pros are perfect for beginners as they are durable and easy to travel with.
- More advanced freedivers might switch to fins made from lighter (but more fragile) carbon fiber or fiberglass, like the Mares X-Wing Carbons.
4. Freediving wetsuit
Depending on where you are diving and for how long, you can freedive without a wetsuit. But even in warmer waters, you might choose to wear a wetsuit if you are in the water for a long time, and to protect you from stings and sunburn.
Freediving wetsuits tend to be tighter and more stream-lined than scuba or surfing wetsuits. They usually come as separate pants and jacket, but some are one piece. Freediving wetsuits can be made from different materials, but they are usually nylon and/or open cell.
- The Mares Instinct 3.5mm wetsuit is a great option for your first freediving wetsuit.
5. Weight belt
When we go freediving, we need to counteract our body’s buoyancy and the buoyancy of the wetsuit by adding weight to our body. Lead weights can be added to a weight belt and put around your waist to make you heavier and allow you to descend with ease under the water.
However, it is important to note that too much extra weight will make it difficult to get back to the surface. A buoyancy check can be done on a freediving course in order to find the correct amount of extra weight you need.
If you plan to do freediving training to try and go deeper, you will also need this freediving gear:
6. Dive computer
A dive computer is worn on the wrist and helps you to know how deep you are and how deep you have been. It can log your previous dives, it can alert you when you are at a particular depth, and it can tell you how much surface time you have had.
- We strongly recommend getting a dive computer like the Mares Smart Apnea if you plan to freedive to depth.
7. Buoy and line
Having your ownbuoy and line is not essential for freediving as you can train through a freediving center who will have their own. But a buoy and a line (rope) that is marked to indicate depth on the way down are essential items for depth training.
A buoy helps freedivers to be seen on the surface, and it gives you something to hold onto while you rest. When you are depth training in freediving, it is important to have a rope to follow so you can control where you are in the water and set it to the exact depth you want to go to.
A lanyard stopper is then added to the end of the rope, so you know that you are at the bottom and need to turn. Lead weights are used to make a ‘bottom weight’ that keeps the line straight.
A surface line can also be used to tie multiple training buoys together, or to keep your buoy attached to a boat. This Mares training buoy is easily visible in the water.
8. Lanyard
A lanyard is an essential piece of freediving gear when depth training on a line. A lanyard is what keeps you connected to the line, so if there is a problem when you are at depth, your buddies can pull up the rope with you attached to it.
- One end of the lanyard is attached to your wrist, and the other is clipped onto the rope. If you are looking to buy your first lanyard, check this one out.
9. Pulley and carabiners
Carabiner clips are used to keep the rope attached to the buoy. A pulley system can also be added to make it easier to change the depth of the line quickly, and to make pulling the line up much easier.
That is all the freediving gear you need to train as a freediver!
Your next step is to start exploring the wonders of the aquatic world on a single breath. Check out our range of freediving courses to get inspired for your freediving journey. We have courses to meet every freediving interest and need; from beginner and advanced freediving courses, right through to professional freediving certifications:
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