A Beginner's Guide to Freediving

Freediving is considered one of the most extreme sports where uncertainty follows you around. With uncharted territories and the unpredictability of the deep waters, anything can happen and your safety hangs in a balance.

On the bright side, freediving is also known to be the perfect way to reconnect with the sea and explore the depths of the oceans with minimal impact. Some people freedive for the personal challenge, but for many, one of the benefits of freediving is the silence and calm it brings to one’s life.

Many have tried and many have succeeded in pursuing this passion, and if you’re reading this blog, well you might be one of those people who want or plan to take on this exciting and challenging adventure. But before diving into the deep blue sea, you’ll need to start with the basics of what you’ll be needing underwater.

Things to Prepare Before Freediving



Mask

As you descend into the sea, masks are one of the primary gears you’ll need to be able to attain vision while you’re underwater. The perfect freediving mask is recommended to have a lower volume of air inside as this lowers the air you’ll be needing from your lungs to equalize.

Equalize is a term used in diving where one gets air to flow from the throat to the ears through the opening of the normally closed eustachian tubes. Most divers are taught to equalize by pinching their nose and blowing gently. This gentle pressure opens the eustachian tube, letting air flow gently to the middle ear.

You also want your mask to have clear lenses as much as possible so you can clearly see and assess the condition of your companions and they can do the same for you. Freediving can be really dangerous, so along with your gears and devices, make sure you have someone with you who is capable and knowledgeable in freediving.

Snorkel

One of the main reasons why free divers use snorkels is so they can breathe steadily and comfortably from the safety of the surface, while viewing underwater conditions. Freediving snorkels should be as simple as possible for ease of use and hydrodynamics under the water.  

First, you should look for a soft silicone mouthpiece that is comfortable that you don’t even notice it in your mouth. Second, you should consider buying a simple, straight, or slightly curved bore. And lastly, take into consideration the ease of attaching it to your mask or a flotation device.

Fins

Fins are also one of the most important diving gears you’ll be needing under the sea. These gears help you maneuver your way through the waters. As it is challenging to move with the currents of the water, fins give you more control over your dive and let you cover more distance without exerting too much effort. 

One of the things to consider when getting fins is its length, as longer fins enable you to create more power with every kick. Getting full-foot fins or the full-coverage fins is also a big thumbs up because these enable you to get the maximum transference of power from the leg down to the fin. And lastly, try getting those inexpensive fin retainers or rubber straps that are worn around the ankle to prevent your fins from falling off your foot during uncertain times.

Wetsuit

Wearing the suitable garments for freediving is also important. Most people would think bikinis and swimming trunks are already enough to start freediving. But wearing proper clothing such as a wetsuit is a must in order to shield the body from any harmful elements like jellyfish stings, the sun, or other hazards in the water. Additionally, wetsuits are made to keep the diver warm during diving expeditions on a deeper level.

Weight belts

Weight belts are used to offset the buoyancy of the freediver and their exposure protection. The primary types of weighting systems used by freedivers are weight belt, neck weight, and weight vests. A weight belt offsets the positive buoyancy of the body, making it easier for divers to descend and then stay down.

Also keep in mind that when getting a weight belt, you should consider the following: 

• Flexibility. This is so that they can be worn tight on the hips and prevent it from falling off when you’re upside-down in the water. It also means it’ll stay tight, even when you and your wetsuit are compressed under pressure at depth.
  
  
• Worn on the hips. So that there is nothing to restrict free abdominal breathing.
  
  
• Quick-release. If in trouble, either the diver or their diving buddy can release the belt with one pull, improving buoyancy and helping the diver in trouble to return to the surface.
  
  

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