There are some cultures around the world who can freedive with nothing more than a breath at the surface. The rest of us usually at the most basic require masks, snorkel and fins to freedive. Depending on the location, you may also need a wetsuit and weights. 

Fins 

Freedivers have the choice of regular bi-fins or monofins. Bi-fins come in a variety of sizes and materials, test out different types before picking the one for you. With a monofin you can feel like a real-life mermaid as you dive below. Monofins are best for depth and speed. They require more energy than normal bi-fins and take some time to get used to. 

Snorkel

The snorkel that freedivers use is a basic tube and mouthpiece. The snorkels reserved for snorkeling and scuba diving usually have a purge or guard at the top of the tube. The freediver usually drops the snorkel out of their mouth as they descend. Snorkels make breathing at the surface especially when conditions are rougher much easier.

Weights

Usually freedivers wear a rubber weight belt around their waists. Rubber weight belts are the most comfortable and allow for pre-dive breath-ups.The weights should be evenly spaced. Weights can also be worn around the neck or ankles. Exposure suits are extremely buoyant so freedivers use weights to be able to sink below the surface. 

Wetsuit

Freedivers training in pools or in warm enough water won’t require a wetsuit. While, for most freedivers as they tend to spend a lot of time in the water  will require a full length wetsuit despite the outside temperature. Freediving wetsuits are form fitting and smooth, allowing for easy propulsion through the water. Freediver wetsuits are usually two-pieces with a hood but without zippers allowing for less water to come in. Traditionally, they are more flexible than scuba diving wetsuits allowing for greater maneuverability in the water. To put on a wetsuit it’s best to make it wet to avoid damaging the material as you put it on.

Other types of equipment 

Nose-clip 

Some divers prefer to dive without a mask and will use a nose clip. Some divers that train in a pool will often use goggles and a nose-clip to prevent water entering their nose. Nose-clips designed for freediving make it easy to do a hands-free equalization at depth. While it may not be something you use at the beginning of your freediving career, nose-clips can help you progress.

Computers 

Once you get started with freediving, you will want to invest in a computer. Computers measure depth, duration, ascent rates and surface intervals making sure you keep safe while diving. 

Line and buoy

A line and buoy keep freedivers safe as they train. A buoy that is big enough to allow a diver to rest is at the top of a line with a weight at the bottom to keep the line straight. Divers can choose to hold the line or use it as a visual reference. The buoy should have a hand-hold as well that the diver can grip. It should also have room to put water and store extra equipment. 

Lanyards 

Lanyards connect divers to the line and should be used in low visibility and rough conditions. It helps freedivers stay close to the line with minimal effort without drifting away by current. They should have a quick release system allowing the diver to disconnect at any point. 

Conclusion

Investing in the right gear early on can help you with your training as a freediver. At the minimum, if you plan to freedive regularly buy a mask that is suited to your face. A comfortable set of fins should be the second piece of equipment. The type of freediving equipment you will use greatly depends on the type of freediving you will be doing.