Let's Freedive Indonesia

Which Freediving Gear Should Beginners Have?

Choosing freediving gear that suit beginners can be confusing and intimidating.

Nowadays, there are a lot of choices and sources to buy freediving gear.

But, we don’t want to pick something that will become a waste or just hang around in the closet.

So, let’s learn more about “Which Freediving Gear Should A Beginner Have”.

Basically, you need a mask, a snorkel, and fins to start freediving.
Sometimes, you also need a wetsuit, but this depends on the diving site and your tolerance to the cold.

But, which is which that beginners need?

let’s start with the Mask and the Snorkel.

In freediving, you need Low-Volume Mask which is totally different than Scuba Diving or Snorkelling.

There are a lot of brands for Low-Volume Mask, but choose the one that FIT you best, not the brands.

Make sure all the rubber part of the mask is in touch with your face and you can pinch your nose easily.

Also, ensure that the glass is not too close to your eyelashes, especially for women, because this will make the mask easily fog.

AIDA education system itself has a way to check whether the mask is fit or not, but we will talk about this more in the course.

Usually, you can buy a snorkel with a mask in one package. But, you can buy it separately too.

Consider these things when choosing a snorkel:

• The way you will hold the Snorkel at the sea. Rigid type snorkel if you want just hold it with your hand. Flexible type snorkel if you are more comfortable attached to mask strap.
• Without purge. In our experience, a snorkel with a purge valve tends to leak after several times diving sessions.

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Next is the Fins.

In freediving, we usually use a pair of Long Fins to make our movement more efficient.

However, Long Fins are pretty hard for beginners at the beginning of their training.

It is easier to learn proper finning kicks with short fins, but you can also use long fins.

The main focus is actually on the foot pocket. Choose the Full Foot type and choose the one that:

• Firmly hold your feet without too much wiggling.
• Your toes still can move a little bit while inside the foot pocket.
• No or minimal pressure on your foot skin when you straighten your feet & heel,

Un-fit foot pocket can easily make your feet bruised and wounded.

Disclaimer for every beginner: Buying or using fiberglass or carbon fins before understanding proper finning kicks will increase the risk of damaging your fins.

A wetsuit is not mandatory gear for freediving. You may use a wetsuit to feel more comfortable while training in the water.

Also, you can consider using a wetsuit if you are easily feeling cold, shivering, or have a sensitive skin reaction.

Wetsuits are also able to provide additional protection from the sun whenever you are at the sea.

Consider these things before buying a wetsuit:

1. Material thickness.
2. Wetsuit Type (One Piece, Two Piece, Front/Rear Zip, Etc).
3. Inner & Outer Material.
4. Size Availability & Chart.
5. Price and Budget.

All of those will affect your mobility, comfort, buoyancy, style, and daily maintenance.

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Finally, we always recommend our student rent gear at the first and second sessions.

This helps the student to try, mix & match, and experience certain types of gear before buying one.

Don’t hesitate to ask us anything about gear in the courses if you are still confused.

Until then, stay awesome, and see you at the diving session!