Here’s Exactly What You Need to Know About Freediving

You need to read this before you start your freediving journey.

Freediving is one of the most beautiful ways to explore the ocean's depths. Freediving is super simple—it is holding your breath while diving under the water. Whether you want to begin freediving as your sport or just for a hobby, we’ve listed everything you need to know about freediving to help you get started.

What is Freediving? 

Freediving is a type of underwater diving that allows you to appreciate the unseen beauty of the ocean closely. It will enable you to come closer to marine life and glide smoothly next to the coral reefs. Unlike scuba diving, freediving depends on breath-holding instead of an oxygen tank which means you can only travel underwater in one breath. 

What are the Freediving Essentials?

A freediving mask is the most important gear when it comes to freediving. This gear allows you to see underwater. Whether you’re just a newbie or a professional, you’ll want a comfortable mask, fog-resistant and clear. 

The snorkel allows you to breathe steadily from the safety of the surface while letting you appreciate the underwater world comfortably. It allows for a smoother breathe-up, no matter how wavey the water is. 

Freediving fins are usually long and big since they have to be flexible in delivering the most power with underwater stroke. The longer the fin is, the more flexible and responsive the blade is. It provides the best balance between low effort and high thrust. 

Traditional freediving wetsuit covers most of your bare skin. The wetsuit is a must-have in freediving as it will protect you from the sun, sharp corals, and jellyfish stings. It also provides the diver with a better buoyancy. 

Freediving Safety Tips You Need to Know

The most important rule in freediving is never to dive alone. You can never predict what will happen. You should always use the buddy system—always have another diver with you who knows CPR and rescue procedures. 

Before you go for a free dive, ensure that everyone on your diving team clearly understands the diving plan. You have to communicate to them the dive itinerary, including the dive warm-ups and deep dives. You also have to check the sea conditions and how they will affect your and your team’s safety. 

Make sure to rest twice the duration of your dive and take 5 mins to 8 mins between deep dives. This will allow gas balances to return to normal. Don’t forget to always keep a close distance with your dive buddy for not less than 30 seconds after they surface, even if they say that they are okay.