A Guide to Freediving Equipment for Entry-Level Freedivers

Written By Alberto Matallana

So you've decided to try freediving—exciting! But now you're staring at pages of gear online wondering what you actually need, what's worth investing in, and what can wait. Don't worry, we've got you.

Freediving gear is refreshingly minimal compared to scuba diving. No tanks, no regulators, no computers (at least not yet). Just you, your breath, and a few essential pieces of equipment that help you move efficiently and comfortably underwater.

Let's break down exactly what you need as a beginner, what to look for, and where you can save or splurge.

The Essential Three: Mask, Fins, and Snorkel

These are your freediving fundamentals. You absolutely need these three items, and getting the right fit makes all the difference between an amazing dive and a frustrating one.

1. Freediving Mask

What makes it different: Freediving masks have lower internal volume than scuba or snorkeling masks. This matters because you need to equalize the mask as you descend, and less volume means less air required.

What to look for:

  • Low volume design (the lens sits close to your face)

  • Soft, comfortable silicone skirt that seals well

  • Clear or tinted lens (personal preference—some prefer clear for better light, others like tinted for sun glare)

  • Good field of vision

How to test the fit: Place the mask on your face without the strap. Breathe in gently through your nose. The mask should create suction and stay on your face without the strap. If it falls off or leaks air, try a different model.

Beginner-friendly brands: Cressi, Mares, Apneautica, Omer

Budget: $50-$150 AUD

Pro tip: Don't go for the cheapest mask you can find. A poor fit means constant leaking and frustration. A good mask will last years and make every dive more enjoyable.

2. Freediving Fins

What makes them different: Freediving fins are longer and more efficient than regular swim fins. They give you powerful propulsion with minimal effort, which conserves oxygen and energy.

Types of fins:

Plastic/Composite Fins - Best for beginners. Durable, affordable, and forgiving. Great for learning proper finning technique without too much leg strain.

Fiberglass Fins - Mid-range performance. More efficient than plastic, still relatively affordable. Good choice once you've developed technique.

Carbon Fiber Fins - High performance. Very efficient but expensive and can be fragile. Not necessary for beginners.

What to look for:

  • Foot pockets that fit snugly but don't cut off circulation

  • Medium stiffness for beginners (too stiff = leg cramps, too soft = inefficient)

  • Proper length (usually 60-85cm blade length for recreational freediving)

Full-foot vs. open-heel: Most freedivers use full-foot pockets for better energy transfer. Open-heel with booties is common in colder water or rough entries.

Beginner-friendly brands: Mares Razor, Cressi Gara, Omer Stingray, Salvimar

Budget: $150-$400 AUD for plastic/composite, $400-$800+ for fiberglass/carbon

Pro tip: Start with plastic or composite fins. Learn proper technique first, then upgrade to fiberglass or carbon when you know what performance characteristics you're after.

3. Snorkel

What makes it different: Freediving snorkels are simple tubes with no valves or fancy features. Less to go wrong, easier to clear, and they don't create drag.

What to look for:

  • J-shaped design that sits comfortably

  • Flexible or semi-flexible tube

  • Comfortable mouthpiece (silicone is best)

  • No purge valves (they just add complexity and potential failure points)

Beginner-friendly brands: Most freediving brands make good basic snorkels—Cressi, Mares, Omer, Apneautica

Budget: $25-$60 AUD

Pro tip: Don't overthink this one. A basic freediving snorkel does the job perfectly. Avoid recreational snorkeling snorkels with valves, splash guards, and dry-top features—they create unnecessary drag.

The Next Level: Wetsuit and Weight Belt

Once you've got your mask, fins, and snorkel sorted, these are your next investments—especially if you're diving in Tasmania's chilly waters.

4. Wetsuit

Why you need one: Tasmania's ocean temperatures range from 10-17°C depending on season. A wetsuit keeps you warm, extends your dive time, and makes the whole experience way more comfortable.

Freediving vs. scuba wetsuits: Freediving wetsuits are more flexible and have less buoyancy than scuba suits. The neoprene is often "open cell" on the inside (sticky, smooth texture) which seals against your skin and provides better warmth and flexibility.

Thickness guide:

  • 3mm: Warmer months, pool training, or if you run naturally warm

  • 5mm: Tasmania's standard. Good year-round for most people

  • 7mm: Cold months or if you get cold easily

What to look for:

  • Smooth, flexible neoprene

  • Good fit (too loose = water flush and heat loss, too tight = restricted breathing)

  • Long John or full suit options (full suits offer more warmth)

  • Reinforced knees for durability

Two-piece vs. one-piece: Many freedivers prefer two-piece systems (long john + hooded jacket) for flexibility and extra core warmth. One-piece suits are simpler but less versatile.

Beginner-friendly brands: Orca, Cressi, Mares, Epsealon, Salvimar

Budget: $300-$800 AUD depending on thickness and features

Pro tip: For Hobart waters, start with a 5mm suit. You can always add a hood, vest, or gloves if you need more warmth. Proper fit is crucial—consider getting professionally fitted or ordering multiple sizes to try.

5. Weight Belt and Weights

Why you need it: Wetsuits make you buoyant. Weights help you descend smoothly and maintain neutral buoyancy at depth.

What to look for:

  • Rubber or silicone belt (doesn't slip like nylon)

  • Quick-release buckle (safety essential)

  • Weights in 1-2kg increments for fine-tuning

How much weight? This varies based on your wetsuit thickness, body composition, and depth. As a starting point:

  • 3mm wetsuit: 2-4kg

  • 5mm wetsuit: 4-7kg

  • 7mm wetsuit: 6-10kg

Budget: $50-$100 AUD for belt and weights

Pro tip: Start light. You can always add more weight, but too much makes surface time exhausting and descents uncomfortable. Proper weighting means you're neutral at around 10m depth.

Nice-to-Haves: Accessories That Improve Comfort

These aren't essential on day one, but they make freediving more comfortable and enjoyable.

Hood

Massive heat loss happens through your head. A 5mm neoprene hood keeps you warmer in Tassie's cold water, especially during longer sessions.

Budget: $40-$80 AUD

Gloves and Socks

Protect your hands and feet from cold, especially in winter. 3-5mm neoprene works well.

Budget: $30-$60 AUD each

Dive Computer/Watch

Tracks depth, dive time, surface intervals, and safety metrics. Not essential for beginners in pool or shallow ocean training, but becomes valuable as you progress.

Budget: $200-$800+ AUD depending on features

Pro tip: Wait until you've completed your Level 1 certification and are diving regularly before investing in a computer.

Nose Clip

Some freedivers use nose clips for pool training (especially static apnea) to prevent water entering during breath-holds. Completely optional.

Budget: $15-$40 AUD

What You DON'T Need (Yet)

Let's save you some money. Here's what beginners often think they need but really don't:

Lanyard and neck weight: These are for depth training on lines, not needed for intro courses or shallow diving.

Monofin: Advanced technique. Master bi-fins first.

Carbon fiber everything: Expensive and unnecessary until you know exactly what performance gains you're chasing.

Dive knife: Not typically needed for recreational freediving in Tasmania.

Renting vs. Buying: What's Worth Investing In?

Rent first:

  • Wetsuit (until you know your preferred thickness and fit)

  • Fins (try different stiffnesses before committing)

Buy early:

  • Mask (personal fit is crucial, and you'll want your own for hygiene)

  • Snorkel (inexpensive and personal preference matters)

Buy once you're committed:

  • Wetsuit (once you know your size and thermal needs)

  • Fins (once you've developed technique and know what you want)

  • Weight belt and weights

At Deep South Freediving, we provide equipment for intro courses so you can try before you buy. Once you're hooked (and you will be), we'll help you choose the right gear for your needs and budget.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Upgrade Smart

Freediving gear doesn't need to be complicated or expensive when you're starting out. Focus on the essentials—mask, fins, snorkel—and make sure they fit properly. Add wetsuit and weights once you're diving in the ocean regularly.

As you progress and spend more time in the water, you'll develop preferences for specific features, stiffnesses, and styles. That's when thoughtful upgrades make sense.

The beauty of freediving is its simplicity. You don't need much gear—just the right gear, fitted properly, and the willingness to breathe deep and dive in.

Ready to get started? Join us for a PADI Basic Freediver course or Introduction to Freediving session. We'll provide all the gear you need to discover if freediving is for you—then we'll help you choose the perfect equipment for your journey.

Questions about gear? Reach out at info@deepsouthfreediving.com—we're always happy to chat equipment and help you make smart choices.

Alberto Matallana