Dear freediver, whether you're a beginner or experienced, Diveavenue is here for you.

We’re by your side for every dive, helping you choose the equipment best suited to your needs. This comprehensive guide was made just for you: “How to Choose the Right Gear for Freediving”.

We also invite you to explore the achievements of top freedivers in our blog post: "Competitive Freediving: Record-Holders & Legends."

Discover Freediving: Beyond the Breath

Freediving is the voluntary suspension of breathing underwater. Originally used for fishing and harvesting underwater treasures, it has become a full-fledged sport and recreational discipline. Its appeal lies in the feeling of harmony with the water, mental well-being, and stress relief it provides.

Freediving Disciplines: Time, Distance & Depth

Freediving comes in various forms, each with its own goals—whether practiced in a pool or open water:

• Static Apnea (STA): Staying motionless underwater for as long as possible. This discipline focuses on breath-hold and relaxation. Current static apnea records are 8'53''15 for women and 10'39 for men.

• Dynamic Apnea (DYN/DNF): Swimming the longest horizontal distance on a single breath—with fins (DYN) or without (DNF). World records in monofin dynamic apnea reach 250 m (women) and 300 m (men).

• Free Immersion (FIM): Descending and ascending along a rope using only your arms, without fins.

• Constant Weight (CWT/CNF): Descending and ascending using muscular strength alone, while maintaining the same weight. It can be done with fins (CWT) or without fins (CNF), which is considered the purest form.

• Variable Weight (VWT): Using weight for a fast descent and swimming back up.

• No Limits (NLT): The most extreme discipline, involving a weighted descent and an ascent using a lift bag.

Mastering Freediving: Essential Techniques

Progress in freediving relies on mastering a few fundamental techniques:

Breathing:

Before the dive: Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing is key to relaxation and CO2 elimination.

During the dive: Managing contractions caused by rising CO2 levels is critical.

After the dive: Immediate recovery breathing is vital.

Equalization:

• Equalizing pressure in the ears and sinuses is essential to avoid barotrauma. Techniques include:
• Valsalva maneuver (up to 30 m)
• Frenzel maneuver (more advanced, up to 80 m)
• Voluntary Tubal Opening (BTV)

Propulsion:

Choosing the right freediving fins is crucial:

• Monofins provide powerful undulating movement. Bi-fins offer versatility. No-fins diving requires exceptional body control.

• Freediving Equipment: Safety, Comfort, and Performance

Having the right gear is essential for safety and optimal performance:

• Freediving Mask:Choose a low-volume mask to ease equalization and reduce air consumption.

• Freediving Fins:Beginners should opt for long, soft, full-foot fins. Advanced divers may prefer stiffer fins made from

• fiberglass or carbon. Top brands include Beuchat, C4, Cetma Composites, Epsealon, Mares, and Leaderfins.

• Wetsuit:Made of neoprene, thickness depends on water temperature and dive depth to ensure optimal thermal insulation.

• Weight System:Essential for buoyancy adjustment. A Marseille-style weight belt with quick-release is recommended for safety.

• Freediving Computer:A vital safety tool to track depth, dive time, water temperature, and surface intervals

• Snorkel:Used primarily for surface breathing and buddy monitoring.

Safety Accessories:

Include signaling buoys, ropes, lanyards (for cable attachment), and carabiners.

Freediving Training & Progression: Push Your Limits

To improve in freediving, regular and structured training is key:

• Physical Preparation: Increase lung capacity and thoracic flexibility (via yoga, diaphragm exercises), along with cardio and strength training.

• Mental Preparation:Managing stress and anxiety, focusing, and using visualization techniques are crucial for both performance and safety.

• Dry Training:Pranayama (breath control techniques) and CO2/O2 apnea tables help increase breath-hold tolerance.

Freediving Safety: Dive with Confidence

Safety is paramount in freediving, a discipline with inherent risks. It requires strict adherence to safety protocols:

Never dive alone.

The golden rule of freediving is to always dive with a trained, attentive buddy.

Where to Train for Freediving?

Many freediving clubs and certified training centers offer courses for all levels—from beginners to competitors. In France, especially in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, you'll find dedicated facilities in Isère, Savoie, Rhône, and Drôme.

Freediving World Records

Freediving records continue to be broken, showcasing the body’s adaptability and resilience. These extraordinary performances inspire divers worldwide to explore their own limits—always with respect for safety and human physiology.

Freediving: A Journey Within

Freediving is both a demanding discipline and a deeply personal journey. Whether you're seeking relaxation, ocean exploration, or pushing your personal boundaries, proper training and responsible practice are the keys to a safe and rewarding experience.

Shipping & Customer Service: A Seamless Experience

Enjoy free delivery on all orders over €90.

Products are shipped within 48 to 72 hours, depending on stock availability (updated regularly).

Take advantage of fast delivery and our dedicated customer service, available Monday to Friday, to assist you with choosing the right wetsuit or any other diving gear.