Freediving gear and equipment – ready to hold your breath (4)

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Dear freediver, Diveavenue is by your side to support you in all your dives. We’re here to help you choose the equipment best suited to your practice and your needs.

Have a question or a doubt? Find all the essentials about freediving in our blog — several articles are waiting for you!

Not sure how to gear up? Check out our article “How to choose the right freediving equipment.”

Unsure about your wetsuit size? Discover our size guide for C4, Beuchat, and Seac freediving wetsuits.

Discover freediving: beyond the breath

Freediving is the voluntary suspension of breathing underwater. Historically used for fishing and gathering treasures from the sea, it has evolved into a sport and leisure activity in its own right. The appeal of freediving lies in the feeling of harmony with water, mental well-being, and stress relief it provides.

Freediving disciplines: time, distance, and depth

Freediving comes in several disciplines, each with its own goals, whether practiced in a pool or in open water:

Static apnea (STA): remaining motionless underwater for as long as possible — a test of pure breath-hold and relaxation. World records stand at 8'53''15 for women and 10'39 for men.
Dynamic apnea (DYN/DNF): swimming the greatest horizontal distance underwater in a single breath, with fins (DYN) or without (DNF). World records reach 250 m (women) and 300 m (men) with a monofin.
Free immersion (FIM): descending and ascending along a rope using only your arms, without fins.
Constant weight (CWT/CNF): descending and ascending under your own power while keeping the same weight, with fins (CWT) or without (CNF) — considered the purest form.
Variable weight (VWT): using a weight for a faster descent, then swimming back up.
No limits (NLF): the most extreme discipline, involving a weighted descent and balloon-assisted ascent.

Mastering freediving: essential techniques

Progress in freediving relies on mastering key techniques:

Breathing: before diving, diaphragmatic breathing is vital for relaxation and CO₂ elimination. Managing contractions during the dive and post-dive recovery breathing are also essential.
Equalization: balancing pressure in the ears and sinuses prevents barotrauma. Techniques include the Valsalva maneuver (up to 30 m), Frenzel maneuver (more advanced, up to 80 m), and voluntary tubal opening (BTV).
Propulsion: choosing the right fins is key. Monofins provide efficient undulating movement, while bi-fins offer versatility. Diving without fins demands exceptional body control.

Freediving equipment: comfort, safety, and performance

Proper freediving gear is crucial for safety, comfort, and performance:

Freediving mask: opt for a low-volume mask to ease equalization and reduce air consumption.
Freediving fins: choose long, flexible fins for beginners, and stiffer ones (fiberglass or carbon) for advanced divers seeking higher performance. Popular brands include Beuchat, C4, Cetma Composites, Epsealon, Mares, and Leaderfins.
Freediving wetsuit: made of neoprene, thickness depends on water temperature and depth for optimal thermal protection.
Freediving weight system: essential for adjusting buoyancy. A Marseillaise belt with quick-release is recommended for safety.
Freediving computer: a key safety tool for monitoring depth, dive time, temperature, and surface intervals.
Freediving snorkel: mainly used for surface breathing and buddy observation.
Safety accessories: include buoys, ropes, lanyards, and carabiners for connecting to the dive line.

Training and progression: push your limits

To improve in freediving, a regular and structured training routine is essential:

Physical training: increase lung capacity and thoracic flexibility through yoga and diaphragm exercises; cardio and strength are also key.
Mental training: managing stress, focus, and visualization are crucial for both performance and safety.
Dry exercises: techniques like pranayama and CO₂/O₂ tables (full or empty lung) help increase breath-hold tolerance.

Freediving safety: dive with confidence

Safety is the top priority in freediving. The discipline involves risks that require constant vigilance and adherence to strict protocols:

Never dive alone: the golden rule of freediving — always dive with a trained and attentive buddy.

Where to learn and practice freediving

Numerous freediving clubs and training centers offer courses for all levels, from beginner to competition. In France, especially in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, you’ll find dedicated centers in Isère, Savoie, Rhône, and Drôme.

World records in freediving

Freediving world records continue to be broken, showcasing the incredible adaptability and resilience of the human body. These achievements inspire divers worldwide to explore their own limits — always within the boundaries of safety and physiology.

Delivery and customer service: a smooth experience

Enjoy free delivery on all orders over €90. Items are shipped within 48 to 72 hours, depending on stock availability, which is updated regularly. Benefit from fast delivery and a passionate customer service team available five days a week to help you choose your freediving suit or other diving accessories.