How to properly equip for snorkeling

Dear scuba diving enthusiasts or snorkelers at heart, at DiveAvenue, we thought of you! We are delighted to announce that we have recently enriched our online catalog with a whole new dimension: freediving!

To celebrate this novelty and accompany you in your immersions, this blog article is your guide. We will dive together into the fascinating history of freediving and, above all, discover how to properly equip yourself to become one with the big blue.

Snorkeling is much more than a simple activity. It is an invitation to explore the underwater world by holding your breath, a silent dance with the ocean that seduces more and more of us. Apnea allows to refocus on oneself, to become one with the mind and body while releasing the tracks of everyday life. More than a sport, in the same dynamic, it is a true communion with the ocean, a self-quest in the silence of the depths. But to fully enjoy this unique experience in complete safety, a suitable equipment and a good knowledge of the fundamentals are essential.

Before talking about material, let’s start with a little time travel...

A breath of history: The roots of apnea

Freediving, far from being a modern invention, has deep roots in the history of humanity. Long before the era of diving bottles, man was already exploring the seabed by holding his breath. From pearl-diving fishermen to ancient underwater hunters and the legendary Japanese and Korean Amas, freediving was a vital technique for sustenance and discovery. It’s incredible to think that this practice is as old as our civilizations!

It was only in the 20th century that sports apnea began to take off. Emblematic figures such as Jacques Mayol and Enzo Asturi have pushed the limits of the human body, paving the way for a structured discipline, with its competitions and records. Today, freediving is recognized as a demanding discipline, combining physical performance, mental control and a deep connection with oneself.

Freediving, a philosophy of life under water

For many apneists, this practice goes far beyond physical performance. It is an open door to a world of unique sensations. Total immersion, the soothing silence of the depths, the lightness of the body in the water provide a feeling of fullness and incomparable freedom. It’s as if time stands still, giving way to a bubble of serenity.

Apnea is also a wonderful school of humility and self-knowledge. Faced with the immensity of the ocean, one learns to listen to their body, to manage their stress and to push their limits, always respecting their own abilities. The search for relaxation, mastery of breathing and awareness of each heartbeat become essential pillars of practice. Many describe apnea as a form of active meditation, a deep reconnection with one’s inner being and nature.

What type of apneist are you? The multiple facets of the discipline

What is fantastic about freediving is that it involves multiple disciplines, each with its own challenges and attractions. Your choice of equipment will also greatly depend on your level and the type of apnea you practice.

• Static apnea: The goal is to hold as long as possible under water, immobile. It is a discipline of pure relaxation and breath management.

• Dynamic freediving: Here, it is about traveling the greatest possible horizontal distance under water, with or without fins. It requires a good palming technique and effective effort management.

• The constant weight: The queen discipline of freediving in depth! The free-diver descends and ascends with the sole force of his fins, without the help of a weight. It requires strength, technique, and a mind of steel.

• The variable weight: To explore greater depths, the freediver uses a weight to quickly descend and ascend using a line or his fins.

• The no limit: The most extreme discipline. The freediver uses a sled to descend and a balloon to ascend. This is where the deepest records are set.

• Spearfishing: An ancestral practice combining freediving and fish hunting, requiring specific skills in freediving, hunting technique and knowledge of the marine environment.

• Underwater exploration and photography: For those who simply want to admire the marine fauna and flora, freediving offers unparalleled freedom of movement and discretion. Imagine being able to observe marine life without the noise of bubbles!

Safety first: the apneist’s good gestures

Safety is the cornerstone of any freediving practice. It’s non-negotiable! Here are some golden rules to always respect for secure and fulfilling sessions:

• Never practice alone: It’s the absolute golden rule. The presence of a pair is essential in case of a problem.
• Progress step by step: Never try to force your limits too quickly. Your body needs time to adapt.
• Stay hydrated and eat well: A good physical condition is the basis for successful and safe apnea.
• Listen to your body: Never go beyond your sensations. If discomfort appears, calmly and without panic
• Master compensation techniques: Essential for balancing the pressure in your ears and sinuses. Your comfort and safety depend on it.
• Learn to let go: Relaxation is the key to performance and pleasure while freediving. The more relaxed you are, the more beautiful the experience.

Train with professionals: Courses with qualified instructors will give you the solid technical basis and necessary knowledge in security. It’s the best investment to start or progress.

The dangers in freediving understanding these dangers is the first step to prevent them.

Freediving is a magnificent discipline, but like any activity that pushes the limits of the human body, it carries risks if not practiced with caution and knowledge. 

Hypoxic Syncope (Blackout):

It is the loss of consciousness due to a severe lack of oxygen in the brain. It can occur during or just after apnea, often on the surface.

Why? The brain lacks oxygen, especially at the rise where the partial pressure of O2 decreases rapidly. Excessive hyperventilation masks the warning signals.

La Samba (Engine Loss of Control - PCM)

Disordered and uncontrolled movements just after apnea, without total loss of consciousness. This is the last warning before syncope.

Barotrauma (Pressure Injuries)

Lesions caused by pressure variations can affect the ears and sinuses with sharp pain up to bleeding in the worst case it is a rupture of the eardrum.

It is important to master the compensation (pressure balancing), never force if it hurts, avoid diving while having a cold.

Pressure injuries are numerous pulmonary squeeze, Immersion Pulmonary Edema (OPI) etc..

Barotrauma (Pressure Injuries)

Lesions caused by pressure variations can affect the ears and sinuses with sharp pain up to bleeding in the worst case it is a rupture of the eardrum.

It is important to master the compensation (pressure balancing), never force if it hurts, avoid diving while having a cold.

Pressure injuries are numerous pulmonary squeeze, Immersion Pulmonary Edema (OPI) etc..

Environmental Hazards

Once the physiological risks are controlled, the freediver must deal with the dangers related to their environment. The marine environment indeed presents several threats that it is essential to anticipate to practice safely.

Among the main risks, hypothermia is common, especially during long immersions in cold water. Currents can also represent a danger, as they can lead the freediver away from their diving area. Maritime traffic is another factor that should not be overlooked, hence the importance of using a surface marker buoy to indicate its position to vessels. Finally, the risk of snagging (in nets, fishing lines or algae) can occur at any time: that is why the diving knife remains an essential safety tool to quickly remove itself if needed.

Your underwater arsenal: Be well equipped for freediving

Good equipment is absolutely crucial for your comfort, safety and freediving performance. At DiveAvenue, we have selected the essentials for you so that you can dive with peace of mind. Here are the essentials:

The snorkeling fins: Forget about scuba diving fins! Freediving fins are longer and more flexible, providing efficient propulsion with minimal effort. The choice will depend on your level: soft fins for less effort and more versatility, or stiffer fins (fiberglass or carbon) for more power, ideal for experienced snorkellers.

• The mask: Opt for a mask with low internal volume, which plates well on the face and offers a wide field of vision. Silicone is the most comfortable and durable material.

• The tuba: Let’s keep it simple! A simple tuba, without valve or purge, is preferable for apnea. It must be easy to empty and well positioned so as not to hinder your movements.

• The suit: Essential to protect you from cold and friction. Snorkel suits are generally made of smooth neoprene (split inside for better grip and insulation), more flexible and less thick than tank diving suits, offering a better freedom of movement. The thickness to choose will depend on the temperature of the water where you dive.

• The weight belt and the lead weights: To adjust your buoyancy and allow you to descend more easily, without superfluous effort.

• The ballasting must be precise to avoid forcing the descent too much or being too heavy and difficult to ascend.

• The diving knife: A vital safety element! It will allow you to free yourself in case of a collision or to come to the aid of a partner

• The surface buoy: Essential to signal your presence to boats and other sea users. It also serves as a support point during your surface retrievals and can be equipped with an alpha flag for maximum visibility.

• The freediving computer (optional but highly recommended): This technological gem will give you valuable information about your depths, your freedive times, temperatures, and help you respect recovery times on the surface. A valuable ally to progress safely.

• Safety rope for free-diving: is a physical and symbolic link that connects you to the surface and to your buddy or the security team. It typically measures between 1 meter and 1.5 meters in length. It is equipped with two fastening systems:

Apneist side: A quick and secure attachment, often a carabiner or a velcro system, which is attached to the weighting belt of the apneist. The goal is to be able to unhook it quickly in an emergency, but hold it firmly during the dive.

Line/surface side: Another fastener that attaches to the descent line (also called "lifeline" or "guide line"). This line is stretched vertically from a surface buoy or a boat, and is weighted at the bottom to stay straight.

• Apnea nose clip: it allows to compensate the pressure in the ears and sinuses without having to use the hands.

• Important: It is crucial to master the manual compensation before moving to the nose clip. Note that for activities where it is necessary to quickly clear the nose (for example, to eject water from the mask), the pince-nez is not always practical.

• Our selection to accompany your freediving outings: 

Seac computers apnea

Fins C4 – Performance and efficiency

At Diveavenue, we offer you a selection of C4 freediving fins in carbon, fiberglass or plastic. Some models are available in several hardnesses (15/20) to adapt to your size and swimming style. These fins are real companions for your freedive outings, designed to split the water with precision and optimize your performance. Another advantage: it is possible to change only the slipper, for more modularity.

Models: 

• Fins MB002 AUREA 20 C4
• Fins UP BLACK C4 Soft
• Fins WOLVERINE C4 black 

Freediving combinations C4 & Seac – Comfort, flexibility and glide

Find a full range of apnea suits available in 2, 3 or 5 mm, single-piece or two-piece.

On some C4 suits outside, their smooth surface allows sliding in water with minimal resistance. On the inside, the jersey lining ensures an optimal fit to your morphology, while remaining comfortable and supple. A large back zip makes it easy to put on, while a velcro closure at the neck ensures a pleasant seal without discomfort. Some models offer sleeves adjustable in length thanks to predefined stitches, and a preformed anatomical cut for guaranteed freedom of movement.

Models: 

• Freediving suit C4 SIDERAL single-piece for men 2 mm
• Freediving suit C4 SIDERAL single-piece for women 2 mm
• Freedive suit C4 VERTICAL UP Male
• Freedive suit C4 VERTICAL UP Women

Tubas C4 – Discreet, hydrodynamic, comfortable

The C4 snorkels are designed to meet the requirements of freedivers:

• Acoustic discretion: their flexible thermoplastic tube absorbs vibrations and limits unwanted noise.
• Hydrodynamics: their profile reduces drag to better split the current.
• Stability: their anatomical shape perfectly fits the face, even during rapid movements.
• Comfort: non-allergic silicone tip that prevents jaw fatigue, even after long use.

Models:

• Tuba C4 MELTEMI

Accessories C4 – To accompany you on each descent

Diveavenue also offers you essential accessories such as:

The C4 – EasyQ System compensation training tool: ideal for working on your compensation technique. Simple to use, it adapts to all nasal morphologies for quick and effective progress.

Neck weights or freefall: helps you find your axis in apnea at each descent, at each beat, modulate your weight according to your needs 

And other accessories essential to your practice.

Ready to dive?

Snorkeling is a demanding but incredibly rewarding discipline. By properly equipping yourself with DiveAvenue, respecting safety rules and training with professionals, you will open the doors to a fascinating underwater world and develop a deep connection with yourself and the ocean.

So, ready to hold your breath and explore the depths with the right equipment?