From Masks to Fins, How Much Does Freediving Gear Cost?

Summary

• Freedivers require various equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable freediving experience. The essential items include a wetsuit, fins, mask, weights and socks. Optional extras may include a buoy and line, waterproof gloves and a diving knife.
• Prices for the necessary gear vary depending on the quality of materials and design. A higher price tag often indicates good value for money, yet you should always be cautious and seek the opinions of other freedivers and read online reviews.
• Divers should always ensure that their equipment is safe, well-maintained and bought through a trusted and reputable freediving store. Agulhas offers a range of high-quality freediving equipment designed with safety and sustainability in mind, making it easy to ensure your kit lasts for years!

Introduction

Freediving is an exciting and adventurous sport that allows divers to explore the ocean’s depths without relying on heavy scuba gear. It involves breath-holding, efficient swimming techniques and a range of specialised equipment. One of the most important decisions for aspiring freedivers is choosing their gear, including wetsuits, masks, fins and weights. But how much does this equipment cost?

The cost of freediving gear can vary significantly depending on quality and type, and balancing the need for quality and safety with your budget is never easy. That’s why it’s important to research the various manufacturers and brands ahead of time to ensure you’re getting the best gear for your needs.

Here at Agulhas, we provide the highest quality gear at an affordable price. Our freediving store offers a wide variety of equipment, such as masks and fins, as well as much more. All our freediving apparel is eco-friendly, so you can be sure that your purchases aren’t hurting the oceans you love.

In this article, we’ll look at the freediving gear you might need, breaking it down into essential equipment and optional extras you can add to your kit bag as you dive deeper into the sport. Let’s get into it!

What Freediving Equipment Do I Need?

The basic equipment for freediving consists of a wetsuit, mask, fins, socks and weight belt/weights. A wetsuit will help keep you warm underwater and is designed to allow for maximum mobility. Your mask should fit snugly around your face, with lenses made from tempered glass that won’t fog up during dives. Fins should be lightweight and comfortable to propel yourself through the water quickly and efficiently. Weights are used to counterbalance your buoyancy to stay submerged for longer periods.

Other items you may want to consider include a snorkel, a dive computer/freediving watch, a buoy and line, a nose clip, waterproof gloves and a dive knife. These items help keep you safe and comfortable while diving.

Overall, what equipment you need depends on several factors:

• Your budget: The cost of freediving gear can vary significantly depending on the quality and type. If you’re a beginner, looking for good value rather than the cheapest option is important, as poorly made gear poses a safety risk.

• Your freediving goals: If you’re planning deep dives, then you’ll need more specialised equipment. This includes a dive computer, which tracks your depth and time underwater, and weights or buoyancy compensators that help maintain neutral buoyancy during the dives.

• Your level of experience: As you become more experienced, it may be necessary to upgrade your equipment. This could include upgrading your fins, mask and wetsuit for increased comfort or performance.

• What kind of environment you’ll be diving in: You’ll need to choose equipment suitable for the type of environment you’re diving in. This includes considering the temperature, visibility and any hazards, such as currents or dangerous sea life.

Your total cost for basic freediving gear will depend on the quality and type of equipment you choose, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $200-$1000 USD at a freediving store. Higher-end gear may cost more, but it should also provide better performance and durability.

Why Quality Freediving Gear Is Essential

Freediving can be a dangerous sport. Without the safety of scuba gear, you must be extremely careful and confident in your equipment to ensure you can dive safely. Quality freediving gear is essential for a safe and successful dive. It should fit comfortably, provide protection against cold water and give you the performance needed. Maintaining your equipment is also important to avoid malfunction.

In our modern age, eco-friendliness must also be a consideration. There is a growing concern for the planet and the state of our oceans. Freedivers are known for their love of this environment and the amazing wildlife that lives within it. Respect for the oceans is high on the agenda. When shopping for freediving gear, it pays to look for items made from sustainable materials and manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner.

However, finding the right freediving apparel doesn’t have to be daunting. Here at Agulhas, we carry a wide selection of quality freediving equipment, so you can find everything you need in one place. All our freediving apparel is sustainable and made with the environment and oceans in mind. 

Check out our freediving store on this website to see our range!

Breaking Down the Cost of Freediving Gear: The Essentials

As we mentioned above, you can divide your freediving equipment into the essential and the optional extras you might wish to add to your inventory as you progress with the sport. We’ve broken down our guide this way and will start with the basics.

Wetsuits

A wetsuit is essential for freediving, as it will keep you warm and help you move more efficiently through the water.

Wetsuits are usually one of the most expensive pieces of equipment, ranging from $100 to well over $500 or more. Mid-range models typically offer good insulation and flexibility while still being comfortable to wear. For example, a single-lined neoprene model with flatlock seams and a back zipper may cost around $200. At the high end of the market, you’ll find no-lining wetsuits made with innovative features such as water-repellent coating, knee pads and reinforced material at the elbows and shoulders – these can cost over $400.

Freediving Masks

Freediving masks are designed to stay in place and keep water out during dives, so it’s important to get a model that fits your face comfortably.

Freediving masks will typically set you back anywhere between $20 to $200 or more, depending on the brand and features. These masks are designed to fit better around your face than traditional scuba masks to minimise drag underwater. They also have larger lenses for improved peripheral vision and low-volume construction, making them easier to equalise at depth. Freediving masks come with either single or double lenses. While the number of lenses is largely a personal preference, you should always opt for tempered glass, which is shatterproof and scratch resistant. A mid-range model with such lenses might cost around $90 -$100. High-end models can be considerably more expensive due to their superior construction quality.

Freediving Fins

Freediving fins are very different from traditional scuba fins in that they are designed for maximum efficiency with minimal effort. You will notice that they are longer and narrower than scuba fins and are usually made with softer materials to reduce fatigue. Freediving fins are essential for efficient propulsion underwater, so it’s worth investing in a good pair if you’re serious about your freediving performance.

Most freediving fins will cost between $50-$200 or more depending on construction materials and features, with plastic blades being the cheapest. In contrast, carbon fibre composite blades are considerably more expensive but provide superior power transfer when kicking through the water column. As a general rule of thumb, you should expect to pay at least $100 or more for a decent pair of freediving fins suitable for serious diving!

Socks

Freediving socks are often overlooked when it comes to freediving equipment, yet they play a vital role in protecting your feet. Your fins can chaff the feet and, in the worst-case scenario, when the fit is poor, even cause abrasions and cuts. Socks prevent this and offer you added protection in cold water environments.

Freediving socks typically cost between $10 -$30 and come in various thicknesses to suit different water temperatures. They are usually made from neoprene or lycra, materials that offer warmth and comfort. The best way to choose the right thickness is to test them out in the water or ask an experienced freediver for advice.

Weights and Weight Belts

Finally, you’ll need weights to help balance your buoyancy to get deeper underwater with less effort. A rubber weight belt is recommended as it allows for the expansion of the diaphragm. Nylon belts, on the other hand, are cheaper.

With that said, weight belts are fairly affordable compared to other freediving gear, and you can expect prices between $20-$50 or so depending on buckle type and length. Additional weights must also be purchased separately; these are usually sold in 1 lb increments up to 10 lbs or so – 1 lb weights usually come in boxes containing 20 pieces, costing around $10-$25 each!

Other Freediving Apparel: The Optional Extras

Snorkels

A snorkel is important for freediving as it allows you to breathe while swimming on the surface and gives you added time underwater. You sometimes find one bundled with a mask, but usually, you’ll have to purchase one separately.

Essential things to consider when buying a snorkel include flexibility, the size of the mouthpiece and the shape of the tube. Prices start around $10-$20 and can reach up to $50 or more for higher-end models with specialised features such as anti-splash guards, purge valves and low-profile designs.

Dive Computers

Dive computers or freediving watches record important data during your dives, such as depth, time and (if diving with tanks) oxygen levels. Freediving watches are highly recommended for freedivers as they provide greater safety and help track your progress over time.

There are many factors to consider with freediving watches/dive computers, including price, features and battery life. We have covered this subject in full elsewhere on our website. Prices for freediving watches start at around $150. However, they can reach up to several hundreds of dollars depending on the type and quality you choose – something with a large display, multiple sensors, and long battery life might cost significantly more than one with basic features.

Buoys & Lines

A buoy and line are important for safety reasons, increasing a freediver’s visibility to other boats and swimmers. This is especially useful when diving in deeper waters, making retrieval of the buoy easier. As a clear marker, the buoy is important for locating divers in the water, reducing accidents with the boat. You can also store items you don’t want to take underwater inside the buoy, such as a first aid kit.

A buoy and line can be purchased at most diving stores – with a full set probably sending you back around $150. It would be best to look for a buoy and line with a significant gripping area that allows divers to pull themselves onto it when needed. Some may think this an expensive outlay, but given the safety benefits they provide, it’s well worth it.

Nose Clips

A nose clip is a small device used to seal off nostrils during freediving, helping to prevent water from entering your throat or sinuses. Nose clips can be made of plastic, rubber or metal and come in various shapes and sizes. Some freedivers prefer a nose clip to a mask, yet it probably won’t be something you consider when starting.

These come relatively cheap, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 depending on your chosen material and design. It is highly recommended that you get a nose clip that’s comfortable to wear and adjustable.

Waterproof Gloves

Buying waterproof gloves is another optional extra when freediving. These can be useful in colder climates as they provide added protection from the elements. However, they can be useful beyond cold-weather environments by offering hand protection.

Waterproof gloves come in various thicknesses and materials, and you should look for those that insulate and protect the hands but don’t restrict movement. There are several styles available such as open-finger gloves, which offer less insulation but a better grip, which is excellent if you wish to carry an underwater camera, for example. Conversely, full-finger gloves offer more insulation but less grip. Prices typically range between $20-$50, depending on the type you choose.

Diving Knife

Finally, a diving knife is essential for any professional freediver. This is used to cut away entangling lines, nets or seaweed and serves as an emergency tool if needed. This can be used not only for protecting yourself and your dive partners but also for marine life. Sadly, freedivers often encounter fish or other creatures trapped in nets or even plastic refuse.

These vary in size, shape and design but typically range from $25-$50 depending on the quality of the blade and its materials. A good knife should be made with corrosion-resistant alloys that are durable enough not to break easily underwater. It should also have an ergonomic handle that ensures a secure grip and is easy to operate. Look for one with a line cutter on the back edge and dual-serrated edging, which will allow you to slice through tough material. Compact designs are, of course, the best.

Introducing Agulhas Freediving Store

[Insert company logo]

At Agulhas, we stock everything you need for freediving and more. From masks to fins, we have all the best freediving equipment available at great prices. We also sell an array of accessories and freediving apparel – all designed with safety and sustainability in mind to help you get the most out of your freediving experience.

We are revolutionising the freediving landscape with our innovative and unique freediving gear. Why? Because our freediving equipment is designed by freedivers for freedivers. Our team includes champion freediver Hanli Prinsloo, World Champion swimmer Peter Marshall and acclaimed designer Alexander Taylor.

Together we have created freediving gear that saves you money and preserves our beloved planet. All our gear is modular, meaning you never have to pay for expensive equipment outright again. When one part breaks, you replace the part, not the whole piece of gear. This saves you money and cuts down on waste, creating a sustainable product that will last for years to come.

So, whether you’re a beginner or a professional, our knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to help you find the perfect freediving equipment for your needs. Check out our range on the rest of our website, and get in touch if you need any advice!

Conclusion

Freediving requires a range of essential and optional equipment depending on your skill set and other factors. The right gear can help ensure a safe and enjoyable freediving experience. In addition to an appropriate wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel, consider adding a buoy and line, nose clip, waterproof gloves and a diving knife to your list. This will add safety, comfort and convenience, making your freediving experience truly unforgettable.

And remember, our Agulhas freediving store stocks a range of high-quality freediving equipment, from masks and fins to an array of accessories and apparel. Our modular product range is designed with sustainability in mind and lasts for years. So, why not check out our store? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

FAQs