Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
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Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
In freediving, every breath counts. The snorkel, often seen as a simple tool, becomes the bridge between the diver and the sea, the channel through which calmness enters the body before the descent. World champion Carlos Coste and instructor Petra Obecurova recently shared their impressions of the Alchemy Air, offering a closer look at why this piece of equipment has quietly become a favorite among professionals.
Carlos begins his review by calling the snorkel “a fundamental piece of equipment.” It may look simple, he says, but it plays a decisive role in performance. The Alchemy Air is designed with that philosophy in mind: simplicity that serves function.
Available in two versions, semi-rigid and flexible, the Air gives divers a choice that matches their personal preference. “I love the Air snorkel because it’s semiflexible,” says Carlos. “It has the right level of flexibility to be comfortable with my head. It floats, and it works great no matter what kind of diving I’m doing.”
That balance of comfort and control is what makes the Air unique. It bends just enough to move naturally with the diver’s head and body, yet retains its shape under pressure. It is light, unobtrusive, and built to perform under every condition, from deep dives to long surface sessions.
One of the defining features of Carlos’ setup is his minimalist attachment method. Instead of using clips or mounts, he slides the snorkel directly through the holes on the back strap of his mask.
“I like simple,” he says. “When the snorkel is integrated into the strap, it always stays with your head and body position. It’s not hanging around or making annoying movements. It’s low-profile and hydrodynamic.”
This integration keeps the entire setup sleek and secure, reducing drag and distraction. It is a detail that reflects the freediving mindset: eliminating the unnecessary and keeping only what enhances the experience.
Beyond comfort and design, the Alchemy Air floats. That might sound like a small detail, but it makes a big difference. During deep sessions or training on the line, divers can leave it at the surface without worry. When they return, the snorkel is waiting. “You don’t have to be worried anymore that your snorkel is going to sink and you’ll never find it again,” Petra notes.
It is a simple but smart solution, one that speaks to Alchemy’s approach: gear built by divers for divers, refined by experience in the water.
Petra also highlights the snorkel’s dual-material construction. The main body is made of a lightweight composite that gives it buoyancy, while the mouthpiece is crafted from hypoallergenic silicone. This makes it safe, durable, and resistant to mold, a common issue in cheaper materials.
“It’s very easy to wash,” she explains. “Just a bit of soap and water, maybe a soft brush. It doesn’t get moldy like other snorkels.”
The attention to material quality is not just about longevity. It is about hygiene, comfort, and sustainability. Each part of the Air is made to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing environmental impact.
For Carlos, the snorkel is more than equipment. It is, as he puts it, “an extension of my breathing system, like whales and dolphins.” That idea captures the essence of freediving, the feeling of becoming part of the ocean and adapting the human body to the rhythm of the sea.
The Alchemy Air embodies that philosophy. Minimal, efficient, floatable, and beautifully made, it connects function with feeling, technology with instinct. It turns every breath into part of the dive.