Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
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Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
At some point, every freediver asks the question: Do I really need a freediving computer? Can’t I just use a regular dive watch, count my kicks, or rely on my buddy for depth and time? I get it. Freediving computers seem like a luxury—until you actually use one. Then, they become indispensable. The reality is, if you’re serious about freediving—whether you’re chasing depth, refining technique, or just diving safely—you need one. Period.
There’s something liberating about knowing exactly where you are in the water. The moment you start descending, your freediving computer kicks in, tracking your depth, time, and surface intervals with unwavering precision. It eliminates the guesswork. It gives you a level of awareness that fundamentally changes how you dive.
Before I started using one, I’d surface and ask my buddy, How deep do you think I went? The answers were wildly inconsistent. Maybe 20 meters? Maybe 30? Turns out, I was often nowhere close to what I thought. Once I strapped on a freediving computer, I suddenly had concrete data: depth, time, dive speed, surface intervals. My training improved overnight.
Progress in freediving isn’t just about going deeper. It’s about efficiency. A freediving computer helps refine everything. It shows your ascent and descent speeds, allowing you to tweak your technique. It lets you compare dive times, revealing what works and what doesn’t. Without one, you’re guessing. And in freediving, guessing is a terrible strategy.
Take surface intervals. The most overlooked part of freediving. We all know we should wait at least twice the length of our last dive before going down again, but let’s be real—without a freediving computer, are you actually timing it? Or are you just waiting until you feel ready? Spoiler: you’re probably not waiting long enough. A computer keeps you honest. It forces discipline, and in a sport where hypoxia and blackouts are real dangers, that’s not just useful—it’s essential.
Speaking of safety, this is the number one reason a freediving computer is non-negotiable. Freediving is a sport built on self-awareness, but humans are not depth gauges. We don’t have an internal clock that accurately measures dive time. And we definitely don’t have a built-in safety alarm that reminds us we’re pushing our limits.
A freediving computer does all of that. It tracks your surface intervals, so you don’t go again too soon. It warns you if your ascent speed is too fast, reducing the risk of lung barotrauma. Most even come with depth alarms, giving you a gentle vibration or beep at a set depth—perfect for training your dive response or reminding yourself when to start freefalling.
And here’s the big one: freediving computers log everything. If something goes wrong, if you ever push too hard or feel off, you can look back at your dives and see exactly what happened. That’s not just about improvement—it’s about safety, and it’s invaluable.
Freediving is as much mental as it is physical. Having a freediving computer eliminates distractions and uncertainties. Instead of surfacing and wondering, Did I stay down too long? Did I go deep enough? Am I improving?—you have answers.
I remember the first time I used one in a deep training session. I set a depth alarm at 20 meters to remind myself when to start relaxing into freefall. Instead of focusing on numbers or second-guessing, I let the computer do the work. The beep went off, I softened my kick, and I felt my body sink effortlessly deeper. It was a small change, but it transformed my dives. A freediving computer allows you to focus on the dive itself, not the logistics around it.
A good freediving computer does more than just track depth. Many models include heart rate monitoring, surface recovery tracking, and even GPS. Some sync with apps, allowing you to analyze your dives in detail. If you’re training seriously, that’s gold. Even if you’re a recreational diver, seeing your improvement over time is addictive.
There’s also the convenience factor. Some freediving computers double as everyday watches, meaning you don’t have to swap gear between training sessions. Plus, they look great. Let’s be honest—part of the appeal of any sport is the gear, and freediving computers are sleek, functional, and undeniably cool.
A freediving computer isn’t an accessory. It’s an investment in your safety, training, and progress. It makes you a smarter, safer, and more efficient diver. Can you dive without one? Sure. Can you train without one? Technically, yes. But why would you? The difference between having a freediving computer and not having one is night and day. Once you use one, you won’t go back. And honestly? You shouldn’t.