Katie Wood
Freediver, Writer, Explorer
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Katie Wood
Freediver, Writer, Explorer
There’s something exhilarating about the first few freediving sessions. The silence. The weightlessness. The way the ocean seems to welcome you into a world that, moments before, felt unreachable. It’s intoxicating. And like any new passion, the urge to dive all in—quite literally—takes hold quickly. You start looking up the best freediving fins, sleek carbon blades that promise effortless propulsion. You eye the custom wetsuits, the low-volume masks, the high-end dive computers. If the pros use them, surely you should too.
But here’s the thing: rushing into buying expensive freediving equipment is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make.
New freedivers often assume that better equipment will make them better divers. And to an extent, good gear can improve efficiency and comfort. But when you’re just starting out, your biggest limitation isn’t your fins—it’s you. Your technique, your breath control, your relaxation, your ability to equalize, your comfort with depth. The ocean doesn’t care how much you spent on your setup; it rewards skill, not gear.
The best freedivers in the world didn’t start with top-of-the-line equipment. They started with the basics, focused on mastering the fundamentals, and only upgraded when their skills demanded it. If you put a beginner in $1,000 carbon fins and a seasoned freediver in basic plastic ones, the experienced diver will always outperform the beginner.
Buying the most expensive equipment at the start won’t make you a better freediver. What will? Time in the water, learning how to move efficiently, building your breath-hold, and understanding your body’s signals.
Ask any experienced freediver about their first set of fins, and many will tell you they bought the wrong ones. Not because the fins were bad, but because they didn’t yet know what they needed.
Freediving gear isn’t one-size-fits-all. The stiffness of your fins, the angle of the blade, the type of footpocket, the fit of your mask—all of these things are highly personal. The problem? As a beginner, you have no idea what’s comfortable for you. You haven’t spent enough time in the water to understand your preferences.
Take fins, for example. Carbon fiber fins are lightweight, efficient, and powerful—but they’re also unforgiving. If your technique isn’t refined, they can feel clunky and unresponsive. Many beginners actually perform better in softer plastic or fiberglass fins because they allow for smoother, more natural movement. But it’s impossible to know what works best for you without trying different setups first.
It’s easy to assume that you’ll be freediving for years to come, but the reality is that not everyone does. Life happens. People move, interests shift, and sometimes the sport just doesn’t resonate in the way they thought it would.
Freediving is a sport of patience, and some people struggle with that aspect of it. Others find they love it at first but don’t have the time or opportunity to train consistently. And some simply realize they prefer scuba diving, surfing, or other ocean activities instead.
Dropping a small fortune on gear right away locks you into an investment that you might not need. If, after a year, you’re still passionate and diving regularly, then it makes sense to upgrade. But in the beginning, renting gear or borrowing from friends is the smarter move.
One of the most dangerous myths in freediving is that better equipment equals better safety. This isn’t true. Safety in freediving comes from training, knowledge, and experience—not from owning the latest carbon fins or a $700 dive computer.
A beginner who understands proper buddy protocols, rescue techniques, and breath-hold safety is far safer than someone with elite gear but no formal training. The best investment a new freediver can make isn’t in equipment—it’s in a quality freediving course.
So, if you shouldn’t buy the expensive gear right away, what should you do?
Take your time. Start with affordable, entry-level equipment or rent gear for your first few months of diving. Join a freediving club, take a course, and test different setups before making big purchases. Many freediving centers and training groups have gear available for students to try, which is invaluable when figuring out what works best for you.
If you’re certain you want to invest in your own equipment, prioritize the essentials. A well-fitting mask is non-negotiable. Fins should be comfortable, but they don’t have to be the most expensive ones on the market. A simple wetsuit will do the job—custom suits can come later.
And when you’re finally ready to buy high-end gear, you’ll know exactly why you’re buying it. Not because it’s what everyone else is using, but because you’ve reached a point where better equipment will genuinely improve your experience.
All of this isn’t to say that high-quality freediving equipment isn’t important—it absolutely is. The difference between a cheap mask that leaks and a well-designed one is night and day. The right fins can mean the difference between gliding effortlessly and feeling like you’re fighting the water. And when you reach a certain skill level, better gear does enhance performance.
But good gear is only valuable when it’s paired with the skill to use it properly. A freediver who has spent months honing their technique in mid-range fins will feel a real difference when they finally upgrade to carbon blades. A diver who has pushed their depth limits and improved their breath-hold will truly benefit from a specialized wetsuit that minimizes drag.
The key is timing. Buy the best gear when it makes sense—not when marketing tells you to.
Freediving is a journey, and like any journey, it’s best taken one step at a time. Rushing to buy expensive gear won’t make you a better diver—but time in the water will. Invest in training, refine your skills, and learn what works for you before making big purchases.
When you’re ready, the right equipment will elevate your freediving experience. But until then, patience is the best investment you can make.