Freediving Equipment
From a distance it might be easy to confuse the two, but get up close and you’ll notice definite but subtle differences in the livery and equipment donned by freedivers and scuba divers.
Scuba divers look comparatively clunky and clumsy against the chic, hydra dynamic silhouettes of freedivers.
This contrast is derived from more than pure aesthetics. Each item has been lovingly designed to allow the diver greater flexibility, reduce energy expulsion, and increase performance at greater depths.
The below list outlines a few pieces of essential kit you may require when freediving in Egypt.
Fins
Freedivers typically use either bi-fins (as in scuba) or mono fins (a single ‘dolphin’ tail) with the latter being significantly harder to master.
Bi-fins tend to be longer than those used in scuba and made of carbon or similar materials which offer a greater return on the investment of energy.
Mask
Freediving masks are smaller than those used for snorkelling, pressed more closely to the face and contain a smaller pocket of air.
The reasons for this are twofold. The smaller air space means that the diver has to expel less air to equalise this space at depth (critical when you only have a single breath to work from).
In addition, it’s much easier to see the diver’s eyes through a freediving mask which allows accompanying safety divers to better monitor the diver’s well being under the surface.
Wet Suit
Instead of the traditional ‘all in one’ body suit donned by the scuba crowd, a freediving wetsuit is usually a two piece affair consisting of leggings and a top part that join at the pelvis. This design negates the need for any external zips which may slow the diver down and consume more energy.
Snorkel
Even the snorkel is different in freediving with a more rigid structure that isn’t attached to the mask.
This keeps the snorkel upright in the water prior to the dive when the diver is ‘breathing up’ (the breathing techniques practiced in preparation for a dive), while allowing it to remain detached from the mask so that it may be left behind when the dive begins.
Do I need all this equipment?
If attending a freediving course in Dahab or elsewhere in Egypt, the provider will usually include the use of their equipment for free.
Particularly if you are new to freediving the initial outlay for the above freediving equipment is a significant investment. Until you know what you are doing (or have acknowledged that you are ‘hooked’ on the sport) you can certainly get away with using cheap scuba fins and wet suits.
Where to Buy Freediving Equipment?
Unless you happen to have a freediving store in your neighbourhood, the best places to obtain specialist equipment are from dive shops (i.e. where you have booked your course) or online.
Check the resource box below for a list of online providers of freediving equipment and other useful freediving links:
For More Information:
British Freediving Association: More information from about Freediving Equipment in General
Other Adventure Travel Articles:
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