Freediving Fashion: Minimal Gear, Maximum Connection

Freediving is a growing sporting trend that involves exploring the underwater world without the use of scuba gear.

While today it seems like the sport of freediving is exploding, it has actually been around for 1000s of years.  Ancient cultures like the Ama divers of Japan and the Haenyeo women of Korea relied on breath-hold diving to collect seafood and pearls.  The Bajau people of Southeast Asia, also called "Sea Nomads," have adapted over generations to freedive for food. And many coastal civilizations used freediving to hunt fish and gather resources long before modern fishing gear existed.

Today, freediving is seen as a non-intrusive way to connect with marine life and ecosystems. Freediving is also a critical skill for Spearos (spearfishers) and while the sports and the gear required for freediving and spearfishing are similar, the two sports have very different goals. 

Freediving and spearfishing, what's the difference? 

Both freediving and spearfishing  are closely related but have distinct purposes:

Freediving is the practice of diving underwater on a single breath, without the use of scuba gear. It focuses on breath-hold techniques, relaxation, and efficiency to maximize time and depth underwater. 

Spearfishing is a form of fishing where divers use a speargun or pole spear to hunt fish while underwater. It often requires freediving skills because most spearfishers dive without tanks to remain stealthy and avoid scaring fish.

Freediving vs. Spearfishing key differences

1. Purpose – Freediving is about depth and breath-hold mastery, while spearfishing is about hunting fish.
2. Gear – Freedivers use streamlined wetsuits and long fins for efficiency, while spearfishers may wear camouflage suits and carry spearguns.
3. Mindset – Freediving is often meditative and competitive, whereas spearfishing is tactical and requires stalking prey.

For a free-diver, each journey underwater is a micro-meditation. It requires total awareness of your body. Many spearfishers train in freediving to improve their breath-hold and movement, making them more effective hunters underwater. 

Freediving and spearfishing have gained huge popularity in recent years as people look to connect with nature intimately while sustaining the ecosystem through sustainable food systems. These sports allow you to move silently and naturally through the water, without the noise and bulk of scuba gear. It’s about becoming one with the ocean, feeling the rhythm of your breath, and experiencing marine life up close.

Freediving ´Fits

One of the advantages of freediving is that you do not need to rely on tanks and heavy equipment. Freedivers and spearfishers rely on the strength of their bodies and their breath to explore the depths of the sea. 

Since we are relying on our own lungs to power our journey, the goal of a freediver is to be as streamlined and aerodynamic as possible to preserve their oxygen levels. Freediving gear is optimized for depth and efficiency, while spearfishing gear is designed for stealth, protection, and hunting.

Unlike in scuba diving, freediving wetsuits are designed to be very small and tight-fitting because it minimizes drag in the water, allowing for more efficient movement and better hydrodynamic performance, which is crucial for freedivers who need to move smoothly through the water with minimal resistance; essentially, a tighter fit means less water can get trapped in the suit, reducing drag and maximizing depth potential. Spearfishing suits are typically not as tight as they require more mobility to shoot and catch fish. Spearfishing suits also come in cool Camo prints designed to make you invisible under the water. 

Key equipment considerations

While the equipment required for freediving is minimal there are several important considerations in order to make the right purchases. 

• Hydrodynamics: The freediver is obsessed with aerodynamics. The more streamlined you are in your fit the easier it is to glide through the water with less resistance. 
• Buoyancy control: When deciding on a wetsuit and fits the freediver will be focused on buoyancy control. A snug fitting suit allows for better control over buoyancy, which is important for deep dives. 
• Heat retention: While a tight fit might seem uncomfortable, it helps trap a thin layer of water against the body, which is then warmed by the body heat, maintaining warmth. This is also why freedivers and spearfishers use gloves, to keep heat from escaping and allowing for longer, more comfortable dives. 

Equipment Essentials

Having the right freediving gear is crucial for comfort, efficiency, and safety. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, here’s a breakdown of the essential freediving equipment you need to maximize your performance in the water.

Let's explore the equipment essentials required for freediving. 

1. Freediving Mask and Snorkel

A low-volume freediving mask is designed to minimize the amount of air needed to equalize pressure as you descend. Unlike traditional scuba masks, these masks are compact, providing a snug fit while ensuring a wide field of vision. Opt for a mask made of high-quality silicone for a comfortable and watertight seal.

A simple, streamlined snorkel is ideal for freediving. Unlike bulky scuba snorkels with purge valves, a freediving snorkel is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to use while conserving energy at the surface.

Our Pick:  C4 FALCON SILVER MASK AND C4 SILVER MISTRAL SNORKEL

C4 Carbon is a high-end, technical freediving and spearfishing brand. With Italian design and engineering C4 is our top choice for serious divers who value performance and aesthetics.

The C4 Falcon Silver Mask is designed for freedivers and spearfishers. With Ultra-Low Volume this mask reduces the need for equalization making deep dives more efficient. Despite the low volume, it offers an expansive field of vision, crucial for underwater visibility and target tracking. The high-quality, soft silicone ensures a perfect seal and comfortable fit, reducing water leakage. 

The C4 SILVER MISTRAL SNORKEL pairs perfectly with the mask. This snorkel is flexible and hydrodynamic: Designed with a  soft yet resilient material, allowing it to flex under pressure but maintain its shape.  With a minimalist design, there are no unnecessary purge valves which reduces drag while diving. 

The matte silver aesthetic of this set not only looks incredible it also reduces glare and reflections underwater, which makes it a great choice for grammable pics. 

Regular Price $2600 MXN; Shop Now $2200 MXN 

2. Freediving Fins

Freediving fins are typically longer and more flexible than regular snorkeling or scuba fins. This design enhances propulsion with minimal effort, allowing divers to move efficiently through the water. Fins are available in different materials, such as plastic, fiberglass, and carbon fiber—the latter being the most efficient and lightweight option for advanced divers.

Our Pick:  SEAC Motus Fins 

The SEAC Motus fins are a top choice for freedivers, spearfishers, and beginners looking for high-performance fins without breaking the bank. The SEAC Motus fins provide versatility, comfort, and efficiency.

One of their standout features is the interchangeable blade system, allowing divers to swap out blades for different stiffness levels or upgrade to carbon or fiberglass without replacing the entire fin. The technopolymer blades provide an excellent balance of flexibility and snap, delivering powerful propulsion with minimal effort. This makes them ideal for both deep diving and long surface swims.

Additionally, the angled blade design enhances efficiency by improving thrust while reducing leg fatigue, an essential feature for those spending extended time in the water. The dual-material foot pocket ensures a snug yet comfortable fit, accommodating 3mm neoprene socks for added warmth and protection. This design minimizes discomfort during long dives while maintaining optimal energy transfer.

The SEAC Motus fins also come in a variety of colors, including camo options for spearfishers who require stealth. Their affordability compared to high-end carbon fins makes them a popular choice for divers looking for professional-grade performance at a more accessible price.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for reliable gear or an experienced freediver wanting a customizable and high-performing fin, the SEAC Motus delivers an excellent balance of power, comfort, and adaptability. With their efficient propulsion, customizable design, and budget-friendly pricing, these fins remain a top-tier option for anyone serious about freediving or spearfishing.

Regular Price $3800 MXN; Shop Now $3000 MXN 

3. Wetsuit

A freediving wetsuit provides thermal protection and helps with buoyancy control. Freediving wetsuits are typically made of open-cell neoprene, which offers better insulation and flexibility than traditional closed-cell wetsuits. Open-cell neoprene means the neoprene has tiny air bubbles exposed rather than being lined with fabric.

This allows the suit to stick to your skin, creating a seal that minimizes water circulation and keeps you much warmer than standard wetsuits.

Depending on water temperature, wetsuits come in various thicknesses, from 1.5mm for warm waters to 5mm or more for colder conditions.

Our Pick: C4 Sideral 3mm Pants and jacket

The C4 Carbon Suit wetsuit two-piece wetsuit especially designed for freediving. Sold as separates jacket and pants, and available in men and women's style, this suit is a top choice for freediving and spearfishing. Made with glide skin neoprene on the outside and a highly elastic jersey lining on the inside this suit provides high compression resistance and excellent flexibility. This suit features reinforced Side Rail panels, adding extra abrasion resistance where it’s needed most. Ideal for spearfishing in rocky environments or when diving near reefs.

4. Weight Belt and Weights

A rubber weight belt is preferred in freediving because it adjusts to depth compression and remains securely in place. Weights help counteract buoyancy and allow for smoother descents. Proper weighting is essential for maintaining neutral buoyancy at the desired depth while ensuring easy resurfacing.

Our Pick: SEAC BLACK SILICONE BELT WITH STAINLESS STEEL MARSEILLE BUCKLE 

The SEAC Black Silicone Belt with Stainless Steel Marseille Buckle (145 cm) is considered one of the best options for freedivers and spearfishers due to its comfort, durability, and functionality. Made of silicone, this belt remains elastic over time, unlike traditional rubber belts that can become brittle. The material not only ensures a snug fit but also provides a superior grip on your wetsuit, preventing it from slipping during dives. This feature is essential when you’re spending long hours in the water or diving in more challenging conditions.

The belt is equipped with a Marseille buckle made from stainless steel, a reliable choice among divers due to its secure adjustment and quick-release capability. This buckle allows you to tighten or loosen the belt with ease, even while wearing gloves, ensuring comfort and ease of use. The quick-release feature is especially important in emergencies, allowing you to ditch the weight belt fast.

With a length of 145 cm, the belt fits most body types and wetsuits, offering flexibility for divers of various sizes. The silicone material ensures the belt resists saltwater corrosion and sun damage, providing long-lasting durability. This belt is a solid investment for any diver looking for a secure, comfortable weight belt that performs reliably in any underwater environment.

Regular Price $1500 MXN; Shop Now $1200 MXN 

5. Freediving Computer

A freediving computer tracks dive depth, time, surface intervals, and other vital data to help manage your dives safely. Advanced models offer alarms for depth and time limits, ensuring you stay within safe limits and avoid the risks of hypoxia or shallow water blackout.

Our Pick: SUUNTO D4F WITHOUT USB FREEDIVING

The SUUNTO D4F Without USB Freediving Computer stands out for its affordable price, making it an excellent choice for freedivers seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. It offers precise depth and dive time tracking, ensuring you stay safe while diving. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear throughout long sessions, and its durability guarantees it will withstand the rigors of freediving. For those looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance, the D4F is the ideal choice.

Regular Price $11,000 MXN; Shop Now $7,000 MXN 

 

Starting your journey as a freediver or spearo begins with investing in quality equipment. Ensuring you have well fitting comfortable gear will not only improves performance it ensures a safe and successful dive. You can purchase your gear online at Xico Dive Shop. Remember that sizes can vary between product styles and brands, if possible visit your local dive shop and consult with a professional to help you get the perfect fit for your adventures. Xico Dive Shop in Playa del Carmen has a full range of freediving and spearfishing equipment. Stop by and visit us for a consultation daily from 9am- 8pm. 

Dive deeper, stay longer.