Freediving - Masks and Snorkels

How to choose a freediving mask, snorkel and fin 

Mask selection for freediving prioritises low internal volume above almost everything else. Less air in the mask means less air spent equalising as you descend, and less air spent clearing if water leaks in. Single-lens masks reduce frontal volume and weight; twin-lens masks let you fit prescription lenses if you need them. Dark or mirrored lenses reduce glare in shallow water. The silicone skirt is the part that decides whether the mask seals on your specific face. There is no shortcut on this; try the mask on. 

Snorkel selection is simpler than the spearfishing snorkel call because freedivers do not need the drop-away requirement that spearfishing brings. A soft silicone J-tube without a purge valve and without a dry-top mechanism is the standard. The snorkel goes in your mouth at the surface, gets cleared with a quick blast on resurface, and otherwise stays out of the way. 

Fin selection for freediving mirrors the spearfishing call. The blade material choice (plastic, fibreglass or carbon) is covered in detail on the freediving fins page and the spearfishing fins page. Foot pocket fit with a thin freediving sock matters as much as blade material. 

The full freediving kit is at the freediving gear package collection, and snorkellers who want a less specialised mask should look at the snorkel sets and masks collection instead. Come into Gladesville for the mask fitting or call (02) 9958 5699 for advice if you are buying remotely.