10 Essential Freediving & Spearfishing Gear Picks

Standing on the edge of a rocky ledge or the swim platform of a boat, looking down into the deep blue, the world of underwater hunting and breath-hold diving feels both exhilarating and mysterious. Stepping into freediving and spearfishing requires a careful transition from surface swimmer to efficient predator, where comfort directly dictates how long a single breath of air will last. Equipping oneself with the right starter kit is not just about performance; it is the ultimate foundation for safety, comfort, and confidence beneath the waves.

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How to Choose Your First Safe Freediving Gear

Entering the underwater world on a single breath demands gear that prioritizes hydrodynamic efficiency and absolute comfort. Unlike scuba diving, where gas supplies are carried on the back, freediving and spearfishing rely entirely on the body’s oxygen conservation. Any pinching, rubbing, or restrictive material increases the heart rate and burns precious oxygen, shortening dive times and increasing the risk of a shallow-water blackout.

Beginners often make the mistake of buying gear designed for scuba or general snorkeling, which is inherently too bulky. Proper freediving gear is streamlined, low-profile, and designed to flex naturally with the body’s movements. Safety must remain the core focus, meaning bright signals, quick-release mechanisms, and reliable cutting tools take priority over flashy colors or aggressive marketing.

Low-Volume Mask – Cressi Nano Freediving Mask

A mask is the literal window to the underwater world, but in freediving, its internal volume is just as important as clarity. Every foot of descent compresses the air inside the mask, requiring the diver to exhale through the nose to equalize the pressure and prevent facial barotrauma. The Cressi Nano Freediving Mask minimizes this air wastage with an ultra-low internal volume design that places the lenses incredibly close to the eyes.

Built with an anatomical skirt made from high-grade, soft silicone, this mask forms a watertight seal without needing a tight, headache-inducing strap. The tempered glass lenses are angled to maximize peripheral vision, which is crucial for tracking fish or spotting a dive buddy. It is exceptionally hydrodynamic, reducing drag as you glide downward.

When buying, understand that low-volume masks have a more tailored fit than recreational snorkel masks. This model is best suited for slim to average facial profiles; those with broader nose bridges might feel some contact. Make sure to prep the lenses with a mild abrasive or commercial defog before the first dive to strip away manufacturing silicone residue.

• Internal Volume: Ultra-low profile
• Skirt Material: High-grade hypoallergenic liquid silicone
• Lenses: Angled, tempered glass
• Best For: Divers with slim to average face shapes looking to conserve equalizing air

Freediving Snorkel – Mares Dual Freediving Snorkel

Before making a dive, a proper “breath-up” on the surface is essential to lower the heart rate and oxygenate the body. A freediving snorkel must facilitate effortless breathing while resting face-down in the water, without creating drag or vibrating violently during the descent. The Mares Dual Freediving Snorkel excels here by stripping away the unnecessary bulk of purge valves and dry-top splash guards.

This snorkel uses a highly flexible, variable-diameter tube made from dual-material construction to reduce vibration and noise underwater. The hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece sits naturally in the jaw, eliminating the jaw fatigue that often cuts a long dive session short. Its simple J-tube shape ensures there are no mechanical parts to fail when sandy water or salt crusts build up.

Beginners transitioning from recreational snorkeling must realize this tube will fill with water when diving, requiring a strong, conscious blast-clear breath upon surfacing. Because it lacks a purge valve, it forces proper airway control from day one. This snorkel is perfect for anyone prioritizing streamlined performance, but it is not meant for casual surface splashers who want a completely dry breathing tube.

• Tube Material: Flexible technopolymer
• Mouthpiece: Hypoallergenic medical-grade silicone
• Valves: None (traditional J-style)
• Best For: Purist freedivers and spearfishermen prioritizing silence and low drag

Freediving Fins – Cressi Gara Professional LD

Standard short snorkeling fins require rapid, exhausting kicks to cover any distance, which burns oxygen far too quickly. Freediving fins utilize long, flexible blades to deliver massive propulsion with slow, deliberate leg sweeps. The Cressi Gara Professional LD fins are specifically engineered for beginners and long-distance hunters who need sustained power without instantly fatiguing their thighs and calves.

The “LD” stands for Long Distance, denoting a softer, more forgiving technopolymer blade that bends smoothly to ease muscle strain. The foot pocket is molded from soft elastomer for comfort, while a harder compound along the sole ensures that every ounce of kicking energy transfers directly into the blade. This durability makes them highly resistant to the inevitable scrapes against shallow reefs and rocky shorelines that would shatter expensive carbon fiber fins.

Because the foot pockets are designed to accommodate neoprene booties for warmth and blister prevention, sizing runs slightly large. Always buy these alongside a pair of 2mm or 3mm neoprene socks to ensure a snug, slip-free fit. They are ideal for entry-level divers and rocky shore-entry spearos, but advanced deep-divers looking for instant, snappy response may eventually want to upgrade to composite or carbon blades.

• Blade Material: High-performance technopolymer
• Foot Pocket: Integrated multi-compound elastomer
• Stiffness: Soft-to-medium flex
• Best For: Shore-entry divers and beginners prone to leg cramps

Spearfishing Wetsuit – Salvimar Krypsis Wetsuit

A standard surf wetsuit is lined with nylon on both sides, allowing water to circulate inside and sap body heat over time. A dedicated spearfishing wetsuit uses open-cell neoprene on the inside, which clings directly to the skin like a suction cup to stop water movement completely. The Salvimar Krypsis Wetsuit is a premier two-piece suit that provides this thermal efficiency while blending seamlessly into reef and kelp environments.

This suit features a highly effective, digital 3D camouflage pattern designed to break up the diver’s silhouette against the seafloor. It is equipped with a heavily padded chest loading plate, protecting the sternum from bruising when pulling back powerful speargun bands. The raw open-cell interior makes the suit incredibly stretchy and comfortable, allowing the chest to expand fully during a deep breath-up.

Beginners must understand that open-cell suits cannot be put on dry; attempting to slide into one without soapy water or specialized lube will tear the fragile inner neoprene. It is also a two-piece design consisting of high-waisted trousers and a hooded jacket with a beavertail closure, eliminating water flushing from the neck. This suit is perfect for stealthy hunters in temperate to warm waters, but it requires dedicated care and lubrication to avoid tearing.

• Material: Open-cell neoprene with ultra-elastic external lining
• Design: Two-piece with integrated hood and chest loading pad
• Camo Pattern: Krypsis multi-terrain digital print
• Best For: Stealth-focused spearfishers demanding maximum warmth and chest protection

Entry-Level Speargun – Rob Allen Tuna Railgun

A speargun is not just a tool for harvesting fish; it is a mechanical extension of the diver’s arm that must operate reliably under high pressure and corrosive saltwater conditions. For beginners, a railgun—where the spear shaft rests on a continuous track along the barrel—provides the straightest, most consistent shots. The Rob Allen Tuna Railgun is legendary in the spearfishing community for its bombproof construction and surgical accuracy.

Built with an aircraft-grade aluminum barrel and a heavy-duty stainless steel mechanism, this gun does not flex or warp under the tension of powerful rubber bands. The integrated rail keeps the high-tensile spring-steel shaft perfectly aligned throughout the release, preventing the “shaft whip” that causes misses on longer shots. The grip is ergonomically molded and highly visible underwater, ensuring a secure hold even with thick neoprene gloves.

It is critical to note that this gun does not feature a mechanical safety switch; in the spearfishing world, a mechanical safety is widely considered a hazard that breeds complacency. The only real safety is keeping the gun unloaded until you are in the water and never pointing it toward another person. This rugged, no-nonsense gun is perfect for intermediate reef hunting and blue-water targets, though smaller divers may find the stout bands challenging to load initially.

• Barrel Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum with integrated rail
• Shaft: 7.5mm spring-steel with tri-cut tip
• Bands: Dual 16mm rubber bands
• Best For: Divers seeking a durable, highly accurate gun capable of handling larger reef fish

Rubber Weight Belt – Riffe Marseilles Belt

Neoprene wetsuits contain thousands of tiny air bubbles that make a diver highly buoyant on the surface. To descend, weight must be added, but a standard nylon scuba belt will slide up to the chest as the water pressure compresses the wetsuit at depth. A rubber belt, specifically the Riffe Marseilles Belt, stretches and contracts along with the wetsuit, staying firmly anchored on the hips throughout the dive.

The Marseilles-style heavy-duty roller buckle is the gold standard for safety in breath-hold diving. It features a simple prong mechanism that can be released instantly with a single pull of one hand, allowing the diver to shed their weights and float to the surface in an emergency. Crafted from thick, UV-resistant rubber, this belt can carry substantial lead weight without sagging or tearing under load.

When wearing a rubber belt, it should be positioned low on the hips—not the waist—to allow for unimpeded abdominal breathing during the breath-up. Ensure that the excess tail of the belt is tucked in a way that allows it to pull free instantly without snagging. This is an indispensable piece of safety gear for anyone wearing a wetsuit thicker than 1.5mm, though divers using very little weight may find the heavy buckle slightly bulky.

• Material: High-grade, UV-resistant stretch rubber
• Buckle: Heavy-duty Marseilles stainless steel roller buckle
• Sizing: One size fits most (cut-to-length)
• Best For: Safety-conscious divers needing a secure, non-slip weighted setup

Spearfishing Knife – Spyderco Pacific Salt 2

An underwater cutting tool is first and foremost a safety device designed to free a diver from deadly entanglements like abandoned fishing line, monofilament, or kelp. It is also used to quickly and humanely dispatch harvested fish. The Spyderco Pacific Salt 2 utilizes revolutionary nitrogen-based steel that is chemically incapable of rusting, making it the ultimate low-maintenance companion for saltwater environments.

Unlike traditional dive knives that turn into orange lumps of rust after a few trips, this knife uses H1 or LC200N steel, replacing carbon with nitrogen to achieve incredible corrosion resistance. The textured fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle offers a secure, slip-resistant grip even when wet or covered in fish slime. The heavy-duty lockback mechanism ensures the blade remains locked open under pressure, while the pocket clip allows for mounting on a weight belt or wetsuit pocket.

While many spearos prefer a fixed-blade knife strapped to their calf, a folding knife mounted high on the torso or belt is far less prone to snagging on kelp or shooting lines. The blade profile requires occasional sharpening with specialized stones, as rustproof steels hold an edge well but can be tough to refine once truly dull. It is a premium choice for serious divers who want a reliable, zero-rust blade, but those who prefer a traditional forearm-strapped dagger may find a folder less intuitive at first.

• Blade Steel: H1 or LC200N rustproof nitrogen steel
• Handle: Textured FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon)
• Lock Type: Lockback with secure pocket clip
• Best For: Saltwater spearfishers who want absolute rust-resistance and low-profile carry

Freedive Computer – Suunto D4f Freedive Watch

Managing depth and time is critical, but the most vital metric for any breath-hold diver is the surface recovery interval. Diving repeatedly without resting at the surface for at least twice the duration of the previous dive leads to a build-up of carbon dioxide and physical exhaustion. The Suunto D4f Freedive Watch acts as an underwater coach, continuously tracking these safety intervals with a dedicated apnoea program.

This lightweight computer features a clear, easy-to-read matrix display that shows current depth, maximum depth, dive time, and water temperature in real-time. Once the diver surfaces, the watch automatically switches to surface mode, displaying a running timer to ensure proper recovery before the next descent. The rugged mineral crystal glass and stainless steel bezel protect the unit from the inevitable knocks against boat gunwales and rocky reefs.

While this watch lacks the expensive gas-integration features of advanced scuba computers, its omission keeps the menu system clean, intuitive, and highly responsive. Beginners will appreciate the straightforward interface, though they must remember to rinse it in fresh water after every session to prevent salt crusting around the depth sensor. It is the perfect dedicated tool for focused freedivers and spearfishers, though not suitable if you also plan to do mixed-gas scuba diving.

• Modes: Dedicated Freedive/Apnoea mode
• Water Resistance: 120 meters (393 feet)
• Material: Steel bezel, mineral crystal glass, elastomer strap
• Best For: Serious freedivers tracking precise surface intervals and depth progression

Spearfishing Float – Rob Allen Remora Float

Swimming in open water without a float is a recipe for disaster, as low-profile divers are virtually invisible to speeding recreational boats. A high-visibility float not only marks your location to boaters but also acts as a crucial resting platform and a way to secure your catch away from your body. The Rob Allen Remora Float is an inflatable, heavy-duty float designed to survive extreme pressure and rough marine environments.

Constructed from heavy-duty, marine-grade PVC, this inflatable float features a high-pressure bladder that can be pumped up to withstand being dragged underwater by a large fish without collapsing. The bright orange skin ensures maximum visibility from long distances, even in choppy surface conditions. It is equipped with robust stainless steel D-rings and attachment points for securing a dive flag, float line, and spare gear.

Beginners should connect this float to their speargun handle using a floating polypropylene line; if a large fish runs with the spear, the diver can safely drop the gun and retrieve it by hauling in the float line from the surface. It is incredibly compact when deflated, making it excellent for travel, but users must purchase a dive flag and a quality float line separately to complete the safety system. This is a non-negotiable safety item for anyone diving near boat channels or targeting pelagic fish.

• Material: Heavy-duty, UV-resistant PVC outer skin
• Inflation Pressure: Up to 1.5 bar (22 psi)
• Attachment Points: Stainless steel D-rings
• Best For: Open-water spearfishers needing visibility and a secure backup line for big fish

Freediving Gear Bag – Cressi Piovra Backpack

Standard duffel bags are completely useless for freedivers because long fins simply do not fit inside them, leaving delicate blades exposed to cracking during transport. A specialized gear bag must keep long fins protected, drain excess water, and make carrying heavy lead weights comfortable over long walks to the water. The Cressi Piovra Backpack is a purpose-built gear bag designed to organize a complete setup on your back.

Featuring a main compartment spacious enough to house a thick two-piece wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and accessories, it also boasts a secondary pocket specifically designed to cradle long-blade fins. The side of the bag features holding straps for securing two spearguns, while an insulated cooler compartment keeps catch or drinks chilled on hot beach days. The adjustable shoulder straps and chest buckle distribute the weight evenly, making long hikes down to remote beaches manageable.

Because this bag will carry wet, salty gear, it is built with water-resistant fabric and mesh drainage panels to prevent mold and pooling water. The zippers are heavy-duty plastic to prevent corrosion, but they still require occasional lubrication to slide smoothly over time. This bag is a lifesaver for shore-entry divers who need their hands free to navigate trails, though boat-based divers with limited deck space may find its large footprint slightly cumbersome.

• Material: Water-repellent nylon and heavy-duty mesh
• Capacity: 85-90 liters (holds fins up to 100cm)
• Special Features: Insulated cooler pocket and external gun carriers
• Best For: Shore-entry spearfishers walking long distances with a complete gear setup

How to Clean and Store Your Dive Gear Safely

Saltwater is the ultimate solvent; left unchecked, it will crystallize inside zipper teeth, rot rubber bands, and corrode even marine-grade stainless steel. The absolute first rule of gear longevity is a thorough soak in lukewarm, fresh water after every single dive. Pay special attention to the trigger mechanism of the speargun, the buckles on the weight belt, and the depth sensor on the dive computer, agitating them in fresh water to dissolve hidden salt pockets.

Drying and storage require equal care, as direct sunlight is the natural enemy of rubber, silicone, and neoprene. Always dry gear in a shaded, well-ventilated area—never hang a wetsuit or rubber fins in the baking sun, which breaks down the polymers and causes premature cracking. Store open-cell wetsuits on thick, padded hangers to prevent creasing, and keep speargun bands in a cool, dark container to maximize their lifespan.

Conclusion

Stepping into the underwater world with the right gear changes everything, turning a struggle for air into a graceful, silent glide. By investing in properly fitted, purpose-built equipment, beginners can focus entirely on safety, relaxation, and the thrill of the hunt. Dive safe, always dive with a buddy, and let the ocean floor become your new playground.