As an avid freediver and instructor, more often than not, the second thing I get asked about after “Are you crazy?” is, “Sounds great, what do I need to get started?” There is so much gear out there now, and you can spend the earth if you want, but for getting started, this kit will get you enjoying your time under the water safely and responsibly.
Rob Allen Scorpia Fin
(Available at Spearfishingaustralia.com)
“Fins are probably the most talked about piece of equipment and it’s easy to see why. They are your transport to the bottom and they come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Again I’ve found the Rob Allen fins to be a comfortable, cost effective option that will get you diving well. Once you’ve found your sea legs, it might be time to upgrade to some carbons!”
Rob Allen Whitetip Snorkel
(Available at Spearfishingaustralia.com)
“The snorkel is our link to our most limited resource: AIR. A good snorkel can make or break a dive day, so keep it simple and comfortable. The Rob Allen White Tip does the trick for a lot of divers.”
Rob Allen Marsellaise Weight Belt
(Available at Spearfishingaustralia.com)
“Weight belts are a must when freediving with a suit. The key to finding a good belt is one that will stay where you want and keep the weight in place. Rubber belts are king! The Rob Allen TPE belt lasts forever and does what it’s meant to.”
Rob Allen Snapper Mask
(Available at Spearfishingaustralia.com)
“Without it there isn’t much point in being underwater. It is the window to the underwater world so it needs to be a good one. I’ve found the Rob Allen Snapper to be reliable, comfortable and offer a good compromise between low volume and great visibility.”
F.11 Freedive Computer
“Freedive computers have emerged over the last couple of years, and for many of us, it’s a must-have on every dive. Safety counts! Aeris make a fantastic little unit, the F11. It’s simple and covers all the key features along with some goodies – surface time and alarm, depth, bottom time and temp. If you want to get serious about exploring the ocean and freediving, you need to have a freedive computer.”
Ocean Hunter Phantom Suit
(Available at Spearfishingaustralia.com)
“Another item where opinions are as varied as the people who hold them. A freediver starting out wants a simple warm and reliable suit that’s easy to put on. The Ocean Hunter Phantom 2 piece suits in either 2mm (warm tropical waters) or 3mm (for not so tropical waters) are a double-lined suit, making it easy to get on and protect you from the elements.”
Ocean Hunter Venom Knife
(Available at Spearfishingaustralia.com)
“The knife is probably man’s best friend when it comes to living, surviving and enjoying the wild. For us freedivers, it’s there to do a million different tasks from removing fishing line from the reef, untangling a turtle, or removing ourselves from a nasty tangle. Something small and simple like the Ocean Hunter Venom knife is there when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.”
ABOUT BJORN NIELSEN
In one form or another, Bjorn has always been involved with the Ocean – it’s the constant of his life. Through teaching freediving, Bjorn is able to introduce other people to a truly unique way of interacting with the aquatic habitat. The silence and the freedom of freediving is unmatched, it forces us to step back to a much earlier time where we lived with Nature rather than bending it to our will. Apnea Australia Instructor since 2010. AIDA international level Judge. Former AIDA Australia technical officer. Bachelor of Science – Aquatic Science.
