Help with equip/start

[Commander1313]

Hi I am 15 and am very interested in freediving. Ive practiced some and can get a 85ft dynamice apnea in a pool with no fins. Im getting a job this summer to try and earn the money for equipment and I really want to sign up for the Intermediate PFI class. I wanted some opinions on equipment because ive never bought anything like this. The only thing close to this is when i took an introductory SCUBA course. I have picked out a couple of things and realize I have a very tight budget so if u know of anything cheaper/better please let me know
Wetsuit: http://www.scubastore.com/product.a...CRESSI&tipo=SUITS&subtipo=, tropical&desde=1#
Goggles:http://www.scubastore.com/product.a...192&marca=CRESSI&tipo=MASKS&subtipo=&desde=1#
And that is all ive found so far. Im at a total loss for fins, weight (im 100lbs), or anything. So any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thx

 

[jimqpublic]

I'm also a beginner and just bought gear. I'm very excited to be taking the PFI class tomorrow. I'm impressed that although you're young you understand the value (and safety) of spending the money on training.

One issue with being a smaller person is that masks and fins should really be tried on first. Also the wetsuit is very dependant on where you live and plan to dive. What is your location and what sort of freediving do you hope to focus on? Your wetsuit choice suggests at least 80F water temperatures if you're doing anything other than pool work. If there is a local dive store that emphasizes spearfishing they will probably be more aware of freediving equipment needs than the typical scuba shop.

I recently bought gear and found that my first choice of mask didn't seal well on my face. The fins that seemed to fit in the store fell off in the water. Buying from a local store I was able to return them and get the right size. The prices from the DeeperBlue store are very good but shipping from Spain (the store location) to the states is quite high. You still get a good deal but not if you have to return something and get a different size (where you end up paying shipping three times).

Also if you're growing rapidly you should either try to buy a used or inexpensive wetsuit. If you feet are growing consider fitting fins with 7 mm neoprene socks. As your feet grow you could switch to 5 and then 3 mm.

 

[Commander1313]

Hey thanks for respnding so quickly. I live in Phoenix AZ. If u dont know what that means it is desert. I wanted to get my gear before I go to Lake Powel this summer. I hope visibility is better than last year but if not... Anyway thx for the tips I think i will search for a nearby store so i can be able to try on the equip.

 

[jimqpublic]

I would guess that freedive gear might be hard to come by in Phoenix. At least drop by the local dive shops- I'm sure there's at least one- and see what they have.

From what I've heard Powell may be warm on the surface but down deep it stays mighty cold all year.

 

[kronek67]

It looks like a good choice to start with. As jimqpublic said, that wetsuit is good for about 80F water temp. any colder and I would go to a full 3mm suit. I dive in 72F degree water with a full 3mm and a 2mm hooded vest. I have about 2 hours of warmth and 1 more hour that is tolerable. What ever you choose, don't spend to much on a wetsuit. Since your still groing you will out grow it before you wear it out. The mask is a good selection too. It is low volume, which is a must for freediving. It can also be used for scuba later. You can start with some inexpensive snorkling fins. But if you are going to spend any kind of money on fins, do like jimqpublic said and fit the fins with 7mm dive socks so that you can still use the fins as you grow and just buy new socks. Trust me, dive socks are alot cheaper than fins. I have the Cressi gara 3000, and I paid $150 for them at a local shop. Beleave it or not, those wear inexpensive compaired to most fins.

If you can, take the PFI class. I'm taking it in Miami in September. Dive safe and have fun.