Pictured: Amazing Moment: Whale Shark Spotted at Napaling Reef
You did your first course. You are going out with your buddies to train or explore the local reefs on the weekend. You love freediving and are now ready to invest in getting your own freediving gear! That’s a fantastic decision since owning your own gear will greatly improve your fun and performance.
What to know before anything else
We sell a lot of gear in Panglao and online, and guests and customers are often quite nervous about making a decision—not strange since freediving fins can be quite expensive, but deciding which fins to buy should not be difficult.
What is your budget?
Your budget will be a key factor in deciding which fins to buy. We like to categorize freediving fins into high-end, mid-range, and low-end.
Of course, this is arguable, but we believe the current best freediving fins out there are the Cetma, Alcemy, and Molchanovs fins. These fins are great for competitive freediving and look amazing, too, but they cost between $600 and $1200.
The better mid-range fins are the Go Deep pure carbon freediving fins, the 2b Free fins, and brands like C4 or DiveR. These fins cost between $300 and $600, which is a great value for what you get.
If you are new to freediving, you might want to consider a more budget-friendly brand like Leaderfins – or even opt for plastic fins. Leaderfins are very popular since you can get them for under $300, but the blade quality and performance are not great – and so is the lifespan; they’re just not great fins. Plastic freediving fins are also an option since they are cheaper and allow you to save up for nicer mid-range fins.
Consider Your Goals:
Are you focusing on pool training or open-water dives, and what activity? The type of training will greatly influence the types of fins you need. Competitive freedivers chose a high-end or mid-range brand. If you only use the fins fun dives, then the more budget-friendly brands will do just fine. If you use them for spearfishing or teaching, you might want to consider a more mid-range all-around fin.
Stiffness:
Now, we need to look more closely at specifics—stiffnesses. Most fins come in either 3 or 5 different stiffnesses, from soft to medium to hard, and sometimes stiffnesses in between. We usually don’t sell hard fins since freedivers want to conserve energy (O2) and don’t use much force to propel themselves. Usually, we advise going with either medium or soft fins. Medium stiffness for instructors and spearos since they need to be able to propel themselves quickly, while soft can be more for competitive freedivers or freedivers with well-developed techniques who love to train a lot.
Try Before You Buy:
Of course, this is not always possible, especially with online purchases, but if possible, test or rent freediving fins to find the perfect fit and feel. As mentioned already, in Panglao, we sell a lot of fins, and we offer the guests the chance to try them in our pool. They can rent similar freediving fins for a day, too. But of course, the selection dive centers keep in stock is limited. We have a large stock of foot pockets and blades, but the brands we carry are limited, and I take that this applies to most dive centers since keeping stock is very expensive.
Your Fins, Your Adventure
Choosing the right freediving fins can significantly enhance your underwater experience. Considering the above factors and prioritizing comfort, fit, and skill level, you’ll be well on your way to gliding through the water easily and confidently.
Here are some additional tips when you have bought your first pair.
How to Travel with Freediving Fins: Protecting Your Precious Cargo
Traveling with long freediving fins can be a bit tricky. They’re long, delicate, and prone to damage if not packed properly. But with some planning and the right gear, you can ensure your fins arrive at your dream freediving destination safe and sound.
Essential Gear for Traveling with Freediving Fins:
1. Fin Bag or Fin Case: Invest in a sturdy fin bag or fin case designed specifically for freediving fins. Look for one with padding, reinforced handles, and a shoulder strap for easy transport.
2. Blade Protectors: These plastic or foam covers slide over the blades to protect the blades from impact damage during transit.
3. Bubble Wrap or Packing Material: Bubble wrap or other packing material – even a simple towel – can cushion and protect your fins from impact.
Packing Your Freediving Fins:
1. Cleand and Dry: Ensure your fins are clean and dry before packing them to prevent mildew or mold growth.
2. Fin Protectors: Slide the blades into the plates and keep them in place with either velcro or tape.
3. Wrap with Bubble Wrap: Wrap each fin individually with bubble wrap, focusing on the blade tips and edges most vulnerable to damage.
4. Place in Fin Bag: Carefully place the wrapped fins in your fin bag, ensuring they’re snug and won’t move around during transit.
5. Fill Empty Space: If the fin bag has extra space, fill it with additional packing material or soft clothing to prevent the fins from shifting.
Travel Tips:
Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage: If possible, consider carrying your fins on the plane to avoid potential damage in checked luggage. However, check with your airline regarding size restrictions for carry-on items. We found that usually, hand-carrying your fins is not a problem.
Padded Protection: If you must check in your fins, place them in a hard-sided fin case with plenty of padding around them.
Label Clearly: Label your fin bag clearly with your name and contact information in case it gets lost or misplaced.
Arrive Ready to Dive:
By taking the time to pack your freediving fins properly, you can ensure they arrive at your destination in perfect condition, ready for your next underwater adventure.
What is your favorite fin brand? Do you have a wishlist? Let us know in the comments!
