Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or a just-because occasion, finding the right gift can be a complicated and time-consuming process. This is especially true if the recipient is a freediver. After all, freedivers are a unique bunch of people. For example, instead of choosing to dive using a tank of perfectly breathable air on their back, they opt to do everything on a single, often impressively long, breath instead. But have no fear, we’re here to help you find the right answer with our selection of the best gifts for freedivers.
Just like our best gifts for scuba divers list, this freediver gift guide is filled with clothes, gadgets, and specific gear that can be used in the respective hobby. This means it doesn’t matter whether they’re trying cold-water freediving, spending the day at the beach or on a boat, or simply hanging around a dive shop, a gift idea from this list will always go down well and help things run more smoothly.
Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best gifts for freedivers. From stylish clothes to the latest action camera, we’re confident there’s something for every freediver.
1. PADI Freediver Course
BEST OVERALL
If until now your friend or family member has only dabbled with scuba-less diving beneath the surface, it’s time to make things official with the PADI Freediver Course. With this certification, divers develop a solid foundation in freediving skills. The two-part course is made up of an independent study element in the form of the PADI Freediver eLearning followed by a confined water session with the goal of 25-meter (80-feet) dynamic and 90-second static apnea as well as a constant weight freedive of 10 meters (30 feet).
Furthermore, if your recipient is already a qualified freediver, there is a range of next level courses to choose from, all the way up to Master Freediver. If this is something that appeals to you, contact a PADI Freediver Center near you to speak with a PADI Professional and arrange these freediver gifts in person.
2. The Octopus Pulling System
BEST FREEDIVER-SPECIFIC GIFT
In terms of freediver-specific gifts that can truly make life in the water a lot easier, it’s hard to beat The Octopus Pulling System. This system boasts a compact-yet-smart design which is easily navigated with a single hand while also being free of any sharp edges. Low-friction pulleys make pulling lines (between 8 to 12 millimeters) quick and easy. This crowdfunded device also comes in five different colors.
3. Freediving Gear Bag
GREAT FOR FREEDIVERS AND SCUBA DIVERS
Save your freediving buddy from having their gear strewn across their home while making it easier to carry when they’re out on the water by giving them a bag for their freediving gear. This Cressi Waterproof Bag features a waterproof design with a built-in water-release cap for easier post-use cleaning. It also sports high-impact seams and includes a water-resistant pocket for keeping your valuables safe and dry. Plus, additional side handles and covered grips provide greater carrying choice and greater in-hand comfort.
4. GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera
BEST TECH
Ensure your freediver captures all the underwater action by gifting them one of the best underwater action cameras. The GoPro HERO12 Black is the latest model in GoPro’s ever popular line of action cameras. In addition to 27MP images, this micro marvel can record high-quality video up to 5.3K and help keep things steady with its built-in HyperSmooth 6.0. Other notable features include TimeWarp 3.0 for capturing stabilized hyper lapses and the Night Lapse mode for time lapses at night.
5. SANDMARC Compact Edition Camera Pole
ACTION CAMERA ACCESSORY PICK
Having a pole-mounted action camera can make it a lot easier to capture everything that is going on around you, which is why this SANDMARC Action Camera Pole is always going to be well received. The articulating pole can be adjusted between 10 and 25 inches (25 to 64 cm) in length and includes a non-slip rubber handle for better in-water grip. The lightweight pole also comes with an adjustable wrist strap and a durable aluminum mount so you know a camera is securely attached.
6. Scratch-Off World Map Poster
GREAT FOR GLOBETROTTERS
Gifting your freediving friend a scratch-off world map poster gives them an easy way to keep tabs on all the countries (and US states) they have traveled to. Each country on this popular poster is covered in a golden foil which can be scratched away to reveal a vibrant color underneath. To help keep things clear, neighboring countries are colored differently.
7. J-Snorkel
ERGONOMIC PICK
You can find some fantastic snorkels on the market with plenty of appealing bells and whistles. This includes both dry and semi-dry models. For avid snorkelers, these are practical and can make a snorkeling experience much more comfortable. However, for freediving, the more simple the snorkel the better. Traditional J-snorkels, like this Cressi Corsica, are the best snorkels for a freediver. They are lightweight and help to reduce drag as the freediver travels through the water. Since freedivers need to remove the snorkel before descending, a complicated snorkel provides no benefits.
8. Rubber Weight Belt
BEST UPGRADE
A rubber weight belt can be one of the most useful pieces of equipment for a freediver and one of the best freediver gifts — here’s why. When freediving, pressure increases at depth, meaning your wetsuit adjusts with it. But a standard nylon weight belt used in scuba diving does not. If you are maintaining the correct vertical position in the water on your dive, this results in the nylon weight belt slipping down your torso toward your shoulders. This can be very frustrating, distracting, and sometimes dangerous. Rubber weight belts are stretchy and fit securely to prevent this problem.
9. Freediving Book
GREAT FOR TOPSIDE DAYS
The best marine life books allow you to explore the underwater world without having to get your feet wet. Two recommended reads for freedivers are Deep and One Breath.
Deep is an investigative account from a journalist who became captivated by freediving. After taking a quick breath hold training in Greece, James Nestor then goes on to interview professional freedivers, coaches, and researchers. Through this, he learns about the different methods of exploration as humankind strives to learn more about the ocean’s depths.
One Breath tells the true story of Nicholas Mevoli, a professional freediver. The story tells of Nick’s rise to success and analyzes his professional career. It is truly a fascinating and beautiful account that parallels the story of Chris McCandless’ Into the Wild. A moving tale, any adrenaline junkie will enjoy this book.
10. Fin Keepers
BEST STOCKING STUFFER
Fin keepers are a great anytime freediver gift idea or stocking stuffer because they are small and inexpensive — but totally game-changing. A fin keeper fits around the base of your foot pocket and keeps your fins snugly attached to your foot. The better your fins fit, the more efficient your kick cycles will be. On top of that, they also contribute to helping you avoid soreness caused by stiff foot pockets.
11. Mask (Low Volume)
BEST ESSENTIAL GEAR
A low-volume mask is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a freediver. These masks are different to traditional scuba masks because they have a smaller air space. This is advantageous, as less volume means there’s less to equalize when descending, resulting in greater air conservation. Low-volume masks, like this Cressi Freediving Mask, fit closer to the face to create that smaller air space.
12. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
BEST FOR CONVENIENCE
These microfibre travel towels make ideal gifts for freedivers – especially those who love to travel and explore new freediving sites around the World. These are some of the most absorbent towels on the market (they will absorb water weighing 5 times their own weight), making drying off after diving an absolute breeze. Rainleaf microfiber towels are also incredibly compact and fit easily into any gear bag. Rainleaf towels are available in 6 different sizes to match your needs, and are available in a range of 16 stunning colors to match your mood!
The unique microfibre cloth is exceptionally soft on your skin and machine washable to boot. Rainleaf microfiber towels are presented in a reusable carrying pouch which allows for ventilation.
13. Stream2Sea Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen
BEST FOR CORALS
Are you looking for a reef safe sunscreen that is made from natural ingredients and gives great protection for you and your family? If you are a traveling freediver, it’s more than likely you will spend a lot of time in the sun and out on the water. With Stream2Sea mineral sunscreen you can rest assured that your skin will be protected and so will the reef. Due to the natural only ingredients used in Stream2Stream, it will not suffocate corals or result in an oily build up on the reef.
Stream2Sea have extensive research and testing programs to ensure that their products meet, if not exceed, recommendations from EWG. Learn more at the Stream2Sea website.
14. Long Sleeve Rashguards
BEST FOR STYLE
A long-sleeved rashguard not only offers an added layer of thermal protection but also offers the best protection against the sun. Depending on where you are freediving you may also find there are tiny stingers in the water and your PADI long-sleeve rashguard will offer added protection from them too. Finally, why not look great as you freedive your way around the world?
When you wear your PADI rash guard, you’ll also be doing your bit for ocean conservation as PADI rashguards are made from recycled ocean plastic. It’s a win-win for you AND the ocean!
15. Parrotfish Recycled Towel
BEST FOR MARINE ENTHUSIASTS
Show your love of marine life with this stunning parrotfish towel. Made from Repreve which contains 80% recycled ocean plastic – that’s the equivalent of 14 post-consumer, plastic bottles! This beautiful towel is two-sided with a different print on each side, that won’t fade in the sun.
The unique material is absorbent, quick drying and it folds down extremely small after use. The towel comes complete with a reusable cotton drawstring travel bag so once you have finished freediving, dry off, fold it up, and pack it away – it’s as easy as that!
16. Freediving Line
BEST PROFESSIONAL GEAR
This Polypropylene line is designed to enhance your freediving enjoyment and safety. The unique cord is bright orange and contains a pattern of reflective strips to ensure that it is highly visible underwater. With two anti-corrosion carabiners (one on each end), it’s easy to secure the line to your surface buoy, boat, or freediving platform.
The lightweight fabric is both durable yet fast drying after use, making it easy to coil and stow away for your next adventures.
This high strength braided line measures 68ft / 21 meters with a diameter of 10mm/0.39in, making it suitable for all levels, including beginners.
Still Can’t Find the Perfect Freediver Gift?
If none of our gift ideas for freedivers look quite right or you’re buying for someone who already has one of everything, don’t give up hope just yet. Check out our 60+ Gift Ideas for Scuba Divers, Snorkelers, and Underwater Adventurers and the Best-Selling Gifts for Scuba Divers. Alternatively, try getting in contact with your local dive shop for some in-person assistance.
NOTE: The Amazon links in this article are part of Amazon’s Associates program. Any revenue earned from linked products is donated directly to The PADI AWARE Foundation™.
