Freediving involves spending time underwater with minimal gear. Without a dedicated source of air, like a tank or a surface supplied air system, freedivers are limited by their lung capacity. Selecting a simple, easy to use freediving snorkel is important because it ensures a safer, less complicated process for replenishing your air supply.

Why Basic is Better for Freediving Snorkels

Surface snorkelers can get away with using more complex snorkel designs with valves and floats. If any portion of a snorkel malfunctions at the surface, a snorkeler can just remove it and breathe normally with their head out of the water.

When you’re freediving, you have a lower tolerance for mistakes and gear mishaps. You need to know that when your snorkel clears the surface, you can safely breathe in fresh air. That’s why most freediving snorkels are very basic in style, features, and construction. The fewer potential points of failure, the better.

J-Style Design

A J-style snorkel is the most common style for freediving. It contours well with the shape of a freediver’s head, doesn’t create drag underwater, and is easy to reposition quickly. Freedivers should look for a basic J-style freediving snorkel with a comfortable mouthpiece and a reliable snorkel keeper.

Ideal Materials for Your Freediving Snorkel

Most freediving snorkels are constructed with a hard plastic snorkel tube and a silicone mouthpiece. Silicone is ideal for its flexibility, strength, and hypo-allergenic properties. Most freedivers can comfortably use a silicone mouthpiece for long periods of time without pinching, chafing, or irritation.

Other Snorkel Configurations to Consider

If you intend to use your freediving snorkel as a backup while scuba diving, consider choosing a snorkel with a corrugated lower tube. This will allow you to easily pull it away from your face when you want to breathe through your regulator.

Snorkel color may seem like an insignificant attribute, but many freedivers prefer camouflage patterns, or matte black snorkels for improved invisibility from fish and other wildlife. If your goal is to be easily visible to other freedivers or nearby boats, consider a brightly colored snorkel instead.

Reliable Brands for Freediving Snorkels

Cressi, Mares, Omer, XS Scuba, Seac, and Salvimar are all top brands for freediving equipment. Their experience in the freediving industry drives them to produce superior products that stand up to the rigors of the ocean without sacrificing functionality. When you’re in the market for a new freediving snorkel, these brands offer some of the best products available.