Freediving Gear
Freediving is a unique experience that brings us closer to the ocean’s mysteries, but it takes the right gear to dive comfortably, perform at our best, and stay safe underwater.
I started my freediving journey in 2021 in the wild, beautiful deserts of Egypt. From then on, the ocean became my happy place.
In this article, I’m sharing my go-to freediving gear—from mask sprays to foot pockets—that I’ve relied on while traveling and diving worldwide. You’ll get my honest thoughts on each item, plus some discount codes and links to order your own. If you’re looking for a specific piece of diving gear you’ve seen me use in a reel, this is where you’ll find it!
Underwater Cameras
iPhone 16 pro + Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max Plus
My top pick for underwater photography is the DIVEVOLK full touchscreen housing, compatible with nearly all smartphones. By pressing firmly on the gel, you can operate your phone’s touchscreen just like you would on land. All your phone’s functions are accessible while it’s safely sealed inside the case—calling, messaging, watching videos, swiping on Tinder, and using every app underwater. This makes the DIVEVOLK case ideal for capturing underwater photos and videos using your phone’s native camera app, with no need for additional apps.
I’ve been diving with the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch4MAX Plus housing for 3 years and have written an in-depth review with everything you need to know before getting one yourself.
👉DIVEVOLK Discount Code: DIVETIAN6
Use code DIVETIAN6 when ordering directly from DIVEVOLK for a 6% discount and a free protective cover. For orders over $500, you’ll get a free EVA box and an L-shaped bracket for your handle.
DJI Osmo Action 6
I now also use the DJI Osmo Action 6 together with my iPhone setup. I first switched to DJI when I started using the Osmo Action 5, and I immediately preferred the way its underwater footage looked compared with the Insta360 Ace Pro. The Insta360 normally gives me a brighter and more saturated blue, while DJI has a darker, slightly less saturated blue that fits my own style much better, and I also find the DJI app easier to use.
The DJI is normally the camera I choose when the water is murky or deeper, or when I simply want something small and easy that already gives me usable underwater colors without much color grading. It does not replace my iPhone and DIVEVOLK setup, because I still prefer the iPhone in clear and shallow water, especially for people, close-ups, and more natural-looking social media content. I use both for very different reasons.
You can read my full real underwater comparison here:
👉 iPhone vs Action Camera Underwater: Which Is Better?
If the DJI Osmo Action 6 sounds like the better option for you, you can also check its current price and availability on Amazon US here:
👉 Check the DJI Osmo Action 6 on Amazon
This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you order through it, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Insta360
Before switching to DJI, I used the Insta360 Ace Pro a lot, and it was actually the first action camera that made me realize how useful automatic underwater color correction could be. The footage normally came out with a bright blue ocean and some of the warmer colors already brought back, so I did not need to spend much time color grading it.
I do not use the Ace Pro as my main action camera anymore because I personally prefer the darker, less saturated underwater colors from DJI, and I also find the DJI app easier to use. But if you prefer brighter blue footage that already looks good straight from the camera, the Ace Pro is still a very easy camera to use, especially if you do not enjoy editing.
The Insta360 X5 is a little different because it is a 360 camera rather than a normal action camera. I mainly like it for more creative shots in places such as caves, kelp forests, or wrecks, where being able to reframe the footage afterwards gives you many more editing options. I do not use it on every dive, but it can create videos that are difficult to film with a normal phone or action camera.
You can use my Insta360 discount code INRZ3I9 for available discounts and free gifts when ordering from the Insta360 website. The exact offer may depend on the product and current promotion.
👉 Shop Insta360 cameras here
👉 Use Insta360 discount code INRZ3I9 for discounts and freebies.
Shop My Freediving Fins
Freediving Fins
My first freediving fins were from Leaderfins, and they’re a fantastic value for the price. I have very small, narrow feet (EU size 35 / US size 5), and finding the right foot pocket was a challenge since many brands don’t even offer small sizes. Thankfully, Leaderfins’ Forza foot pocket fits me perfectly with a 3mm sock. So if you’ve got small feet like me, definitely give the Forza foot pocket a try!
Diver Mon Art Thresher Black Freediving Fins
I recently added a pair of Diver Mon Art Thresher Black Freediving Fins to my collection, and honestly, I think these might be the most beautiful fins I have ever owned. The blades are made from a soft composite material instead of carbon, so in the beginning I was worried they might feel too stiff, especially after using soft carbon fins for so long. But once I tried them in the water, they were actually very easy and comfortable to kick.
They are not quite as soft as my DiveR soft carbon blades, but to me they still feel softer than my medium-soft DiveR fins. They are also slightly heavier than my soft carbon pair, although the difference is not enough to bother me underwater. Mine fit very well with my Leaderfins Forza foot pockets, which is especially important for me because I have very small and narrow feet.
But the main reason I am completely in love with these fins is honestly the design. The composite blade becomes translucent underwater, so the black thresher shark artwork almost looks like it is floating in the water. Diver Mon Art also makes more colorful designs, but I chose the black version because red, orange, and pink disappear very quickly underwater, while black stays clean and is much easier for me to film and edit afterwards. I used to love white fins and white wetsuits, but right now I am completely in my black era.
The blades are 820 mm long, which looks incredibly elegant underwater, but travelling with them is definitely a little more difficult. They do not fit inside my suitcase, so at the moment I carry them separately in a tote bag when I travel. It is not the most convenient setup, but I love them so much that I am still planning to bring them on my future dive trips.
For anyone who has ever had a mermaid dream, these are basically the Birkin bag of freediving fins for me—not because they are the most expensive fins in the world, but because they make the whole underwater look feel so special.
The Diver Mon Art fins often sell out very quickly, and they normally restock every few months and announces the next release on Instagram. I will also share the restock on my Instagram, so make sure to check back if the fins or design you want are not available right now.
Use Discount Code TIAN10 to get 10% off all Diver Mon Art products.
👉 Shop Diver Mon Art fins here
👉 Use Diver Mon Art discount code TIAN10
DiveR Fins
I also love the freediving fins from the Australian brand DiveR. In my opinion, they make some of the best-looking and highest-quality carbon fins out there. DiveR collaborates with renowned artists and underwater photographers like Naomi Gittoes, Karin Studer, and Alex Kydd, offering designs that are both visually stunning and performance-focused.
I use a pair of DiveR Carbon blades in the Sea Goddess design, and they are honestly so beautiful underwater. They are made from very high-quality soft carbon, so they feel very soft but are still powerful in the water.
When choosing the flex, I always recommend going with soft carbon, especially for freediving. A softer flex makes the kick much easier and smoother, helps reduce leg fatigue, and is ideal for longer dives or relaxed freediving sessions. My blades are Carbon Fiber with soft flex, which gives me a very fluid, powerful kick without overloading my legs.
DiveR’s standard blade length is around 800mm, but if you want a shorter option, you can email them to customize the length. Just keep in mind that shortening the fins may cut off part of the design, so choose carefully. I ordered mine in 720mm lengths, perfect for traveling!
👉 Shop DiveR Sea Goddess Blades here.
👉 Use DiveR discount code TIAN5 for 5% off
Shop My Freediving Suits
Freediving Wetsuits
Freediving wetsuits are crafted from flexible materials that allow for the full range of motion freedivers need. Unlike scuba wetsuits, which are often stiffer and bulkier to handle the colder temps at greater depths, freediving wetsuits prioritize flexibility and freedom of movement.
When it comes to quality for the price, my go-to is the BESTDIVE wetsuit. I bought my first 3mm reversible suit in 2022, with one side smooth skin and the other side nylon, and it’s been my trusty companion in water temperatures between 22°C / 71.6°F and 25°C / 77°F. The “Smooth Skin” fabric, also known as YAMAMOTO, is specifically designed for freediving, enhancing performance by reducing drag and improving hydrodynamics.
The Chinese character “爱” (meaning “LOVE”) on the back and the “Orca” graphic on the front of my suit were both custom options I selected through the BESTDIVE website.
What I love most about this suit is its two-color, two-material design, making it versatile for different diving situations. For line diving and freediving training, I usually wear it with the smooth skin side out. The Yamamoto smooth skin fabric is perfect for competitive freediving since it reduces drag and boosts efficiency. But, there’s a catch—smooth skin is delicate. I have to use lubricant to put it on, and I’m extra cautious in the water, as it can easily get scratched or damaged by corals, rocks, or even my weight belt.
When I’m on a liveaboard trip or snorkeling in shallow water, I switch to the nylon side. This way, I can relax a bit more, enjoying the protection and warmth of the suit without stressing over every potential scratch.
I went with one light color (silver) and one dark color (dark blue) for a specific reason: when shark diving, it’s safer to wear dark equipment, as sharks tend to be more attracted to light and bright colors. If you’re curious about diving with sharks and what to keep in mind, click here.
In addition to my 3mm reversible suit, I have a 5mm open-cell wetsuit from BESTDIVE. Open-cell suits are warmer and more insulated than closed-cell wetsuits of the same thickness. Without an inner lining, the rubbery neoprene sticks right against the skin, creating a snug, watertight fit. I use this suit for colder waters, from 12 °C / 57.2 °F to 21 °C / 69.8 °F, whether I’m fun diving, training, or spearfishing in places like Norway, South Africa, or lakes in central Europe.
I also recently added a 7mm nylon suit from TRUDIVE to my collection. This one’s brand new, and I’m excited to test it out in icy waters sometime soon.
👉Use Bestdive discount code TIANYANG to get 10% off any orders from BESTDIVE. Happy diving!
SlipIns Dive Skins – Full Body Sun-Protective Suits
These bold, ocean-inspired bodysuits have quickly become my favorite go-to outfit for snorkeling and freediving in warm water. SlipIns Dive Skins don’t just look amazing in photos—they’re even more stunning in real life. But beyond looks, they’re super practical too.
Made in Southern California, SlipIns suits are crafted with breathable, fast-drying fabric that’s easy to get in and out of—even when wet. Whether you’re sliding into your wetsuit or diving in without one, these suits make it way easier. Plus, they offer 50+ UPF sun protection, thumbholes, and foot stirrups to keep everything in place as you move through the water.
They give you an extra layer of protection from jellyfish, sea lice, and other stinging critters, while also helping prevent skin abrasions from reefs or gear. I love them for freediving, snorkeling, or just cruising the surface under the sun.
SlipIns 2mm Springsuit – Whale Shark Edition
SlipIns has also just launched their 2mm Springsuit, and I’m currently using the Whale Shark version. This one is perfect if you want a bit more warmth and protection than a dive skin, without committing to a full wetsuit.
What I really love about this springsuit is how easy and comfortable it is to wear. The front zipper makes getting in and out super simple, even when you’re wet or on a rocking boat. The neoprene fabric is very soft and flexible, so it doesn’t feel restrictive at all in the water.
It’s great for snorkeling, freediving, and fun diving, especially in warm to moderate water temperatures. The neoprene also gives you extra peace of mind — you don’t need to worry as much about scratches, small cuts, or rubbing against reefs or gear while you’re in the water.
And yes… the whale shark design looks just as good underwater as you’d expect 🐋✨
And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to add a little more color and fun to their dives?
👉 You can check out the SlipIns 2mm Whale Shark Springsuit here.
👉 Use Slipins discount code TIANYANG for 15% off with Slipins.
Bikini Wetsuits for Underwater Photography
TRUDIVE Bikini Suits
TRUDIVE bikini suits have fantastic cuts that really flatter your figure. I always feel my body looks its best underwater in a TRUDIVE bikini suit. They offer a gorgeous range of styles and colors, including their latest Warrior and Whale Shark series. TRUDIVE suits are comfortable, keep you warm, and are easy to slip on and off—perfect for a day of diving or a photoshoot.
BESTDIVE Bikini Suits
BESTDIVE bikini suits, on the other hand, are crafted with even softer, higher-quality fabric and finer finishing details compared to TRUDIVE. My “Splash Open Back Bodysuit” from BESTDIVE, made from 2mm Yamamoto smooth skin, feels like a second skin underwater. It’s incredibly soft, smooth, and allows complete freedom of movement.
So overall, TRUDIVE suits win on style and fit, while BESTDIVE shines in fabric quality and craftsmanship.
👉 Use Trudive discount code TIANYANG15 to get 15% off all TRUDIVE products.
👉 Use Bestdive discount code TIANYANG to get 10% off all BESTDIVE products.
Shop My Freediving Mask
Freediving Mask
I use two masks: the classic Oval Mask from Beuchat and the SPHERA X freediving mask from Aqualung. The SPHERA X is my go-to for line diving, while the Oval Mask handles everything else—trips, snorkeling, and underwater photography. And yes, you can pinch your nose to equalize with the Oval Mask! It has internal finger wells at the base of the lens specifically designed for this, so equalizing is no problem.
I first bought my Beuchat Oval Mask in 2021, and it’s still going strong. It’s super durable, and I haven’t had any issues with leaks. The glass lens can fog up easily, though, so I always use an anti-fog spray from CRESSI before each dive, which keeps the view crystal clear all day.
A lot of people ask me about the custom strap on my SPHERA X. I made it myself, and as far as I know, you can’t buy one like it anywhere. I have made a tutorial video on HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MASK STRAP, click here to watch.
Shop My Hair Accessories for Diving
UV Gaiters and Mask Tamers for Hair Protection
Right now, one of my favorite ways to protect my hair while freediving is using the UV gaiters from Diver Mon Art. I currently have the Cetaceans Blue and Sharks Black designs, but they have many different colors and ocean patterns, so you can easily match them with your wetsuit.
Before going into the ocean, I normally wet my hair with clean water, apply a little coconut oil, then pull the gaiter over my head and tie my hair at the back. It covers my baby hairs, keeps them away from the mask strap, and can also cover the area between my forehead and mask, so less of my scalp and forehead is exposed to the sun. The ones I have fit quite tightly, which I actually like because they stay on my head even during freediving sessions of around 1.5 to 3 hours, including repeatedly jumping in and out of the water.
When I want to dive with my hair loose, I also use one of their neoprene mask tamers. It slides over the silicone mask strap, so the strap is not pulling directly against my hair. I find this especially helpful during underwater photoshoots because it makes the mask easier to put on and remove without tangling or causing as much hair breakage. I’m still experimenting with different underwater hairstyles, but this is the setup I use most right now.
👉 Use Diver Mon Art discount code TIAN10 to get 10% off.
👉 Shop Cetaceans Blue UV Gaiter/ Sharks Black UV Gaiter/ Cetacean Black Mask Tamer
Thanks for reading this far! 😊 If you have any questions about the gear or brands I mentioned, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram—I’d be happy to help!
Discount Codes & Affiliate Links
DIVEVOLK Discount Code DIVETIAN6
👉 Use code DIVETIAN6 when ordering directly from DIVEVOLK for a 6% discount & an extra free protective cover.
For orders over $500, you’ll get a 6% discount & an extra free EVA box and an L-shaped bracket for your handle.
DIVER MON ART Discount Code TIAN10
👉 Use TIAN10 to get a 10% off on all Diver Mon Art products.
SLIPINS Discount Code TIANYANG
👉 Use code TIANYANG for 15% off with Slipins products.
TRUDIVE Discount Code TIANYANG15
👉 Use code TIANYANG15 to get 15% off all TRUDIVE products.
BESTDIVE Discount Code TIANYANG
👉 Use code TIANYANG to get 10% off all BESTDIVE products.
INSTA360 Discount Code INRZ3I9
👉 Use code INRZ3I9 on the Insta360 for discounts and freebies.
DIVER FINS Discount Code TIAN5
👉 Use TIAN5 to get a 5% discount on all DiveR products.
Hi, I’m Tianyang 
a freediver and ocean nomad creating underwater stories with my iPhone. Here I share practical guides for shooting underwater photos and videos, and simple techniques to help you create stunning underwater shots.
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iPhone vs Action Camera Underwater: Which Is Better?July 18, 2026/0 Comments -
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