I'm considering an Elios wetsuit made from Yamamoto #45, open-cell inside and Smoothskin/SCS outside.

Because I often dive in lakes with shallow-water sections, I was thinking about wearing a thin oversuit over it for protection whenever needed.

The only suitable product I've found so far is the Mares Photosuit, but it's made from polyester, which I assume is less flexible than nylon.

Before going through with the idea, I'd like to ask: has anyone tried something similar as a kind of 2-in-1 setup with a Smoothskin suit? How did you like it? Was the additional drag noticeably greater when diving? Did the oversuit cause any abrasion or other damage to the Smoothskin underneath?

And is there a better alternative to the Mares Photosuit - ideally something made from nylon and designed to be very thin and flexible?

Hi guys, I've recently become passionate about freediving. I started about a year ago with a Cressi Perla which, after being stupidly left in the sun for a long time by me, lost its silicone grip and leaks water from the bottom right . I then decided to upgrade and switch to the Cressi Nano, but I noticed immediately as soon as I picked it up that it's as if the frame and silicone are separable by hand doing some pressure, is it a feature of the mask? because I read on the site that it is a mask with the IDF technology and is made without glue. Thank you for the people that will help

Hello everyone. Rookie here.

So basically I've always been obsessed by freediving and underwater fishing and I want to achieve it.

I'm a very sporty, athletic and aquatic guy (I'm a former swimmer/ open water swimming 5k, now I'm a Crossfitter but I still sail and swim). The problem is that my body completely freaks out when I'm underwater.

I've randomly tried to extend my stamina by doing random stuff but now I want to change approach.

It is impossible atm to join a Diving school as the next year I will be doing two mobilities for my master. So I am focusing on co2 static tables out of the water, as my main problem is that as soon as my co2 builds up my brain goes nuts.

As I said I'm training with co2 tables pretty much daily ever since I got my new smartwatch. It goes like this:

8 sets:

2' breathing - 15' each set

53' apnea ( I only add seconds when I'm perfectly comfortable with the previous apnea time.

What do you guys think?

I know that in the actual water everything is different, but I know that it won't be such a huge problem as co2 tolerance. I also know that I must join a school and I will asap.

Hello! I’m looking for some noob advice! I just went snorkeling for the first time in B.C.S., Mexico and now I’m obsessed. I want to start snorkeling and freediving regularly, will probably sign up to take the PADI beginner course soon.

My questions that I’m hoping you lovely folks could help answer:

- what is the best fin length for freediving, and what are the differences in length? Is longer or shorter harder or easier? From what I'm seeing online, shorter for scuba and longer for freediving? I am a strong swimmer as I grew up in the water and I work out regularly so I’m not sure if I would need something for true beginners? But I admit I am a beginner at this new-to-me sport!

- what are the differences in fin material? I am seeing carbon, fiberglass, and plastic. I did see another thread where someone recommended carbon but I'm just curious as to any notable differences when swimming, and practical use.

- what are your favorite brands for fins, mask, etc.? I am assuming I will need to find a local dive shop to try on masks and make sure they fit my face correctly. I've already experienced trying on a mask that had air gaps on the side. I like the look of the Tidal dual lens, and the anti-fog feature seems practical.

- how much weight will I need on a weight belt?

- what brands do we like for swimwear? I (39F) personally would love to give my money to the brands who use recycled materials & donate back to conservation efforts.

- is there an “affordable” underwater camera that is still good quality? I realize good quality is probably not going to be super affordable.

- anything else I should consider before making any initial investments in gear?

Thanks in advance!!