Well, I live in Hawaii and I've been using U.S. Divers ( http://www.usdivers.com/ ) gear and I've enjoyed using it. I've gone snorkeling and diving both at night and during the day using this brand. For me and my buddies this brand is affordable and reliable.

It may be a good idea to check out DeeperBlue (a diving forum - http://forums.deeperblue.com/) and ask some of the people there about their free diving equipment. ( http://forums.deeperblue.com/freediving-equipment/ )

By all means, be safe and smart when free diving.

The most important thing you will do is buy the proper gear for free diving. I'll write a brief list of what to look for in gear and then attach links for you at the bottom.

Mask: Riffe or Mako

A low volume mask is best for free diving as larger volume masks take up more precious air to pressurize. Make sure the mask has a easy to reach nose cup to pressurize your ears. You'll be amazed at how hard this is with 2mm gloves on in a current.
To make sure your mask is the proper fit for your face. Put the mask on your face without using the straps and suck in with your nose while pressing the mask on your face gently. If it sticks you have a good seal. If not It will fall off and you need a smaller or narrower mask. IF it feels way too tight you need to try one a little bigger I recommend the mask produced my Mako or a Riffe as out of 12 masks I've gone through those were the best. Links below...

Snorkel. Riffe Mako

It's all about your breathing tube. If you are swimming out from shore a snorkel with a water stop on the top is best for a beginner. When you learn how to not panic when errant water passes into the tube then an open style is okay. Riffe puts out a very decent snorkel that has an open top and deflects water without stopping your air flow. It has a vent at the bottom to drain the excess saliva and water that gets in the tube. As soon as possible change out the mouthpiece for a custom mold-able mouthpiece as it is more comfortable and keeps your mouth in a better position.

Weight Belt: any brand

Have a dive shop do the initial math for your weight belt. Tell them what mm your suit is and your weight. They can tell you what kind of weight you need. Buy a couple more weights then you need as your weight will fluctuate over the next couple months and you'll need more to weigh you done at the end of the season.
Make sure the belt is stretchable to accommodate your breathing and use high visibility tape at the end so if you are panicking or have a blackout your release will be easy for you or your buddy to find in a rush. You can get the weights or belt at any dive shop and it's a matter of preference to see if you prefer solid weights or bags. The rubber belt is versatile in stretching. Note that you become skinnier as you dive deeper and fatter when you reach the surface. So rubber may be more comfortable.

Wet Suit: Omer or Mako

Holy Cow. Lots of options so I will give you basics. Northern California is a lot like New England except you have Abalone and more species of fish...sigh... Get a 5mm suit to keep warm and also buy a rash guard to go under the suit. It keeps you in the water longer and it also makes getting into it a heck of a lot easier.
For free diving make sure there is rubber pads on the knees and elbows of the suit. A padded rubber rest on the chest is good as well if you are a spearfisherman. 5mm. to 7mm suits are great for multiple reasons. They keep you warm and if there is an emergency ie: shallow water blackout or you get tangled up and are out of breath. Then by dropping your weight belt you and your partner will get to the surface quickly. Best of all..you'll float.

Socks: any 2mm water socks

You're feet will get cold and you won't really notice till it's too late. 2mm is adequate.

Fins: Cressi Mako hybrid great all around

You want free diving fins. Don't get half foot scuba fins. The fin is what is going to give you economy of motion and the depth you desire. Most wildlife underwater appreciate the 20 to 30' depths. Cressi puts out a decent pair of beginner fins that are around 186 dollors and they're platic. I highly recommend Mako's hybrid composite/plastic fins. They are a great bang for your buck! Make sure your fins have a full foot no straps and order on size bigger if you intend to wear 2mm. socks.

Dive Knife: Riffe Titanium

This is a source of ego issues. A couple of quick notes. Buy a knife for what you are using it for. If you're spearfishing you want a very sharp narrow blade to pith your fish. If you're going for abalone or other urchins a flat point might be ideal. In any case make sure the knife has at least on serrated side. Mount it on the inside of one of your legs so it dosen't have the potential to get hung up on a line and can be reached with both hands. A titanium knife by Riffe is great as it resists the rust caused by salt water.

Wrist Compass: Any Dive wrist compass

Maybe an add on later especially if you swim from the shore. It is easy in heavy surf and diving in a current to lose your bearings. If you get caught in a rip tide and need to swim parallel to shore to clear the rip then it's good to remember shore was East and your floating west. Remember... Don't panic cause if you cramp up you took my advice and got a 5 to 7mm suit. Float and enjoy the ride...

Dive Buoy: Omer

Omer put out a great inflatable dive buoy that I use in heavy surf. I bought a larger flag for it and cut a 3/4 pvc pipe to mount the flag higher. I placed a weight at the bottom of the inflatable buoy to keep it self righting. It has pockets for extra tips, a stainless steel leatherman and a first aid kit. (They don't come with the gear I added those to the pockets ) It has attachment points for extra spear guns and other gear.

So why have I plugged for Mako? They have a special offer that breaks your payment for gear over four payments. Regardless of payment. Their Carbon/plastic fins are a great all around fin and their rail guns are phenomenal. Make sure to read their spea rgun rail gun articles on the site. You'll find them informative. Below are the links for products and other information you'll appreciate in your spearfishing travels. Remember there isn't just the "best gear to get." It's the best gear for you that makes you comfortable, and accomplishes your tasks.
Feel free to contact my page with any other questions you may have. this is my favorite sport.

How about Oceanways Sealynx?

The mask is comfortable for medium to small faces :)

And, it's on sale in OnlineScuba.com! :P

One of the best brands for diving mask, snorkel, fins at all levels is the U.S.Divers Diva 1 Lx / Island Dry Lx/ Trek / Travel Bag, sold by Amazon.com at a price range of $49.95 to $89.99. It is both available in Arctic blue or hot pink. These product is made from hypoallergenic Silicone Face Skirt, that will enable divers enjoy ease of use and comfort. The Snorkel is totally submersible and is its truly streamline design makes it convenient for every diver. Furthermore, the product is sold with a travel bag, thus making it easier to carry around during long trips.

This diving equipment can be shipped outside the United States. Based on 14 customer reviews, this diving equipment has received 10 Five Star ratings, 3 Four Star ratings and 1 Three Star rating.