Cressi

The Italian Heritage of Innovation

In the pantheon of diving history, Cressi stands alone as the oldest scuba diving company in existence. Officially founded in Genoa, Italy, in 1946 by brothers Egidio and Nanni Cressi, they had actually been handcrafting masks and spearguns since 1938. While other brands have been bought and sold by venture capitalists, Cressi remains proudly family-owned, maintaining a passion for the sea that is woven into their DNA.

Cressi’s contribution to the sport is immeasurable. In 1952, they invented the Pinocchio mask—the first mask in history with a dedicated nose pocket, finally allowing divers to equalize their ears easily. This single innovation changed diving from a painful endurance test into an accessible sport. Later, they revolutionised propulsion with the Rondine fin, the forefather of every modern open-heel fin we use today.

For the UK diver, Cressi offers a unique blend of “Italian Design” and robust performance. They are one of the few companies that manufacture the vast majority of their products in-house at their Italian facility, ensuring strict quality control. From the F1 Frameless mask that sits in the pocket of almost every technical diver as a backup, to the Leonardo computer that has guided thousands of students through their first decompression stops, Cressi represents a legacy of innovation that has never forgotten the joy of being underwater.