Freediving is a type of underwater diving in which the diver relies solely on holding their breath and using the air in their lungs to propel themselves below the surface, rather than using breathing aids like scuba or tankless diving systems.
How to Begin Freediving
To begin freediving, divers usually have to calculate how long they can hold their breath while underwater. Then they use these numbers as a basis for learning the technique. The first step you need to do is take a slow, deep breath. Next, inhale for 5 and exhale for 10 to 15 seconds. Doing this to avoid hyperventilation, make sure you exhale for longer.
Next, note your pulse as your breathing decreases. To be ready to free dive, your pulse should be 80 beats per minute or less when you breathe deeply to be ready to start freediving. If you dedicate yourself to continued practice, you will find that your pulse begins to slow down over time and you will be able to dive deeper as your pulse adapts.
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Difference between snorkeling and freediving?
Snorkeling and freediving may appear to be the same activity, but there are significant differences between the two. When snorkeling, the diver will remain on the water’s surface to breathe before diving and holding his breath until he returns to the surface. Meanwhile, free divers do not use any aids before diving and instead hold their breath for an extended period of time.
Reasons Why People Learn Freediving
There are many reasons why people choose to learn freediving. The following are the main reasons you need to know:
Recreation
Some people enjoy freediving because it allows them to try new challenges that have an impact on their mental and physical health, allowing them to find fulfillment. Recreational freediving allows you to explore the blue ocean at your own pace.
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Health and Fitness
Freediving also has an impact on physical health, it is a type of anaerobic exercise that can help you improve your fitness. The physical demands of freediving have a positive effect on your body, so it not only improves your physical health but also increases your ability to withstand stress and stay alert.
Competition
Freediving has become popular nowadays. A freediver can compete to achieve the best, proving that they can achieve maximum results so that they can beat the record held by other free divers.