[icarus pacific]

Then scratch the practicing by yourself, then.

Most if not all injuries, (read that: deaths) occur from individuals "practicing". Not to dissuade you but here's what you need to do. Go online and get a copy of Terry Maas's video "Freedive!" You'll get a wealth of info and by actually seeing what's going on rather than having to interpret it from the book, you'll be ahead.

Get someone else that is as committed to you get involved with you. I know this is a bitch out in the sticks, but I'm in a similar situation as well and you'll be surprised at the people that come out of the woodwork at the chance to do this stuff. Then, the BOTH of you watch the video. And then you go and check out the beginning freediving section here and read. And read some more. Then go watch the video some more.

When you and your compadre are down, then hit the pool, creek or whatever. GO SLOW. As in SLOW. You're engaging in something that the human body has taken the better part of a millenia to un-learn. Watch out for you buddy. He/she gets done with a dive, then you go and he/she watches you. And on the beach you have two things- a phone with the 911 on speed dial and the number of the hospital, and the reassurance of someone you told where you're going. Shit happens and nobody knows where you're at, you're shit. Believe me.

I don't wanna make this all too dramatic but people die from this.

Even if you live in Podunk behind the outhouse next to the still, there will be a dive place in the yellowpages in the next big city. Hook up with them for classes and carpool with your buddies. Attempting this on your own, is again, a sure way to get jacked up.

And while you're learning how to dive, go on ebay or the deeper blue shop here and start looking for your gear. Beginner gear ain't cheap, but it only gets more expensive as you progress, so don't skimp. For your fish there, score a JBL explorer or a small euro style gun from OMER or the like. The carp will flee.

Again, I cannot stress this enough- doing this by yourself is what gets you killed! So don't.