[efattah]

1. Packing your lungs? What is that and how do you do that safely?
http://www.liquivision.ca/frenzel.doc

2. When holding your breath-do you recommend to hyperventilate (4 times) then breath all the way out and then take a nice deep breath (I read this somewhere) before going under?
- Hyperventilating changes your comfort level while breath-holding. It has only a small effect on the time at which you will black out. The ultimate limit to your breath-hold is the time at which you will blackout from lack of oxygen. The most important thing you can do to delay the time until the blackout is to remain motionless (100% relaxed) for as long as possible before taking your final breath. Not a single muscle should be exerted during the breathe-up phase. If, for example, you are supporting yourself on the edge of the pool while you rest & breathe before hand, your arm muscles will burn energy and reduce the time you can hold your breath. You may not be able or allowed to breathe/rest in the ideal position, but you must understand this concept. Ideally 8 minutes of total stillness is required for optimum performance, but 2 minutes is the minimum. I would breathe normally until the last 2 minutes, where you can start to breathe more deeply, but not aggressively. If you breathe too aggressively, your diaphragm and chest muscles will burn energy and you will start the breath-hold at a disadvantage.

3 Does wine or caffeine have a negative effect on breath hold?
Caffeine has generally a negative effect, but this negative effect can be manipulated by an expert, sometimes to his advantage (way too complicated at your level). Alcohol can have a positive effect if taken right before (just minutes before), otherwise the dehydration has generally a negative effect. Hydration is extremely important. Alcohol should never ever be taken before a deep dive in the ocean because it worsens the narcosis.


Diet is important. You should wait at least 3 hours after eating, or 5 hours if the meal was a heavy one. Try drinking the juice of a couple of lemons mixed with water, an hour beforehand. If you find you are getting cold, take a tablespoon of Udo's Choice oil (a mixture of flax and medium chain triglycerides). Shivering will be very detrimental. Doing a few dry practice breath-holds on the deck, 15-20 minutes before, will greatly increase your comfort level.