[ADELENELYNCH]

I'm a newbie myself but here's what I've observed and also what other experienced freedivers have shared with me. Apparently, cold water is good for getting the dive reflex to kick in. In my "freezing" pool (I'm in sunny Singapore, so "freezing" is a relative word) one day, my friend did a 5:30 breathhold which is considered quite a good day for her. I, on the other hand, did a hold minute less than my usual because I was shivering from the cold. If put on a wetsuit and stayed warm, I usually do better. Conversely, in a hot tub, breathholds are usually less because of the heat and presumably discomfort. So my conclusion, optimal conditions are : nice cool water to get the dive reflex kicking but not so cold that you shiver and can't relax.