Apnea in pools

[cmaxb]

Hi, I am wondering if anyone has any advice. I am doing dynamic in pools, but it seems like the lifeguards don't like it. I am in a 50m pool, but the lanes go across for 25 y. The pool instructor gets mad, when I "turn around". Where can I go to practice dyn apnea. I am not pushing limits, just practicing. It seems like the really nice pools are at university but you have to be affiliated. I am in Northern Virginia.

[bite ya]

I approached a diving team that uses the pool and train along side them in the evenings..

Most pools have a diving club attatched to them, have a look around your area and talk to the diving club that hires the pool out.

Chris

[salibandy]

Originally Posted by cmaxb

Hi, I am wondering if anyone has any advice. I am doing dynamic in pools, but it seems like the lifeguards don't like it. I am in a 50m pool, but the lanes go across for 25 y. The pool instructor gets mad, when I "turn around". Where can I go to practice dyn apnea. I am not pushing limits, just practicing. It seems like the really nice pools are at university but you have to be affiliated. I am in Northern Virginia.

I don't quite understand your post. Are you swimming across lanes? Of course they would be mad if you did.

Secondly, no lifeguard likes to see people breath hold dive. It puts extra responsibility on them. You are at more risk for an accident then others. They can't be looking at you all the time, they've got a lot of other people to look after too. And rule number 1 in freediving, never dive alone. Come on, be responsible.

What Chris said is right. Approach the the clubs that have access to the pools. Usually they're quite willing to help.

And welcome to DB mate. I noticed it was your first post.

[cmaxb]

Originally Posted by salibandy

I don't quite understand your post. Are you swimming across lanes? Of course they would be mad if you did.

Secondly, no lifeguard likes to see people breath hold dive. It puts extra responsibility on them. You are at more risk for an accident then others. They can't be looking at you all the time, they've got a lot of other people to look after too. And rule number 1 in freediving, never dive alone. Come on, be responsible.

What Chris said is right. Approach the the clubs that have access to the pools. Usually they're quite willing to help.

And welcome to DB mate. I noticed it was your first post.

I tried to tell her, I was not going for record. Just doing laps. I don't expect to be rescued. But I can see how, I'm not supposed to be exceptional. Different policy just for me. I like the idea of diving clubs. Which ones dive in pools? Seems like a lot of work to get connected.

[salibandy]

Dangerous assumption my friend. You don't have to be pushing your limits to black out. You've got to understand that.

You can try swimming clubs, Olympic diving clubs, finswimming clubs etc. Maybe even scuba diving clubs.

[trux]

Originally Posted by salibandy

You can try swimming clubs, Olympic diving clubs, finswimming clubs etc. Maybe even scuba diving clubs.

... or synchronized swimming clubs. At least you would have a pretty view from the bottom Then there are also often UW rugby, UW hockey, spearfishing, or UW target shooting clubs too. And founding a dedicated freediving club is probably the best idea - you will certainly find enough people to participate if there is none in your area yet. That will then allow you training properly (and for that you do need to push to the limits little bit) in safe conditions. Assuming you know how to assure them, which currently does not seem to be the case, but you can find the know-how here, or (hopefully) at your national federation.

[salibandy]

Originally Posted by trux

... or synchronized swimming clubs. At least you would have a pretty view from the bottom

Naughty naughty..

[Kars]

The view may cause a strange form of bloodshift too!

CMAXB, sounds like you would like to contiou your usual routine while the lifeguards are getting more worried at the same time.

I would suggest to you to get a buddy or two,, so you can watch each other. Also follow a freedive course, get a paper stating you both are able freedivers. And with patience build up (earn) a trust relation with the lifeguard(s). Be helpfull, appreciation, and slowly educate them a bit etc. Many Lifeguards have problems with the mandatory skills of UW distance swimming and picking up a doll from the deep, equalisation, trade your -expertise- for their trust and exeption twards your beloved passion.
Avoid force, let them be in control of helping you out. Listen for their worries and whishes between the lines! - basic people skills.

But above all know what you're doing, and dive with a buddy!
And if you're allone, only do strenght, stamina and technique.

One little idea to get a buddy quickly, carry a monofin to the pool, many people love to try one!

Joining a scuba club is very easy, they are usually in need of happy active members and they surely are intrested in your diving skills.

Let us know,

Love, Courage and Water,

Kars

[Drejcha]

Originally Posted by salibandy

Dangerous assumption my friend. You don't have to be pushing your limits to black out. You've got to understand that.

Exactly. Not good idea.

You must understand, lifeguard is suppose to pay much more attention to you that to everyone else. It's not acceptable (in my opinion) to expect that (as you already know).

True, best solution for this is (i suppose) that you find a training partner(s) and you swimm together. Go make a nice little chat with lifeguard and assure you'll take care for each other. Being polite and showing you can understand his side of view can always make good results. ;-) sure works for us...

I don't really get the other part... why don't you swim 50 (what's the difference)? I stop in the middle for warming up or if it gets too hard...