Can't scuba (medically) but want to freedive

[Silknfeathers]

I am unable to scuba dive, owing to a previous punctured lung (18 years ago). Apparently I have good capacity but when I expel all the air I am slow doing so. This means I cannot get medical clearance to use air tanks. When I asked about snorkeling I was told that wasn't a problem. However, now I am interested in taking this a little further. Does anyone know if this will affect the depth/time I can freedive?

Cheers, Mark

 

[cdavis]

Could be wrong, but I think you are out of luck. If the old punctured lung restricts your exhale enough to keep you from getting a med clearance for scuba, the issue will be much worse for freediving because pressure changes (and lung size) happen much more rapidly and can be much greater than with scuba. Snorkeling generally means staying on the surface or near it, which should not be a problem.

If you insist on trying freediving, do it shallow and go up an down slowly. Work into it slowly and look for signs of squeeze at very shallow depths (30-70 ft). Don't drink milk or eat milk products for a couple of days pre-dive.

 

[Silknfeathers]

Cheers, CD. I thought that might be the case.

 

[hteas]

I would second Connor. Do it slowly and very carefully. If any sort of issue comes up, stop and think about it before proceeding.