In general I like your article, because I like efficient use of my training time. At the same time I believe traditional gradual CO2 tables have their place with novices and beginners. The ease of traditional tables allows them the time to feel and learn. If the challenge is too steep, the time to try and understand is short, and the chance to understand is reduced. A table time reduction is practical for those that know the techniques, in my opinion.
Another table idea.
In vain of the Co2 table that simply counts contractions; I like to add that I and others have enjoyed also the 'percentage left feeling' table. Instead of counting contractions, the diver comes up when he
feels he has a percentage of dive time left, but not exceeding 90%; because that would be either close to samba or wearing him out too much. I see 3 advantages to this; no more 'counting and comparing' to previous dives, no more thinking about time, focus only on technique, and - most importantly - no more training
too hard. In other words when you're having a bad day because you're not as fit or relaxed, your perceived effort stays the same, so you'll
not use extra force to compensate just to make the usual numbers. This I've done mostly as a replacement of a O2 schedule, doing for instance 50%, 50%, 70%, 90%, 90%. With 2' rest. My buddy would only tell my times after all dives had been done. My focus was only on technique, not the clock. Off cause it's nice to measure the success of a new/improved technique, and surely one can plan max attempts from time to time. But the key was to detach from that dive watch everybody is so attached to
- A bit like Jaques Mayol apparently had said to Umberto, 'leave all you sophisticated watches at home, we're going to learn freediving.'
Crazy table.
These days, if I have a buddy and feel in the mood I like to do the Herbert Nitch' 'crazy table'. Exhale fully, dive shallow, hold to 85% or so, inhale 1 mouth full of air and with that continue until I need another mouth-full of air. Repeat until you cannot inhale more air. The total time should be not to far from your max dive. Only do this with a skilled buddy in a very shallow pool, where you can hold on to the edge to come up instantly for that next mouth of air.
Not for beginners. It's very hard, demanding and dangerous because there is very little margin for error with exhale dives in regard to black outs.
But it's time efficient, since my body and mind are subject for a large percentage of divetime to raised CO2 and lowered O2 levels.
Article request.
Can you also do a write up about static burn out?
Many beginners, as well as advanced divers experience it. How to detect, avoid, and remedy the situation? And off cause also tap into the causes.
I think beginners and even more advanced divers have over training issues, starting to dread long breath-holds. I often wonder how can those elite freedivers push themselves so deep and often in training without burning out?
I've seen my share of beginning freedivers, who at some point run into physical, mental, numeric walls, try harder, and harder and bang their heads against these 'walls' until they give up and even leave the sport.
I think a great deal of these and new diver will greatly benefit from learning what is going on, and how to enjoy the sport for a lifetime.
Thank you Sanso again for the excellent article, I wish more trainers would write such ideas to help the sport grow.
