Freedive Questions

[Alexandra713]

Hey, I have a few questions about freediving. They might seem a little stupid, but I am curious. First, is it true that unlike scuba diving you aren't supposed to exhale a lot as you surface? Second, Are there any good methods to learning how to hold your breath long? On average I can only hold mine for about 1:15. And third, are there any risks to freediving like the bends or something, like here is in scuba diving? Thanks!
-Alex:t

 

[Alexandra713]

oops sorry for the repeat

 

[cdavis]

Hi Alex, Welcome to DB.

You have asked questions that have answers that could fill many pages. Way too complicated for a simple answer. Learn to use the search function and read the thread on how to begin freediving in the beginners section.

For a short answer: 1. Lots of controversy, 2.Yes, lots, 3. It is possible to get bent, but not for beginners. Read about BO.

Connor



Connor

 

[alexrom1207]

Some simple answers to those questions, are

Unlike scuba diving you do not have to exhale as you resurface...because you breathed the air at the surface, the volume of air in your lungs, even though it may have dropped while you were descending, will be exactly the same when you resurface...so you don't have to worry about your lungs exploding.

The best ways to learn to hold your breath longer are:
Meditation/relaxation
CO2 and O2 tables
Apnea training (many different types)

if you do some searches for these items you will find some good results.

And the bends is not an issue for nearly all beginner/intermediate freedivers. Those who do many repeated dives or take very short intervals between dives can have problems similar to the bends (although not identical) Also very deep divers can have decompression issues.

Read this thread http://forums.deeperblue.net/beginner-freediving/64959-how-start-freediving.html. There are endless things to learn and a lot of the terminology can get technical and confusing. Hope these basic answers will help you to find better ones when you search.


cheers and welcome

 

[Alexandra713]

Alright, I'll do some more searches, but the basic info was very helpful! Thanks loads!
-Alex