Greetings from Ireland

[Asipu]

Hey dear people,

Born and bred from the Croatian seas. Sailed, snorkeled, and grew up with that sense of affection most of us have toward the deep blue. Came into this beautiful country half a year ago, and based on what I've seen so far, it seems that I am home.

Although I've been connected with the sea my whole life, I never dived deeper than 15m, and never tried to exercise holding my breath (a few attempts never passed the 2min mark).
Recently started practicing the breathing techniques, and was utterly amazed how effective they are. My personal record is now 3:30. Yeah I know, it's not much, but I'm competing only with myself, and my mental barrier was just shattered. This really rekindled my passion for the sea, giving me the completely different perspective on freediving, and spearfishing.

Currently my research is almost complete, and I'll send the precise mail to Elios for buying my first wetsuit.

Looking forward to continue learning from this big community.

 

[John B Griffith Jr]

Well let me be the first to welcome you...and look, don't believe those Irish divers who will tell you that Guinness improves your breath hold...it just ain't so!

 

[Asipu]

Well let me be the first to welcome you...and look, don't believe those Irish divers who will tell you that Guinness improves your breath hold...it just ain't so!

hahaha
I knew it! Although in all fairness it really is delicious.
Thanks John.

 

[BatRay]

3:30 is very respectable. Do you plan to take a freediving class? It would give you a huge boost in your technique, as well as some valuable safety strategies.

Welcome to Deeperblue.

 

[Asipu]

3:30 is very respectable. Do you plan to take a freediving class? It would give you a huge boost in your technique, as well as some valuable safety strategies.

Welcome to Deeperblue.

I can calm myself easily, and like sports so I feel that it helped with breath holding.
My first impulse was to take a freediving class. As you've said: to boost the technique, learn to be safe, and of course meet cool people.
My focus shifted towards snorkeling / spearfishing; somehow the competitive aspect of pure freediving isn't my thing at the moment.
For now I see myself continue practicing the safe techniques until I plateau, while being respectable toward my body and the sea, and about people? Nice to meet you BatRay.

 

[John B Griffith Jr]

Brother, I would urge you to consider taking a proper free diving course as a way to enhance and hone skills and teach very, very important safety techniques and awareness. I feel a lot more "relaxed" with a solid skill-set to keep me and my buddy(ies) safe. Besides, with the static hold time you hit now, you might enjoy a little competition down the road.

 

[Stephan Whelan]

@Asipu - welcome to DB - i'll echo other comments about taking a class. There are a few folk in ireland teaching classes but I can recommend Freedive Ireland (www.freediveireland.com) run by @fcallagy.

 

[Asipu]

It felt that based on my previous experience and what I've been aiming for, the courses were not a necessity. A bit arrogant stance I agree, something you really don't want when diving is involved..
I'll make a parallel with my experience with freeclimbing. There was no need to go through a course in order to climb the big wall. After showing up in the practice hall, making friends, training hard, listening and observing, I was ready.
But I hear ya guys, and really appreciate your justified concerns.

 

[Stephan Whelan]

It felt that based on my previous experience and what I've been aiming for, the courses were not a necessity. A bit arrogant stance I agree, something you really don't want when diving is involved..
I'll make a parallel with my experience with freeclimbing. There was no need to go through a course in order to climb the big wall. After showing up in the practice hall, making friends, training hard, listening and observing, I was ready.
But I hear ya guys, and really appreciate your justified concerns.

@Asipu - I come across this sort of argument all the time.

I can tell you that without a doubt every single person who thought like this and then attended a course appreciated why. There is a huge amount to learn about physiology, physics, safety, technique, etc... that you just can't learn from online, books or practice - every single person I know who took this approach has dangerous or just plain wrong things they were doing.

We also know that the vast majority of injuries and death in freediving and spearfishing has been down to people who have not attended a course and pushed themselves too far without the right supervision.

I don't say this to scare you or put you down - accidents can happen to even highly trained people - it's about reducing the risks so everyone can enjoy the sport responsibly.

Here are a few links to enjoy...

• https://www.deeperblue.com/20-safety-rules-for-freediving/
• http://divewise.org/
• http://www.freediving.biz/features/safety.html

Be safe out there.

 

[Asipu]

Sent the contact message to freediveireland.com