O2>co2

[tjd]

Hello! I'm a Naui certified diver from the Philippines. i just recently interested in freediving and spearfishing. I came to visit this site and it's very informative and helpful esp for a beginner like me. I try to internalize all the tips on how to prolong the bottom time. I guess it all lies with the O2 tolerance and CO2 tolerance(?). Am I right here? What's the difference between them? pls tell me.
I'm an army officer and physically fit. But I just reach the bottom(30ft) and then stay some 2-3 sec and goes up. I want to stay longer and deeper. Thanks!

 

[portinfer]

Hey tjd
The best way of getting better is practice with other people. And read all the threads in this forum, or at least as many as you can.

There is such a wealth of information here ranging from complex physiology debates to basic equipment. You will find all the information here. Posters are beginners and world record holders.

From what I have read and experienced the most important thing is to find people you can go out with. Solo freediving is not advisable, especially when you are starting out - you don't know your limits and can make mistakes. So find a buddy and read the stuff here.

Equipment is a little different from scuba - the fin type is longer and full foot is preferred. Masks are of a smaller internal volume although this is not so important when you are starting out. It is important to understand the physical changes that occur to your body (equalizing - hydration - tiredness etc).

Good luck - Ed

 

[cdavis]

Hi tjd, welcome to Deeper Blue.

Improving your gas tolerence, both kinds, helps your diving, but being comfortable and relaxed in the water plus learning good technique is much more important. Go out and free dive, go slow and concentrate on relaxing every muscle in you body. Get real comfortable just being there. Go down slow and come up slow. Once you have relaxed, deeper and much longer dives will seem easy. At that time, and it should come pretty quick, much more of the stuff you see on the forum will make sense.

Good luck and keep us posted

Connor