Overcoming the urge to breathe

[Donkeys4hire]

I took an FII instructed free diving class last year. I did all the static breathing in the pool fine without feeling contractions, over 3 minutes.

The next day in the ocean once I reached a depth of about 40' I got severe contractions with the urge to breathe. It was extremely hard to overcome and could only finish the class with extra focus and support from my instructor, I made it to 70'.

Has anyone else had it affect them in this manner as well? Or ways to help diminish this feeling?

 

[Ms Mer]

I took an FII instructed free diving class last year. I did all the static breathing in the pool fine without feeling contractions, over 3 minutes.

The next day in the ocean once I reached a depth of about 40' I got severe contractions with the urge to breathe. It was extremely hard to overcome and could only finish the class with extra focus and support from my instructor, I made it to 70'.

Has anyone else had it affect them in this manner as well? Or ways to help diminish this feeling?

I get strong contractions, increasingly stronger with more depth. The key is to just stay very relaxed, tell yourself you are fine. Don't fight them, just allow them to happen. Try and distract yourself perhaps - count them, think of something nice, enjoy being at depth. Do you get them on descent or ascent or both? I don't notice mine on descent but do on the ascent.

 

[tonyeynon]

Hi there,

Yeah I also get them with the increased depth. My main technique is distraction and find it works well.