Pool training for depth? (Have I missed something somewhere??)

[seashell]

Hi guys,

long time lurker, second(?) time poster, and would love some suggestions.

I'm doing pool training with a really great group of freedivers, but it's now getting too cold to do any depth work. I've booked for a freediving course in warmer climes in 3-4 months time, and the instructor there has recommended that I prepare for some deeper dives than I've done before (I've managed 16m-ish, but this is looking at 20-26m).

Can anybody recommend how one would go about preparing for depth diving without doing any depth - do I just keep on with the STAs and DYNs and work on my O2 and CO2 tables? Or is there anything specifically I should be focussing on and thinking about?

Many, many thanks in advance,
~S

 

[ShallowGuy]

There are some threads here on simulating depth in swimming pool with exhale dives, most recent I found: http://forums.deeperblue.com/freedi...97623-full-exhale-pool-adjust-real-depth.html

It can also help you to improve your equalization technique.

 

[seashell]

Thank you! I'll have a look. I was wondering about exhale dyn -but that thread looks good.

 

[cdavis]

Full exhale dives in a pool can be very useful, but they can also be darn dangerous. Very easy to get squeezed if you are not proceeding slowly and carefully. If you want to try them, I'd suggest finding a buddy who is well trained and experienced and then progressing much slower than you think is reasonable(voice of painful experience here). Also read a bunch of threads on this subject, its tricky.

You can get ready for open water by practicing the basics, good equalization technique, effective deep penetration surface dives, finning technique, maximizing relaxation while doing dynamics, etc. Those can do wonders for your comfort and effectiveness in open water.

That leaves equalization at depth and getting used to the feeling of compression. Exhale dives don't really feel like open water deep dives, but they are a help for what it feels like. Also help learning to equalize deep, but again, not quite the same.

Deep equalization is also very much about chest flexibility. Exhales can help a lot for this, but it takes a long time. Much faster, safer, easier and less uncomfortable is stretching the diaphragm and intercostals. Diaphragm stretches are covered in many threads. Intercostal stretches are much less known, but can make a big difference. Stand straight up, full inhale, arms overhead, palms touching. Now bend from side to side. Play with it until you can feel a strong stretch in your lower rib cage. Good for flexibility. Do this and diaphragm stretches for a couple of months, every morning, and you will find equalization at depth much easier.

Connor

 

[seashell]

Hi Connor,

I looked at the thread and it did concern me slightly. I understand the principles behind exhale diving, but as has been mentioned severally, it is for experienced divers or you will hurt yourself.

I have some diaphragm stretches I've been doing, and was pointed in the direction of a few more yesterday. Again - no overdoing it, but trying to get things loose and comfortable.

Thanks again for your recommendations, they are most reassuring!

~S

 

[Apnea Ireland]

Hi Seashell. As some of the guys suggested, exhale diving is an advanced technique and can be very dangerous (it will make you more prone to squeeze and blackout) If you must practice it, make sure you have a competent dive buddy IN the water with you and not breath-holding at the same time as you. Your buddy must also be aware of exactly what you are doing and what they need to do in case you blackout or samba.
Packing and reverse packing are techniques you can do on dry land to increase your rib cage and diaphragm flexibility however these are also advanced techniques. An exercise for equalising you can do on dry land is this. Luy down on your back, take a couple of slow, deep breaths then hold your breath. Pinch your nose, keep mouth closed and blow (as if you were equalising using the valsalva technique) DON'T blow too hard! Keep the pressure for about 10 seconds, exhale, take a few more deep breaths then repeat 8 to 10 times. This will keep your eustachian tubes a little more flexible so when you get to the water they won't be closed up and give you problems equalising. Be careful with this exercise. Don't do it standing up as it can cause you to black out. Also keep going with the O2 and C02 tables (never do more than 1 table in a day)
Happy and safe diving.
Remember NEVER practice any apnea sport alone in the water. Always have a competent dive buddy at your side at all times.

 

[seashell]

Thanks for that.