Question Rule of thirds and any subtle signs that blackout is near?

[Simon1975]

Firstly a hello, I've just joined this forum and new to freediving, although I did spend sometime dabling dangerously, uninformed in my 20's, obliviously hyperventilating,on my own in open water. 20 or so years on I bought a speargun and have been really enjoying both the hunting and the deep blue.

My questions, I have read a bit about the rule of thirds and wondering if maybe I'm getting to close to the edge of missed something? I have 3 little kids who are often around when I'm practicing/training and the idea of blacking out freaks me out! Static on dry,I generally get an urge to breathe shortly after a minute, contractions start at around 2 minutes but my pb is 4:25, doesn't really fit the rule of thirds or is there something I'm missing that would enable contractions to be held off a bit?

Wondering if anyone has a comprehensive list of subtle signs that blackout is close, I have a fair feel of what is happening within and generally although the contractions are quite unpleasant by 4' I generally feel quite clear and in control, I guess I'm wondering if there a fail safe way of knowing how far one can push but not have to go to the blackout to find out??? Many thanks Simon

 

[Nathan Vinski]

Hi Simon,

I think I know what video you are talking about in term of the 'rule of thirds'. Does it involve apnea walking on a beach?

If that's not it, I'm not sure where else you've heard of this.

Either way, it's a made-up term that, although can be perfectly applicable to some, is way off the mark for most.

There is NO, sure fire way to predict your limit based on contractions time. The only way is careful experimentation with max attempts and a good buddy watching you

 

[Simon1975]

Thanks
From memory, it was a UK freediving course intro,went something like, "every breathe hold can be split into 3 parts, 1st third, comfortable with no impulse to breathe, 2 nd third, impulse to breath gets stronger, 3rd third is predominated with contractions with the end of the 3rd third being the danger zone and black out!
Yes I did think that was probably a generalisation. Haven't had the opportunity to train with a buddy. I'm guessing that should become a focus if I'm going to start pushing my limits.

 

[Nathan Vinski]

Well, if your doing static you can do max attempts alone, in your bed.

Of course in water stuff requires a buddy/instructor but no reason you couldn't go for a max hold dry.

But yeah, get a buddy for doing big DYNs or depth stuff. I saw your profile sais your in NZ.. where abouts? I might be able to put you in touch with a friend who's a great instructor and coach. From memory he's in Auckland and trains regularly in lake taupo.

 

[Simon1975]

Sorry for the delay, I'm in the far north so quite away from Auckland and Taupo but he may have connections up here so any contacts would be much appreciated

 

[Nathan Vinski]

Sorry for the delay, I'm in the far north so quite away from Auckland and Taupo but he may have connections up here so any contacts would be much appreciated

My friend said there's an instructor named 'Gemma Shields' who's based in the north.. I think you can find her online.

 

[Nathan Vinski]

@Simon1975 Wrong gemma from me..

He got back to me with this:

Private Site

northlandfreediving.com