Should my kidneys be exploding?

[redmega]

My buddy and I have been having a pop at dynamic apnea in the pool roughly every other day for the last month or so. It was all going fine until recently, when I broke my pb and managed 65m. When I came up, I got a nasty pain in my back...around the kidneys - it probably lasted for a good hour or so. Since then, I've not been too keen on pushing my limits and stuck to around 50m.
Today, my buddy made a considerable effort and came up clutching his back in the same way.
He claims that the reason it happened was that he hadn't been breathing out whilst he went along underwater - usually he does. I've never done that, am I supposed to?
Anyway, does anybody know what the pain is all about? Is it dangerous?

thx

 

[BennyB]

Are you guys taking big inhales, or are you packing (inhaling then taking mouthfuls of air and pushing into your lungs)? Are you wearing weightbelts? Using fins or no fins?

Sounds a bit unusual to be getting pains but if you're training every other day then you may be overdoing it a bit. Try giving yourselves a few days rest.

I don't know anyone that breaths out during their dynamic unless it's right at the end just before you surface. It's best to keep the air where it's working for you.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[redmega]

When I say "training", really we just spend about half an hour in the pool - probably about 5 attempts and sit around chatting inbetween. I suppose I take the biggest breath I can manage before I go under, but I don't do any packing or hyperventilation. No fins, weightbelts or any of that - not really any preparation either, just a couple of deep breaths and then off we go.

 

[land shark]

prob kicking too hard

 

[BennyB]

I'm not 100% but it sounds as though it could be technique as Land Shark suggests. With no-fins (and with fins too) there is a tendancy for self taught people to look up as they are going along which arches the back. This used to give me a bit of lower back pain in my early days. The fact that both of you get it and that you're not packing makes me think it's not anything sinister. It could also be the extra effort in staying horizontal in the water. With no weight on a full breath on an adult tends to make them very bouyant so they swim down instead of swimming forward, this can put a bit more pressure on the back.

Where are you guys based? Have a look on the British Freediving Association website (www.britishfreediving.org) for clubs or people in your area to train with. Have a read through DeeperBlue as well for tips on safetying each other. Make sure your buddy follows above you or next to you when you do your dynamic.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[naiad]

Hi redmega, whereabouts are you training?

 

[redmega]

Thanks for the tips - I have a tendency to look up to watch for the wall, so I'm certain my back is arched all out of shape. No buddy today, so I'll have a go at a change in posture later in the week and see if it helps. I'll have to get him to swim further behind me though, as if my back is straight, my feet will probably be kicking out of the water....not a very deep pool

naiad: I swim afternoons in Reading TVP. I've been looking at a few of the clubs listed on this site around south london (malden, streathham) - any recommendations?

 

[ant williams]

Hi Redmega. If your legs are not used to the no-fins kicking action then it wouldn't be uncommon to experience some form of muscle tension in the hamstrings, gluteals or quadriceps. Muscle tightness or inflammation in the hamstrings can lead to temporary lowerback pain. With training, and ideally some stretching, the muscle groups should quickly adapt to the new demands being placed on them.

I do know of one athlete, new to the sport, who experienced severe lower back pain during a mild dynamic session. The following day he passed a kidney stone! A long shot in your case given that you and your buddy are experiencing the same symptoms, but kind of interesting all the same.

Ant.

 

[naiad]

naiad: I swim afternoons in Reading TVP. I've been looking at a few of the clubs listed on this site around south london (malden, streathham) - any recommendations?

I have been going to the Richmond club for a long time. The clubs are listed on the BFA website, but I think the Crystal Freedivers and Kentish Town clubs are no longer running.
British Freediving Association - Clubs: BFA Affiliated Clubs

You will have to do a pool induction before you can join the clubs, there are contact details on that page for arranging the induction with the club you are planning to join.

I have not been to the Malden club myself, but I think it is worth giving it a try if you are near it.

 

[fourfeetdown]

The New Malden club is NoTanx.com - I can recommend it - very relaxed and friendly!

 

[BatRay]

The following day he passed a kidney stone! A long shot in your case given that you and your buddy are experiencing the same symptoms, but kind of interesting all the same.

Ant.

Eek! Poor guy!

New Malden :inlove I lived there in 2001. It was nice.

 

[redmega]

Thanks for all your help people. I stopped arching my back and got used to looking at the bottom and the pain stopped - didn't even have to pass a kidney stone to do it!

Thanks for your recommendations for notanx etc.. I hope to find a way to join the club and attend in the new year.

Cheers!