Some beginner guidance

[chimppingpong]

Ladies and Gents,

I'm rather new to freediving, and have a couple of questions regarding training and some advice on what otions I have open to me.

Basically I'm quite a keen snorkeller, and enjoy getting underwater for a closer look around etc. What I want to do is improve breath hold times, mainly to prolong my time underwater, eventually going deeper for some other dive locations.

I live in the midlands and so don't get to go in open water very often (mostly on holidays and shortbreaks, so every couple of months at least). I currently do some pool training (technique and CO2 tolerance work etc). I've recently found a lake near(ish) to me that offers open water swimming. At first I thought I'd found a new place to train, getting under the surface, having some good times. Alas the lake is 5 only five feet deep, and very murky. :head

Before I give up on the idea completely is it worth me donning my wetsuit for a swim around the surface course, purely to get more used to the feel of swimming in a suit?

At the minute I'm just studying the basics of freediving, hopeing to improve hold times etc before going on a course and/or looking to join in with those of you that go to Dorothea Quarry (when I'm over that way). At least the plan is to join in with a group and not be a complete novice, getting some dive time and not being completely baby sat.

Any advice on how to better train etc in my land locked position would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gahiel]

hi chimp, and welcome to DB-

To start with some advice before answering your questions: first and foremost you should always be doing all of your training with safety personnel in place, make sure they know how to rescue you, and what to do in case of a black out ext.

Secondly, it is very easy to train in a land locked position, as long as you have a pool near you, you can practice swimming with your wetsuit, and provided you have a buddy to dive with, can also practice some dynamic apnea, as well as some in water statics.

Lastly, you should really take some time and read some of the resources here on DB. I would particularly suggest to you the 'beginners free diving' thread located here. I would read through that, because it is a great start.

Now on to answer some of your questions:

You asked about training in your land locked area. I would suggest doing 02 tables for a week, taking 3 or so days off and then starting Co2 tables. Now of course you don't have to go all week, just do what feels right for you. Those tables should be done on dry land, and once you get more comfertable- try some in water statics (make sure to bring a safety buddy).

Next you can try apnea walking. This is simply holding your breath, and walking for as along as you can. Mark on the ground where you finally cannot go any long, and see how far [you can make it. Once you get comfertable with your dryland statis, and walking you can start with your dynamic apnea.

I don't want to over load you with the first post, but to leave one last note: becuase you really are land locked, i would look into the apnea disciplines that are pool oriented. Dynamic and static apnea. If you become good at those, your blue water diving will become much easier.

hope this helps!

 

[chimppingpong]

Hi Gahiel,

Thank you for the above advice. I'll be adding your suggestions into my training, particularly towards dynamic.

Thanks again, very much appreciated. Looking forward to working towards improving = more enjoyment in my diving.