Static Apnea technique.

[Dr.Clean]

Hello. I recently began practicing CO2 Tables, and I just wanted to share what helped me hold my breath much longer. Well, before I tried this my PB was a measly 2:30. As I began another hold I laid my hand across my chest. And, I just kind of randomly started counting my heartbeats. It took my mind off of thinking about how long I had been holding my breath, which would often cause my heart rate to go up and the contractions to begin. Anyways, I notice that counting my heartbeats really increased my ability to stay calm. After I just two tries I reached my new PB of 3:30. I'm sure I'm not the only one to do this, but I just thought you guys might give it a try. I've only been doing CO2 tables for about a week or two, btw, so I'm not very advanced.

 

[Kars]

Indeed a nice way to forget time, one of the things that make freediving such a nice activity.

2'30" as an starting time is very impressive, most people can do 40"...
You're making big jumps, and see how much you can grow with some 'simple' improvements in technique.

You may want to check out the http://forums.deeperblue.com/freediving-science/86127-how-flow-freediving-2.html thread, as it touches on finding more relaxation underwater, and learning to flow through these CO2 and mental barriers.

Love, Courage and Water,

Kars

 

[Bill]

My favorite static trick. It occupies the mind just enough to keep focus but it's so easy it doesn't burn energy. Staring at a spot, especially if it is a little out of focus should work too. Taking the mask off in the pool will help.

 

[cdavis]

I count seconds(no watch), seems to have the same effect Bill mentioned. What seems odd is that counting either seconds or heat beats is a measure of time. For that to aid statics seems contradictory to the widely given advice to get rid of your watch and forget time. How so?

Connor

 

[Dr.Clean]

I count seconds(no watch), seems to have the same effect Bill mentioned. What seems odd is that counting either seconds or heat beats is a measure of time. For that to aid statics seems contradictory to the widely given advice to get rid of your watch and forget time. How so?

Connor

I thought the same thing. Not because I read it anywhere... but just because I noticed that when I looked at my watch more frequently I tend to get real nervous about how much time I have left. But, I just felt more relaxed counting heartbeats. Oh, and thanks Kars, I'm gonna go and read that right now.

 

[trux]

I think the effect would be similar if you stared at the watch permanently - it would relax you in similar way as counting. The problem with it is that the eyes (and the brain center associated with it) consume quite a bit of oxygen, so it is better to close them, which makes watching the display counterproductive anyway. And checking it only up and then, adds too much stress, excitement, or frustration when the time does not correspond to the expectation.

 

[Kars]

Well said Trux,

So listening, feeling your heartbeat is better. Especially since it has a tendency to drop dramatically, and thus bring your 'mental rhythm' down as well.
What I find difficult is the transition between the easy and struggle phase. When that happens I often get the thought "oh gosh I don't think I could hold much longer with this much discomfort". Many people feel like moving around when that happens, and indeed if I do that at the bottom of the pool it surely helps to relax my body and mind, resulting in a long dive that is much more comfortable. The last time in the pool something 'clicked' after the first two 'lanes' and the contractions lessened and slide to a remote position in my field of attention. I hope this mental and physical relaxation remains with me, making these 5' dives very nice, fun and interesting.

 

[fcallagy]

Recently over a course we tried different relaxation techniques. i never pushed/trained static much but could always do 4 - 4.30. The one worked best for me was repalying a special day ie a day spent surfing with my daughter. i would visualise the start of the day and each action and subsequent action, reliving the moments one by one. It helped me get to 5.15 and I think I could do more with more training.