Static verses Breathhold?

[donmoore]

This is a newbie question. I don’t understand why static in the water is such a part of so many free divers training. I can see the reasoning behind it for competition, as having the mouth and nose submerged prevents anyone from cheating, but just plain learning to hold one’s breath longer for diving -- what good is it over breathholding? Why risk drowning and worry about having a competent partner, go through the tapping on the shoulder – thumps up routine ever so many seconds, when you can hold your breath above land by yourself and if you pass out, your mouth will open and you will breath again and regain consciousness? Wouldn’t just a little static training be enough to get accustomed to the difference for competition? Does static do anything for one’s freediving ability?
Thanks,
Don

 

[DeepThought]

Newbie answer:

For me, apnea in water proved to be better than dry apnea. All my personal bests were taken in water, my 1st 4:00, 4:30 and 5:00.

It's easier for me to relax all my muscles while floating numb at the water head down than laying in bed.
And I feel that it's easier for me to stay in a constant body temperature although my heart rate might be raising or slowing, because water conduct heat better than air, and all my body is intouch with water, instead of laying on the carpet/matress/etc.
Ofcourse the water temp. should be optimal.
But maybe it's only me, 'cause I'm in a warm climate.

To sum it, water make me calmer.

I think it's a personal choice after all.

 

[donmoore]

reply

Thanks Michael,
I a lot of views to this question, but you’re the only one to respond. Now I have some idea to the reason behind doing apena in the water.
Don

 

[scott]

mammalian dive reflex

Don,

Being in the water stimulates the "mammalian dive reflex", which allows for longer static times. For example, simply by placing your face in (colder) water, your heart rate slows down. This, along with other natural body changes while in water, means that wet statics should (in theory) always be longer than dry ones.

Much more is written about this on these forums and other places if you are interested in learning more about this phenomenon.

Scott

 

[DeepThought]

mammalian dive reflex

Oops, stupid me, I should've mentioned that as well. :duh

Don, it's us newbies to eachother!