The Basics

[Murky_Waters]

I am a scuba diver and want to learn how to freedive. There is nobody arround me in michigan that does it, so I really dont know how to start off. Should I buy freediving fins or just use my scuba stuff for now? If I should get new fins, what is a good INEXPENSIVE fin? How much weight should I use? Should it be on my waist or on my ankles? How do I practise? I really know nothing about freediving except that I really want to do it and not be bound by my scuba geer. Any info at all would be great.

thanx

Jeremy

 

[smellsfishy]

A good place to start is a freediving course. Check out Performancefreediving.com - they rock!

If you can't do the course you may want to check out a book/video. As I understand it Terry Maas has some good beginner books/videos.

Good beginner fins (although you can use Scuba fins to start):

SPORASUB H.DESSAULT
Cressi Gara 2000/3000

Weight goes on your waist but how much is tricky. As a beginner you want to set your weight so that you're neutral at 33 feet or so. So this will depend on your suit, your size etc. I'm 6 feet and weigh about 205 I wear 8 pounds in freshwater with my 5mm picasso apnos wetsuit (bouyant yamamoto neoprene).

Another thing I'd recommend is a rubber weight belt, but to start you won't need it and I know a bunch of divers better than I who don't use them.

Always practice with a buddy when practicing in water ! Start out on land and practice holding your breath. There are all sorts of breathing techniques and all sort of excercise you can do. Check out deeperblue posts for more info.

Post on deeperblue for dive buddies in your area and I'm sure you'll find one soon enough.

Good luck and welcome to Deeperblue !

 

[freedivinmike]

Hey Jeremy, Check your private messages. I am fairly close to Michigan and would like to talk with you about hooking up for some freediving or training. You are making a wise choice getting into this sport.
Mike