Toughing it out

[Nalyd]

I am still very new to the world of free diving, and have a few questions reguarding statics. First off I would like to say that I am not out there to break records or impress anyone, rather I am just trying to enjoy myself, and improve my diving, and spearing. I have been doing some tables and dynamic training in the pool, but when I do statics it seems that I hit a "wall." For the first 1:30-2 mins of the hold I do quite well, staying relaxed and I have no issue letting my mind drift. Soon after though, I get a burning in my chest which makes me very anxious and I can't stop thinkin, "how much air do i have left?" I have never experienced a contraction, though I have only made it to 3:15. I was wondering if this burning uncomfortable feeling will continue to build the longer i hold, or if there are ways to supress it. Also, I am interested in some techniques on staying calm and how you guys keep your mind off your diminishing air supply. Thanks a ton

-Dylan

 

[sgnips]

try some relaxation technique: at home, first, then try to apply them during statics (and dynamics, and deep diving, too...)
the goal is NOT THINKING about time or about the air in your lungs (you have enough to stay 7 or 8 minutes and even more), studying your uncomfortable feeling, playing around it and then getting rid of it
last year i had to pass 4' because of the requirements needed to participate the Apnea Academy instructor course: i started to make statics without the mask, so i couldn't see the clock and could concentrate only on my body and mind, that really helped, i'm sure you can find another thousand tricks to get there

sorry for my english, it was surely better a few years ago

 

[Dennis77]

Burning feeling in your chest, even before any contraction at all?

Try to do a static with less air in your lungs. Don´t fill them up completely. Just try to fill them by 80-85%. Perhaps this will help you to get rid off the burning.

 

[freeflypony]

I know it can be quite hard on your chest.. especially when you start getting along in time.. but what I find helps for me is exactly that... NOT THINKING.... even telling yourself to not think. Sometimes I just try and picture a black wall, or even just focus on the word "relax", this helps my mind not to wonder off to all those thoughts like.. it's hurting and I"m running out of air. Even sometimes I just focus on the back of my eyelids. Do anything really to stop your brain from over thinking.

sgnips is right, you have a lot more air than you think. So next time your at that point and you think it's hurting to much, just start telling yourself to RELAX and that your enjoying this feeling.. Start to think.. "this is a good feeling". This will help you to start to feel more comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Hope this helps.

 

[sgnips]

happy i can help someway, let us know about any improvement

 

[Nalyd]

Thanks for the help! I have been working on my relaxation...and have seen some pretty good improvement. My time has been steadily increasing, not necessarily HUGE improvements but I am getting there. I have also begun doing some exhale dives at the pool and have reached a time of 2:17, with a static just over a minute and then roughly 50 yard swim. I really appreciate the help guys.

-Dylan