Thought came to my mind about the current trends in dynamic apnea. I think there are two mainstreams in dynamic apnea forming up at this moment.
First are led with amazing athlets like Stig and Peter Pederson. Their technique is perfect and magical to watch, they are physically very prepared, very aquatic. That all results in their very fast and efficient movement underwater.
In the second group I would put athlets like Tom Sietas and Ant Williams, who use deep concentration and inner strength to let their bodies glide through the water. They are moving at half the speed and taking twice as much time, yet they are achieveing same or even better results. They are too amazing athlets in any way, only the approach is very different.
Of course the question to ask is which approach is ultimately better? Surely there is no definite answer (as for lot of other things considering apnea, which is great!). I feel like we are discovering new criteria for the sport every day, with competitors accepting the one that appeals them the most, defining the very sport in the process. It is exciting!
Personally my approach to dynamic is the first one. I have trouble relaxing enough, specially at competitions so it comes natural for me to utilise my faster heart rate to go more powerful and faster. But I have to say that the second approach feels more 'apneish' and maybe what Tom showed the world couple of days ago is only the beginning of new era of dynamic apnea?
Vlad
"Today is a good day to dive"
First are led with amazing athlets like Stig and Peter Pederson. Their technique is perfect and magical to watch, they are physically very prepared, very aquatic. That all results in their very fast and efficient movement underwater.
In the second group I would put athlets like Tom Sietas and Ant Williams, who use deep concentration and inner strength to let their bodies glide through the water. They are moving at half the speed and taking twice as much time, yet they are achieveing same or even better results. They are too amazing athlets in any way, only the approach is very different.
Of course the question to ask is which approach is ultimately better? Surely there is no definite answer (as for lot of other things considering apnea, which is great!). I feel like we are discovering new criteria for the sport every day, with competitors accepting the one that appeals them the most, defining the very sport in the process. It is exciting!
Personally my approach to dynamic is the first one. I have trouble relaxing enough, specially at competitions so it comes natural for me to utilise my faster heart rate to go more powerful and faster. But I have to say that the second approach feels more 'apneish' and maybe what Tom showed the world couple of days ago is only the beginning of new era of dynamic apnea?
Vlad
"Today is a good day to dive"