What is this strange new sensation?

[Theodoric]

I'm super new to the sport, and I've noticed that underwater dynamic apnea feels very different than static apnea. If I swim longer than 35-40m DNF, I start to get this funny cold feeling in my stomach that takes a while to go away, even after I've surfaced.

I do static enough to know my body's signals during the hold, but it's just totally different underwater. Maybe it's not the water, but the dynamic part that makes it feel different? I don't think I even get to the contractions while swimming, I come up because I just feel a need for air.

Do any of you more experienced divers know what I'm talking about? I try to be safe underwater because of minimal spotting, but I don't know if the cold feeling is like contractions and I can keep going, or if it really is my limit.
Any help would be awesome. Thanks in advance.

 

[JennyWren]

On dynamics I find I get a bit of a chilly oxygen-starved-muscles feeling. It's a bit like the feeling you get if you grab your left wrist with your right hand, squeeze, then make a fist (with your left hand) and release over and over again while still holding the wrist - that left hand gets tired and cold feeling. That's how it feels to me, anyhow.

You mentioned "minimal spotting", not sure what you mean by that. Unless you have a dedicated person spotting just you, someone who knows the safety risks and procedures associated with freediving, you shouldn't be doing dynamics.

 

[Theodoric]

Thanks for the feedback, JennyWren. The real question I'm trying to ask here, is if this feeling in my stomach (not muscles) is my body telling me I'm at my limit, or is it just an uncomfortable phase of dynamic apnea that can be pushed through for a while without danger of samba?

Regarding spotting, I only do easy single lengths with focus on technique when no spotter is present. Any max attempts are spotted. I've read the countless threads pertaining to the dangers of freediving, but I use my best judgement and stay well within comfortable range when alone.