Why freediving?

[efattah]

In surgery, the technique of hypoxic pre-conditioning is used, or similarly, ischemic preconditioning. The idea is to deprive an area of oxygen, dramatically, temporarily. Then, 24-48 hours later, surgery is performed, because the same area is now drastically more resistant the free radicals that will be formed.

No different for freedive training.

 

[Mr. X]

Is freediving healthy? In some ways, possibly not. But the peripheral training and discipline that goes with it clearly is, judging by the fine physical specimens taking part (just compare them to us spearos ).

I used to climb a lot - fantastic physical exercise but also incredibly motivating, I took up several other sports and activities just to maintain & enhance my climbing abilities. I reckon freediving can have the same motivating effect. However, I am not sure about the psychology of extreme sports. They are usually exhilarating, challenging and impressive - but activities which take a lot of time and commitment and risk life and limb can be hard on family.

 

[Simos]

In surgery, the technique of hypoxic pre-conditioning is used, or similarly, ischemic preconditioning. The idea is to deprive an area of oxygen, dramatically, temporarily. Then, 24-48 hours later, surgery is performed, because the same area is now drastically more resistant the free radicals that will be formed.

No different for freedive training.

This is interesting, thanks Eric. I wasn't saying that apnea doesn't cause the body to resist free radical damage, I was just saying that it doesn't seem to be clear that a trained freediver has any more resistance to free radicals than a normal person would hence there is no special benefit in this respect from freediving - the conclusions of the above study (below) seem to suggest the same but of course like anything, could be wrong. Seems to me though that freediving could really help protect against strokes though?

CONCLUSIONS (of the study): Trained free divers have increased SOD activity during apnea; however, there is little difference in their antioxidant and oxidative stress responses compared with controls. In both groups, acute changes in antioxidant enzyme activities suggest that they may protect from excessive antioxidant depletion and oxidative stress during apnea.

 

[ReefTroll]

Hi guys! Eric, based on what you said about proper resting and nutrition.... For me, is very difficult to handle with this during summer vacations that I want to go spearfishing all day if possible.... Is there a way (type of food-supplements) for a swift recovery after a very tiring sf day?
thanks

This type of work is no different in terms of the need for replenishment than an andurance race. Only the levels required will vary. A good balanced diet will help. But for a fast pick me up try a protein shake or bar. Avoid overly commercial ones, check their ingredients list, some are worse for you than a bar of chocolate. That said, I used to swear by a chocolate and a coke post-training and then work on getting a good wholesome meal into myself.

 

[Apneaddict]

Hi guys! Eric, based on what you said about proper resting and nutrition.... For me, is very difficult to handle with this during summer vacations that I want to go spearfishing all day if possible.... Is there a way (type of food-supplements) for a swift recovery after a very tiring sf day?
thanks

For post-dive / spearfishing recovery (as well as DURING the session) I would suggest some simple carbs and highly absorbable whey protein in liquid form. A homemade limeade formulation with honey and brown sugar will be both alkaline and give those simple carbs to act as an immediate fuel source. Any spike in insulin will assist in carrying the whey protein (ideally isolate) to the cells that need it most. I've always had 2 separate drinks.

After the recovery drinks are consumed... Time to really re-fuel for overnight recovery. Anti-oxidant rich foods, fruits (blueberries), vegetables, some complex carbs (rice, oatmeal, etc) and some high quality whole food protein source (chicken, fish, etc). Note that sushi fits the bill here!

I'd also make sure to rehydrate and restore your electrolytes and salts. Put some sea-salt in your limeade and have a banana before and after your dive session.

This should help get you through 2-3 days of concurrent heavy diving activity.... But of course would not be sustainable for weeks on end. The body needs rest and time for full recovery. You can't go ALL OUT for ever.

You must listen to what your body is telling you and do not underestimate rest-days and when you should take it a bit easy. Your inherent energy reserves should tell you how much you have in the tank and how hard you are able to push it.

I think that diet can go a long way to minimizing the effects of free radicals and speed up recovery for concurrent activity.

 

[Apneaddict]

Note: if you are planning a rest-day and know that you will have an easy / relaxing / restful day... Make up some additional limeade as per above....

On the rest-day, you can add a bit of Jose Cuervo Gold to the mix and you have yourself a beverage that is exactly like that last sip of a melted margarita!!!

 

[ReefTroll]

You can't go ALL OUT for ever.
.

Sure you can.
Just ask a commando, lol.

 

[basilisladias]

Ha ha ha!!! Thanks guys!!! I believe what you say will work for me too!!!!

 

[Kars]

To some Youtubers who asked the 'why do it' I gave them this reply:

A little poetic answer:

In an intimate embrace of a blue world, flying in a dream. As I fall the terrestrial world fades, I leave everything that's not me. When I dissolve in the black space I know again what's pure and lasting. When I 'flow' back up towards the light, I enjoy the ocean's helping hand. The water surface brakes and fresh sea air fills my lungs - I feel every cell filling with life, I feel like reborn.​

- it's a bit rough and could use some polishing, but for me it sums it up with some curvy broad strokes, that of cause cannot cover the complete picture.

Maybe it's a good idea to have those nice quotes ready when people you run into ask the why question. People are taught to worship authority and quoting implies it comes from one, and it makes you sound like a learned authority too

Of cause have a nice set of quotes to fit the target audience.

 

[Siku]

Asked in the pool by a swimmer:

"So what's that, just holding your breath?"

Answer:

"Yes, in the same way that swimming is just breathing"

 

[MartinTee]

You can try to convince them with rational arguments, but it's their emotional fear that they need to overcome.

Now humor and mystique are nice ways to bring down fear and stir their interest.

But to be truthful do not count on many conversions as many people are pretty content with their small range of interest and movement, and they avoid risk and thinking like a plague and disease.

What you can do is explain what feelings freediving give you, use examples that they have familiarity with or can relate to.
You can also say Surfers and scuba people like to practice so they can enjoy their sport more.

I like freediving because down there it's a place where I can explore my body and mind in an embrace of the blue world that allows me to fly like in a dream. When I come flowing up and the fresh sea air fills my lungs I feel like reborn.

Love, Courage and Water,

Kars

Couldn't find the Like button so thought I'd just say that you have put this in such a beautiful way!