Freediving, this spectacular discipline which fascinates with its ability to push human limits, attracts new enthusiasts every year. Before diving headlong into this underwater adventure, let’s take the time to discover the precautions to take and the basic exercises for a healthy and progressive practice.
Precautions to take before getting started
Starting freediving requires a certain level of preparation. Above all, having a medical examination is essential to rule out any contraindications. Heart, lung or ENT problems could prove dangerous in the event of prolonged immersion.
Equipment also constitutes a significant safety factor.. It is essential to obtain suitable equipment such as a well-fitting wetsuit to maintain body heat, a mask with a good field of vision, a snorkel, adequate fins and weight adapted to your level.
The presence of a pair proves to be of capital importance. The latter can intervene in the event of difficulties and monitor the progress of the session. A person should never practice freediving alone.
Learn about breathing techniques
Controlling your breathing is the keystone of apnea. Exercises on land will help the neophyte discover how to maximize their lung capacity and control their oxygen consumption.
Belly breathing, for example, is a fundamental technique that allows you to completely fill your lungs. You need to practice breathing in slowly through your nose, inflating your stomach, then exhaling slowly through your mouth, pulling in your stomach. This method of diaphragmatic breathing contributes to better oxygenation of the blood and effectively prepares you for learning static and dynamic apnea techniques.
The role of yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation are two complementary practices beneficial in learning apnea. They help to refine body awareness, manage stress and increase concentration, essential qualities for successful freediving. Yoga exercises, including postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama), train the body and mind to stay calm and focused underwater.
Start with static apnea
Training in static apnea first is a crucial step. Wetting your swimsuit in a secure aquatic environment, such as a swimming pool, gives you the opportunity to experience the sensation of holding your breath underwater without the complexity of moving around.
Safety must remain the priority. Performing this exercise accompanied, in shallow water, allows you to familiarize yourself with aquatic pressure while remaining under the direct supervision of your partner, ready to intervene if necessary.
Progressing towards dynamic apnea
Once you have acquired comfort in statics, the next step is to integrate the movement. L’dynamic apnea, with or without fins, focuses on horizontal movement underwater while managing its oxygen consumption.
This is a great way to practice coordination between movement and breathing., while strengthening your endurance and swimming technique. The exercises should start with short distances, with particular attention to the fluidity of movements and muscle relaxation.
The key factors for progression in apnea
Regular training is essential to progress safely. Just like in other disciplines, freediving requires regular commitment to improve your technique and increase your abilities.
A balanced diet and good hydration should not be neglected, as they play a crucial role in the performance and recovery of the freediving practitioner. Paying special attention to your diet before and after sessions can significantly contribute to improved performance.
A keen understanding of one’s own limits makes all the difference. Each individual has their own tolerance to apnea. It is fundamental to accept it and progress at your own pace without comparing yourself to others or rushing your body.
Develop “internal listening”
Apnea is not just a matter of the lungs; it’s also a question of mentality. Learning to listen to your body, to identify the signals it sends such as the desire to breathe, and to differentiate discomfort from real alert is a fundamental aspect. This increased sensitivity increases personal safety and enriches the underwater experience.
Combine pleasure and safety
Always keep in mind that freediving is above all a source of pleasure. The euphoria of discovering the underwater world must remain at the heart of the practice. Making safety a habit ensures that every dive will be a rewarding experience and free from unnecessary risks.
With these solid foundations in place, new freediving enthusiasts have all the tools they need to develop their skills with complete peace of mind. Perseverance, patience and respect for one’s own physiology will be their best allies in this quest for harmony with the underwater world. The rest of this aquatic adventure remains to be written through bubbles and exhalations, each dive revealing a new and dazzling chapter of this fascinating practice.
