Freediving isn’t just a sport—it’s a moving meditation, an art of breath, and a journey into your own limits.
What is Freediving?
Freediving is diving underwater on a single breath, without scuba gear. While it’s a competitive sport, many people practice it for mental clarity and self-discovery.
“Underwater, all thoughts disappear. Only you and the ocean exist.”
The Foundation: Diaphragmatic Breathing
The core of freediving is diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing).
How to Practice
- Lie down or sit comfortably
- Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly
- Inhale slowly through your nose (4 seconds) - belly rises
- Hold briefly (2 seconds)
- Exhale slowly through your mouth (6 seconds) - belly falls
Full Breathing Technique
This maximizes lung capacity before a dive.
Three-Phase Breathing
- Abdominal phase: Fill your belly completely
- Thoracic phase: Expand your ribcage sideways
- Clavicular phase: Raise shoulders slightly for the last bit of air
Relaxation Breathing
Perform this for 2 minutes before your dive.
- Inhale: 2 seconds
- Hold: 2 seconds
- Exhale: 10 seconds (as slowly as possible)
Critical Safety Rules
Never Do This
- ❌ Hyperventilation: Lowers CO2 and increases blackout risk
- ❌ Solo practice: Always dive with a buddy
- ❌ Push too hard: Respect your limits
Blackout Prevention
Hyperventilation is extremely dangerous. When CO2 levels drop too low, your brain delays the “breathe now” signal, causing sudden loss of consciousness.
Dry Training
You can train without water:
CO2 Tolerance Table
- Breath-hold time stays constant (e.g., 2 min)
- Rest time decreases (2:00 → 1:45 → 1:30…)
O2 Table
- Rest time stays constant (e.g., 2 min)
- Breath-hold time increases (2:00 → 2:15 → 2:30…)
Benefits of Freediving
- 🧘 Stress reduction: Forced meditative state
- 💪 Increased lung capacity: Strengthens respiratory muscles
- 🧠 Improved focus: Present-moment awareness
- 😌 Self-confidence: Experience of transcending limits
Freediving teaches patience and humility. The ocean never welcomes those who rush. 🌊