Sunday 1 April 2007

What is freediving?

Just thought I'd write this as a reference for all of you who are confused by my sport.

Freediving is a water sport based around breath holding. It takes a great deal of physical and mental strength to do well in this sport.

There are a number of events held in both the pool and open water.

Open Water events:
these events can be held in the lake or the sea. divers follow a line down and back
Constant weight
The diver dives as deep as possible on one breath. They must swim down and back with the same gear on. The diver may wear fins.
Constant weight without fins
As for constant weight but without fins. Divers normally use a swimming styl much like breast stroke.
Variable weight
The diver dives as deep as possible on one breath but may release their weight at the bottom, so it is easier to swim down and up.
Free Immersion
The diver pulls down and back up the rope with their hands.

Pool Events:
Statics
This is a time based event. The diver holds their breath as long as possible while lying face down in the pool. They normally float on the surface due to the need to wear a wetsuit to stay warm.
Dynamics
The diver swims as far as possible in the pool, under the surface, on one breath. The diver turns and repeats lengths as necessary. The diver may wear fins.
Dynamics without fins
The same as dynamics, but without fins. Divers normally swim breast stroke under water.

Other things I may refer to:
Surface protocol
At the end of any dive the diver must remove all face equipment (mask, goggles, nose clip), then give an ok signal, then say "I am OK" within 15s of surfacing, and keep their airways clear of the water, or will be disqualified.
Announced performance
The diver must nominate an announced performace the day before the event. in depth events this is the maximum depth they will be able to go to, where the bottom plate is set. For statics it effects the calls, and ok signals required during the dive, the first call being 1 minute prior to the announced performance. It does not do a lot in dynamics, however if someone else has the same realised performance and announces a higher performance, they will receive a higher world ranking. Divers are penalised if they do not reach their announced performance.
Realised performance
What is acheived on competition day.

More info:
For starters check out:
www.lazyseal.co.nz (our club web site)
www.apneamania.com
www.aida-international.org


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