I’m often faced with prospective students who are uncertain if they will be able to Freedive, or if they will even enjoy it. Typically these concerns are rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of what freedivers do and why.
On first sight, holding our breath underwater looks like something awkward and unnatural for humans. Which raises the question why do it at all, why struggle?
But freediving isn’t at all about struggling and gasping for air, isn’t about fears, bravery or an adrenalin rush. It doesn’t take a super-human abilities to hold your breath for couple of minutes and explore our beautiful underwater world.
The fact is that millions of years ago, when we all came out of water, we were left with an hereditary ability called the Mammalian Dive Reflex. This fantastic gift which we share with other mammals is forgotten, but still imprinted deep inside and, with right training, we can recall and make use of it once more.
The mammalian diving reflex is a reflex in mammals which optimizes respiration to allow staying underwater for extended periods of time. It is exhibited strongly in aquatic mammals (seals, otters, dolphins, etc.), but exists in weaker versions in other mammals, including humans, in particular babies up to 6 months Every animal’s diving reflex is triggered specifically by cold water contacting the face. Wikipedia
By triggering the diving reflex we can hold our breath much longer and more easily. It’s tuning the mind and body into one calm feeling which places us into the present action far away from the busy world we’re living in.
Nearly anyone who likes being in the water and wants to learn about their own body can achieve unbelievable progress in a very short time. Freediving is for everyone who would like to have fun underwater, explore the unknown depths, find personal challenges deep inside or simply spend their time actively in nature.
Give it a try, you will learn a lot about your own abilities and body, you will surprise yourself, nearly everyone exceeds their own expectations on these programs.
Tomas Jereb is an active freediver, a Pure Apnea Instructor Trainer, a scuba instructor accredited by several agencies and a commercial diver.
Tomas provides freediver training from complete beginner through to master Instructor at Savedra Dive Center, Moalboal, Philippines.
If you would like to discuss the possibility of training with Tomas drop him a line at freediving@savedra.com
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