/r/freediving

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r/freediving. Where we work the art and science of not breathing.

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‎"Buoyed by water, he can fly in any direction - up, down, sideways - by merely flipping his hand. Under water, man becomes an archangel."
- Jacques Cousteau

petpeeve: freediving is one word!

/r/freediving

48,629 Subscribers

3

Can’t figure out frenzel

Hi all,

Really struggling to do frenzel equalization. Can't seem to get my throat to pump up and down. I've watched all the classic videos online and still can't get it to work. Have been casually trying everyday for a couple weeks, but can't seem to pick it up. All my friends can pick up the technique intuitively within a handful of tries. Very frustrating!

Looking for any tips for people who've struggled, and maybe some affirmation from other people have struggled with it for a while and were able to finally figure it out :)

Thanks all!

3 Comments
2024/12/02
16:29 UTC

7

soft palate closing at depth (40m) each time. why and how to fix it?

Note: I practice the mouthfill technique, and my PB is 42 meters. However, every time I reach 40 meters, I notice that I still have plenty of air in my mouth but cannot longer equalize. I also feel negative pressure around my nose (I use a nose clip). It seems like my soft palate closes at depth, preventing air from moving from my mouth to my nose.

This issue never occurs before 40 meters, so I’m wondering what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how I can fix it. Could it simply be tension because I’m approaching my PB, or is there another underlying cause?

I’d appreciate any advice or insights from those who’ve experienced similar problems.

Interestingly, the same issue happens when I train with FRC; my soft palate tends to close around 20–22 meters.

3 Comments
2024/12/02
12:27 UTC

1

Farmer John Question

I’ve heard from just about everybody that Farmer John’s inhibit proper breath up’s. Does anyone still prefer them from the traditional cut pants? There is a precut on my Beuchat so I’m inclined to believe it is better.

3 Comments
2024/12/02
05:05 UTC

2

Scuba mask defogging problem

I tried burning it and then toothpaste but nothing worked for me but I don't want to buy those defogging creams or idk how they are called. I tried spitting in it, I tried everything that I've seen in tutorials but it still gets pretty foggy. The best way for me was to burn it lightly so it's basically tinted and the soot is protecting it from getting foggy but it's still not that good

17 Comments
2024/12/01
20:44 UTC

2

Old alchemy's on C4 400 footpocket

Hello,

I have a pair of Alchemy's (2018) i have been using almost daily for many years but the Pathos footpocket is getting really tired.

I wanted to change the foot pocket for a C4 400 as i really like this footpocket and i have seen some alchemy's mounted on it.

The thing is i'm surprised to see that the C4 400 is supposed to be screwed to the blade.
A friend of mine got a short pair of Alchemy with the C4 400 but somehow they are not using the screw but the foot pocket seems to not be so tightly attached to the blade so it looks like it could loose efficiency...

Anyone has experience with this combination of blade / foot pocket could tell me if they are using the screw (so with a hole in the blade) or not ?

0 Comments
2024/12/01
18:53 UTC

39

Freedivers in Morocco?

Traveling around Morocco for a few weeks and looking to do some fun dives / maybe some light training..

I have all the gear with me, buoy, line, weights etc - looking for some groups / buddies 🙏🙏🇲🇦🇲🇦

(Photo for attention only)

4 Comments
2024/12/01
17:20 UTC

8

Hands-free Equalization

So just after a couple months after I finished my W1 course I accidentally found out that I could do hands-free equalization at around 5-12 meters deep? Is this normal and safe to do? So far, I haven’t had any pain while doing this it all just came naturally and it pops well when I try to do it.

I haven’t tested it in further depths because I didn’t want to risk anything, but can anyone tell me how this works and how I was able to do it?

14 Comments
2024/12/01
14:18 UTC

3

Online freediving coach recommendation

Hello friends,

I’m new to freediving. I used to do scuba diving, but now I’ve started freediving. Unfortunately, there’s no place nearby where I can get proper training, so I’ve been working with online resources I’ve found over the past 3-4 months. However, I’m looking for a coach who can prepare a personalized program for me so I can improve faster.

I believe my finning technique is average, and my main need is to improve my CO2 tolerance, adapt my body to O2 deprivation, and generally become better at static and dynamic apnea.

Since I live in Turkey, I unfortunately don’t earn much in USD, so I’d prefer a service that costs $200 or less per month.

If you’ve tried online training programs that you’re happy with (or not), I’d appreciate it if you could share your experiences in the comments.

Thank you!

10 Comments
2024/12/01
13:06 UTC

5

Official Discussion Thread! Ask /r/freediving anything you want to learn about freediving or training in the dry! Newbies welcome!

This is the monthly thread to ask any questions or discuss ideas you may have about freediving. The aim is to introduce others to new ways of thinking, approaching training or bringing up old basic techniques that still work the best and more.

Check out our FAQ, you might find your answer there or can ask better questions!

Need gear advice?

Many people starting out with freediving come for recommendations on what equipment to purchase.

As we are starting out to introduce regular monthly community threads again, we might add a designated one for purchasing questions and advice. Until then, feel free to comment here(Remember, when asking for purchase advice, please be specific about your needs i.e. water temperature you want to dive in, so that people can help you quicker)

Monthly Community Threads:

1st of the Month Official Discussion Thread

Your feedback on current events in the sub:

We hosted our first ever AMA! Was it advertised enough for you? Did you find it helpful? Would you change anything? Videoconference which will be recorded & posted elsewhere?

Stuff we are planning:

  • updating the community banner for r/freediving - we are planning to host a submission-based challenge for members of the sub to represent the sport (details to be announced)

  • writing better wiki's for common info on freediving - YOU can contribute!

  • new topics for similar events like the AMA we just hosted - please contact the mods for your suggestions

Please consider that events and their organisation require time and effort to make them happen!

~ Freediving Mods (and ModBot)

2 Comments
2024/12/01
05:01 UTC

2

Nicaragua and el Salvador

Anyone have any experience freediving here?

2 Comments
2024/12/01
02:32 UTC

3

Does anyone know how sizing runs on Waihana wetsuits

deciding between XL & XXL

3 Comments
2024/12/01
01:50 UTC

4

Fins for big feet

I wear a size 16 mens, and I'm wondering if any other big guys have a good recommendation for fins that fit well.

1 Comment
2024/11/29
21:08 UTC

2

Buying Fins for beginners

Hello! My Partner and I are fairly new to freediving but we're looking to commit to it in the long run, we already bought low volume masks and we both really want to have our own fins.

We both like Leaderfins' design and I saw the website freedivershop.com that does somewhat customizable fins. What I don't know is the specs we needed, so I just took the most standard guess. Here are the fins we want to get.

For Mine: Size: M12, Footpocket type: Forza Footpocket (Railless), Blade type: Pure Carbon Blades, Blade Stiffness: Medium, Blade Angle: Standard 20 deg., Blade Length: Standard 80cm/31.5inch

For Her: Size: F9, Footpocket type: Forza Footpocket (Railless), Blade type: Pure Carbon Blades, Blade Stiffness: Soft, Blade Angle: Standard 20 deg., Blade Length: Standard 80cm/31.5inch

I wonder if these are okay for us?

Also want to ask freedivershop.com's credibility and how long would it take for the fins to be delivered do they have to make the fins from scratch because of the choices? If so what's the lead time if I order within this week?

4 Comments
2024/11/29
17:32 UTC

11

Debating taking a course: can some people never learn?

Hey all,

I'm thinking of taking a level one course early next year, it's a two day course and is based on the Molchanovs system. But....I'm really bad at holding my breath. Like I suck. I love snorkeling and I've done an intro scuba dive, so im comfortable in the water, but holding my breath seems to elude me.

It's an expensive course, is there hope for someone like me to learn how to do a 1 min 30sec static hold when I currently can't manage 30sec?

18 Comments
2024/11/29
08:19 UTC

5

solutions for weak vocal cord

i have a weak vocal cord, i mean i can not hold my breath by my vocal cord comfortably, i start to leak air from my vocal cord after some time i am doing static.

also in the depth i lose my mouthfill easily when my lungs starts to vacuum air because of this problem.

do you guys have any idea about how to train them?

14 Comments
2024/11/28
22:10 UTC

3

4 days in Panglao - AIDA 2 or just go snorkeling?

I’m trying to decide how best to spend my 4 days in Panglao. Two years ago, I attempted the AIDA 2 course but didn’t pass due to equalization issues. I’m considering retaking it during this trip, but with only 4 days available, I’m wondering if my partner and I might be better off exploring and snorkeling on our own instead.

I’m looking into taking the AIDA 2 course with Superhome School. Can anyone share if the course includes visits to interesting or scenic locations?

Would love to hear your thoughts or recommendations!

17 Comments
2024/11/28
21:46 UTC

2

Advanced Gear

Hey there freediving friends,

I wanted to know what's everybody's thoughts on advanced freediving gear like buoy, rope, lanyard and such.

I am looking for the first stuff to complement my gear so I could go full diving with my buddy without renting anything or compromising security.

Most important: a proper buoy. I like standard 'Mares style' one but without the velcro. I think Molchanov good a good one. I really hate velcro, especially in water, it just becomes useless quickly. I actually think the boat style ones spearos use quite neat, threw an eye on this one. What you think?

Welcome to share thoughts on this and other gear and where to get it (preferably in Europe).

Cheers

2 Comments
2024/11/28
18:26 UTC

6

Looking for training/cert in München (and surroundings)

Hello everyone!

I'm a beginner freediver looking for contacts in the German freediving scene for training purposes. Most specifically in München, but will love to connect with others in Germany and the EU as well.

I already messaged a club (Freedive Munich e.V.) for information. Sadly there's a "long" waitlist and I don't foresee getting a response soon. Does anyone know maybe about other clubs in the vicinity (maybe Augsburg, Nuremberg ?) Is there high demand in general for such trainings?

What approach have other esteemed members of this group taken in order to continue their freediving training without a club (in Germany or elsewhere)?

I know I could access a pool and maybe start training solo, but this could be unsafe and is not the way to go.

If anyone in München needs a freediving buddy i would be down to train and continue learning.

In the meantime I'll check the resources of this community and start gathering data and ideas.

Any information with regards to training in Germany would be most appreciated.

Best y'all!

5 Comments
2024/11/28
17:20 UTC

110

My favorite dive

Freediving under ice. France "What a nice dive"

5 Comments
2024/11/28
16:22 UTC

1

I feel like I constantly have to breath on myself.

When I was learning about breathing technics for freediving and I read about hyperventilation I suddenly had the feeling like I was hyperventilating myself. I went to a couple of doctors and my breathing and vitals are totally fine.

Still I constantly feel like it's hard to breath and most of the time when I'm not distracted very much, I feel like I constantly have to breath on myself.

The insident happened already 2 weeks ago and it did not really get better. I also started to have a depression.

Anyone had a similar experience? Can anyone help me?

0 Comments
2024/11/28
13:06 UTC

3

Sydney & Gold Coast, Australia Fundive Buddy/Groups Recommendations

My wife and I will be visiting NSW, Australia this coming December, around the 3rd and 4th week.

We are hoping to do some fundive in Sydney and Gold Coast.

Do you have recommendations or contacts for groups/clubs or dive buddies we can join in?

We would be taking our gears with us except for the weights so we are hoping to rent/borrow some dive weights. Hopefully, the group/buddy can provide or at least point us to where we could avail.

Links, contacts, suggestions, and other info would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

3 Comments
2024/11/28
08:21 UTC

19

📍Boracay

0 Comments
2024/11/28
01:34 UTC

46

I really like this swing

1 Comment
2024/11/28
01:33 UTC

1

When freediving without fins, what footgear should I wear?

Before, when I did freediving without fins, I used to go barefoot, but since I don't want to step into a jellyfish or weever (not that it ever happened, but it's something I've come to realise can be quite dangerous), I no longer want to do this.

What footgear do you recommend?

10 Comments
2024/11/27
19:37 UTC

2

Black Friday Sale - Spearfishing Experts

www.SpearfishingExperts.com

We are having a huge sale on almost everything in store for Black Friday. We offer free shipping on orders over $100 for the lower 48 states. We ship anywhere in the world, the shipping fee just may be high!

Visit us online or in store at 1317 SE 17th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

0 Comments
2024/11/27
19:05 UTC

2

Low volume

Hi! Is Beuchat Maxluxe really a low volume mask? I already have one and I am wondering if I should invest in a new one if it’s not.

I will always use it on fun dives with depth of 10-20m. May be used in line trainings too.

TIA!

8 Comments
2024/11/27
11:30 UTC

3

Best places to travel for a dive holiday where you don’t have to drive?

Hey! I’m taking 2wks off in january and I’ve been thinking about tulum to dive in cenotes. But I’ll be traveling alone as a solo female and would really prefer not to drive. I did it in tulum alone once and it was fine for the most part, it’s just exhausting and really all i wanna do is dive every day and spend less time navigating around. I live in california so ideally somewhere in the Americas but open to other places if the flight is reasonable! TIA

9 Comments
2024/11/27
10:15 UTC

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