Increasing Time

[Freedive WI]

Yoga and static breath holds are great ways to get relaxed and stay down longer. They will proobalby be the most effective things, but sitting on a couch and holding your breath isn't exactly the most exciting training in the world.

There are some other, fun, things that you can do to increase your time. Just remember to ALWAYS have a buddy with you when you attempt these things in the water.

One nice thing to do is to swim laps with your mask, snorkel and fins on. My local YMCA even lets me bring in my monofin to train with! 8) Surface swimming in full skindiving gear for 30 minutes, or more, at a time is a great way to stay in shape for scuba diving as well.

To take it a step further you can try this, swim one length underwater and the second length above water. Do this at a nice, slow pace for 30 minutes. It might be a little bit hard at first, but you'll kick in the dive reflex soon enough.

IF a full length is too far you can try 1/2 a length under and 1/2 a length on the surface. The Ausssie's call these "Bogdat's" and they are a great way to train for underwater hockey- also a great way to train!

On dry land you can do something called an "Apnea Walk". This can be started by taking a big breath and walking as far as you can, doing this on a soft surface is best- like grass!

To take this a step further you can try doing the full "breath-up" that Fred and I have already explained and then sit on a bench for one minute while holding your breath. Once the minute is done you can get up and walk as far as possible while still holding your breath. Mark off how far you go and then go back to the bench to sit down and breath-up again. Like all things dealing with breath-holding, the first one is hard and the fourth or fifth one is much easier.

Fred, what other things do you like to do???

Jon