If you are not a fan of scuba diving because of the extensive equipment it requires, have you ever considered becoming a freediver? It gives you the same underwater experience, without the extra baggage. Freediving courses are available from Dolphin Scuba, and will give you an international certification from Apnea International.
What is freediving?
Freediving can be simplified right down to the act of holding your breath while underwater, free of your normal scuba diving equipment. However, in reality it can be a little more complex. Through proper training and practice, freedivers are able to dive to much greater depths for longer periods of time, pushing the boundaries of their bodies and their minds. Though it’s not just about who can hold their breath the longest – much of the appeal of freediving comes from the silence of the deep. When you freedive, you are able to clear your senses and concentrate solely on your breathing and thoughts – it is said to be extremely relaxing.
The freediving lifestyle
Freediving doesn’t have to just be for leisure; the dive activity is also an internationally recognised sport. In this instance, it is about how deep you can go, with some professional divers reaching depths of more than 200m in just one breath. Through proper training, professional freedivers are able to adapt the way their bodies react to the low temperature and high pressure of deep water. They are even able to conserve their oxygen levels by conserving blood flow around their vital organs. Freediving is also a great skill to learn if you wish to participate in spearfishing. Breathing apparatuses create unwanted noise that will scare off fish, whereas freediving allows you to glide silently through the water.
What to expect from your freediving course
Freediving courses teach you how to reach greater depths underwater safely. Dolphin Scuba’s courses are taught by an Apnea International Instructor, with stage A of the course resulting in a PADI Specialty Certification that may be counted towards your certification for Master Scuba Diver. Over the duration of the freediving course, you will be taught safety practices, roles of behaviour, breathing and equalisation techniques, emergency protocols as well as the physiology of freediving.
Learn how to freedive
If you are ready to begin your freediving course, get in touch with the experienced team at Dolphin Scuba. Our Welshpool based dive shop will be able to educate you on the next available courses, as well as ensuring you have all the correct equipment required.