3 Amazing Health Benefits Of Freediving That You Need To Know

You may have wanted to try freediving for quite some time now. Seeing those amazing underwater photos and videos of freedivers on social media makes you want to try it immediately. You start to feel the urge to do the same because it looks so cool and exciting, and you begin to imagine yourself being one of them.

 

More than the beautiful images and videos you see on social media, freediving can also give you physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. But before we dive into the benefits, let us first know what freediving is.

 

What is Freediving?

Freediving is underwater diving that requires you to hold your breath and not use any breathing apparatus. It has been around for centuries and has become increasingly popular over the years. 

 

Freediving is a unique experience as it allows you to test your abilities and explore the ocean’s depths while feeling calm and connected to your environment. Freedivers use various techniques to maximize their distance, such as streamlining their bodies, kicking efficiently, and controlling their breathing and buoyancy. It is physically and mentally challenging and requires a lot of practice, training, and focus. 

 

Types of Freediving

There are many reasons why people freedive. Some people do it as a hobby, to secure food or livelihood, and some for athletic competitions. Here are three types of freediving that you can try.

 

Recreational Freediving

 

Recreational freediving is the most popular type, where divers do it for leisure and enjoyment. It involves exploring underwater, gracefully gliding through the water, taking photos and videos, and enjoying marine life’s beauty and tranquility.

 

Applied Freediving

Applied freediving refers to diving for a purpose. These reasons include scientific research, fishing, and collecting aquatic resources. Examples of applied Freediving are the extraordinary abilities of Haenyeo (Women Divers) of South Korea and Badjao of South East Asia. Freediving has been part of their life and culture for centuries, and they use it mainly for hunting food.

 

Competitive Freediving

Competitive freediving is where divers compete to break national or world records and challenge themselves. It is a type of freediving that requires intensive training and focus. Divers use special breathing techniques and gear, such as fins and weights, to achieve their goals.

 

Competitive freediving has ten disciplines: Static Apnea, Dynamic With Fins/ Bi-fins, Dynamic No-Fins, Free Immersion, Constant Weight with Fins/Bi-fins, Constant Weight No-Fins, Variable Weight, and No-Limits.

 

It is important to note that no matter what type of freediving you do, you must learn it from a certified instructor and always dive with a buddy.

 

Benefits of Freediving

 

Divers can enjoy and benefit from freediving for a variety of reasons. No matter what type of freediving you try, it will give you physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, and here’s why.

 

Physical Health Benefits

Freediving can be a great way to increase your physical fitness and improve your overall health. When you dive underwater, the water exerts pressure on your body due to the force of gravity. It will force you to exert effort and use your muscles to move around underwater, thus increasing your body’s strength, endurance, and flexibility. It will develop your muscles and also increases your lung capacity.

 

Mental Health Benefits

Staying underwater longer requires you to be present and concentrate on breathing and relaxation to slow your heartbeat. This exercise will help you improve your mindfulness and concentration. It helps reduce stress and anxiety because it calms your mind and body. Also, it can build confidence in yourself and your abilities as you push your boundaries and discover new depths. It makes you feel good about yourself, thus making you more productive.

 

Spiritual Health Benefits

Freediving is a unique form of meditation that can provide spiritual benefits. When you hold your breath and dive deep into the waters, you enter a space of stillness and quietness. It helps clear your mind of any worries and tensions, allowing you to connect with the natural world and the ocean’s energy. It strengthens your spiritual connection with the universe as it awakens your senses and connects you to the world around you.

 

Are all people capable of freediving?

 

Some people fear freediving because they do not know how to swim. While some people are naturally suited to freediving, the truth is that anyone can learn freediving with the proper training and dedication. You are not required to be an excellent swimmer to learn freediving. With the appropriate training and a commitment to safety, freediving can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone. 

 

Start Your Freediving Journey

There are a variety of locations where you can learn freediving, including specialized freediving schools and recreational centers. Enrolling in a freediving class is essential because the instructors can provide important safety tips and techniques to help you dive safely. They can teach you to control your breath, conserve energy, and stay calm underwater. Learning from a certified instructor can help you develop good diving habits and help you make the most of your freediving experience.