Freediving refers to underwater diving without the use of specialized breathing equipment, relying solely on a diver’s ability to hold their breath. There are several types of freediving, each with its own techniques, purposes, and associated competitions and records. We’ll explore each of these in this article.
Constant Weight Freediving
One of the most common types of freediving is constant weight freediving. In this type of freediving, the diver descends and ascends using only their muscle power and without changing the amount of weight they carry. There are two variations:
Constant Weight with Fins (CWT): The diver wears fins to aid propulsion. This was one of the original competitive freediving disciplines and is considered the purest test of a freediver’s skill.
Constant Weight without Fins (CNF): Recently growing in popularity, the diver does not use fins. This variation is more challenging as the diver must overcome initial positive buoyancy and use one arm for equalization while the other pulls them down.
Free Immersion Freediving
In free immersion freediving, the diver pulls themselves down and back up a vertical rope without using fins. This type of freediving is often used to train equalization skills and prepare for depth dives while conserving energy in the legs. Fins are still commonly worn for safety in case the diver needs assistance ascending.
Variable Weight Freediving
Variable weight freediving utilizes additional weight to descend and a lifting device like a buoy to ascend. While not a competition category, national and world records have been set in this type of freediving. It helps develop equalization abilities and is used to train for constant weight dives.
No Limits Freediving
Considered the deepest and most dangerous type of freediving, no limits uses heavy weights to descend rapidly and an air-filled lift bag for a quick ascent. Pioneers like Jacques Mayol used this technique to set early depth records, as seen in the film The Big Blue, but modifications were required as depths increased. Today’s record holders rely on more advanced buoyancy devices for safe ascents from extreme depths.
Static Apnea
In static apnea freediving, the diver floats motionless on the water’s surface and attempts to hold their breath for as long as possible. Requiring extreme mental discipline in addition to lung capacity, static apnea is a key competitive discipline performed in pools. Along with constant weight, it was among the original competitive types of freediving.
Dynamic Apnea
Dynamic apnea involves swimming horizontally as far as possible underwater on a single breath. As with static apnea, this type of freediving is done in pools and has both finned (DYN) and non-finned (DNF) competitive variations. It provides beneficial training when depth diving isn’t possible and allows those with equalization difficulties to enjoy freediving recreationally.
In conclusion, the types of freediving range from the most accessible pool disciplines to highly specialized depth variations. While constant weight remains the most popular for general freediving, training in multiple types can improve overall breath-hold capacity and comfort with being underwater. Many divers initially struggle with equalization but can progress to depth diving through careful practice of free immersion and other beginning techniques. Whatever their preferred type, the awe-inspiring sport of freediving offers adventure seekers a uniquely serene, liberating experience as they discover the beauty of the undersea world.
