Equipment Outfitters

Swimming into the deepest reaches of the ocean is a feat that many divers have experienced to a degree. Some may go below 200 feet (60m), others deeper. All would be lost without the air they bring with them. There is a special breed of diver who can go deeper than most, without air tanks. These freedivers have pushed the limits of unassisted breathing dives to below 400 feet.

Tofreedive to depths of even 50 feet (15m) is an unsettling prospect for all but the strongest swimmers. To dive much deeper requires holding a breath for minutes. In fact, the world’s best freedivers hold their breath for periods that rival many marine mammals.

There are three categories of freediving for depth. First there is “fixed weight” or “fixed volume” diving. Divers in this discipline swim down as deep as they can under their own power, and resurface the same way. This means using up valuable air in the descent, limiting the speed at which they can get deep, and the depths attainable. The current record is over 240 feet (73m), and was set by Frenchman Eric Charrier in 1995. Fixed weight divers use high- technology composite swim fins to aid them in going down and coming up.

Second is “variable weight” freediving, in which ballast is used to aid divers descend; up to one-third of body weight is considered legal. Variable weight divers can get down faster and with less effort than fixed weight divers, yet they must still swim back to the surface under their own power. Again the use of special fins is a requirement.

Third is called “absolute” diving, which allows unlimited ballast in the descent, with rates reaching between 12-15 feet per second (3.65-4.6m). To return to the surface, the diver grabs a lifting aid, such as an inflatable bag. Cuban diver Francisco “Pepin” Ferreras-Rodriguez holds the current record at 417 feet (127m), an amazing depth. Pepin boasts an extraordinary lung capacity, and has been freediving since age seven.

Advanced breathing

How divers like Pepin reach these depths is by learning to control their body’s ability to sustain them between breaths. But regardless of hove it is done, prolonged periods between breaths can result in latent hypoxia, or “shallow water blackout.” Ironically, shallow water blackout occurs usually just below the surface and the diver can drown if unassisted. Many use advanced breathing methods, like the Tai’Chi yoga breathing technique. These methods aid the divers in controlling and even reducing the rate of their metabolism, thus decreasing the need for oxygen. Another—though less zen-related method—is to hyperventilate. This involves prolonged deep breathing before the dive, which increases the ratio of oxygen in the lungs and effectively “tricks” the body into lowering its need to breathe so frequently. This is not as effective as meditation.

Freedivers must economize their movement in order to maximize their time underwater. Each move requires oxygen, and there is clearly a limited supply. Good divers don’t rush the process and, as a result, can remain underwater for longer periods.

Freediving embodies the extreme athlete’s quest for inner control and improved performance in sports. Without question, a failed attempt can end in death and, as with so many other extreme sports, the athlete must be fully prepared both mentally and physically if they are to succeed.

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