Free diving lets you explore the ocean in an intimate way. Free divers are not limited by the same restrictions as scuba divers and are essentially free to swim as they please so long as they can hold their breath. Free diving also allows people to challenge themselves mentally with each dive.
The mental benefits.
Free diving helps to relieve stress. Free divers learn relaxation and meditation techniques to help them dive. Free divers have to maintain focus and manage stress in order to reach their goals in terms of depth, distance and equalization. What you learn from free diving will enhance your life and make you a more peaceful person.
The physical benefits.
Free diving is beneficial for the joints and can increase their range of movement. Increased lung function is another benefit as free divers constantly work to fill their lungs to capacity. Practising breathing techniques becomes second nature, which has the general health benefit of introducing more oxygen into the body. Deeper freestyle divers also work on rib cage and diaphragm flexibility to prevent pressure-related injuries at depth.
The importance of fitness.
Free diving involves a lot of physical movement which requires muscle activation and lower-body strength to deal with resistance from the water. Free divers often train to improve strength and cardiovascular fitness, for example, through yoga, running, and weightlifting.
Confidence in the water.
Free diving courses and training are heavily focused on safety. Free diving helps you to become aware of your own presence in the water, it shows you how to spot signs of trouble, and teaches you how to perform rescues. Building confidence in the water is beneficial to yourself and others, as it will improve your ability to help those in difficulty underwater.
Free diving can lead to changes in lifestyle.
Free divers may decide to make some lifestyle changes. Smokers tend to smoke less or even quit altogether. They may drink less alcohol, change their diet, start meditating, and take up yoga or other forms of cross-training. They may well become more environmentally aware, and interested in ocean conservation. These are some of the positive lifestyle changes that can result from incorporating free diving into your daily life.
Can anyone learn to free dive?
Free diving is accessible to anyone who is healthy and fit and can swim unassisted. However, if you are not sure about your ability to take up free diving, you can always consult with your doctor before committing to a freediving course.