Free Diving
What to expect, how to prepare, interesting experiences.
Swim (and interact) with whales, sharks, and dolphins.
Explore underwater caves and locations unique to the ocean.
Defy gravity in the deep!
Blackout Protocol
Diver lost consciousness? Here’s how to help.
Hold diver above water. Scream "Breathe!" into their ear
Remove diver's mask. Blow air into their eyes
Open diver's larynx w/ fingers and breathe into their mouth (CPR)
Water Static Apnea (Duration = Time)
Find a partner
Breath-hold face down in a pool, be still like a dead body
Progressively hold 1, 2, 3, 4 minute breaths
Partner taps back every 15 seconds to check consciousness
Extend index finger to reply.
No reply? Partner taps one more time.
Failed to respond twice → Remove diver from water. Perform Blackout Protocol
Land Static Apnea (Duration = Time)
Goal: increase breath-hold time & reduce breathing between holds.
Urge to breathe due to CO2 buildup. Increase CO2 tolerance!
Pool Exercise #1 (Duration = Distance)
Partner places a marker (cone, weight, etc.) at a point along a pool's edge
Diver swims along edge of the pool to reach the cone
Each session partner moves marker farther along the edge of pool
Each dive leaves diver gasping for air and blue in the face
Pool Exercise #2 (Duration = Distance)
Swim laps in a pool
Remain underwater until convulsions force you to gasp for air
Record number of laps
Repeat and extend distance
Open Water Exercise (Duration = Depth)
Dive along a weighted rope
Gradually extend depth of dives
Begin at 15 feet, increment dives by 5 feet, stop at 60 feet
>40 feet → body sinks naturally → ascent is harder than descent
In dark waters >40 feet → difficult to know direction of surface
Rope guides you home in deep, dark water!
Numbers to Know
Begin ascent at halfway point; turn around with ~60% of breath remaining
Exhale breath at -7 feet on ascent. Allows diver to immediately inhale at surface
90% of blackouts occur at surface. 9% occur at -15 feet on ascent
At -40 feet → neutral buoyancy
<40 feet → float naturally
40 feet → neutral
>40 feet → sink naturally
At 40 feet, shape body into a missile → sink without effort
Blackouts are a defense mechanism.
Diver can remain blacked without breathing for 2 minutes before taking “last gasp”
If diver is on land → perfectly healthy
If diver is underwater → drowns
Blackouts look ugly → blue face, open mouth & eyes, stiff body
Mouth is open, but throat is closed → defense against drowning
Preparation
Ketosis improves oxygen efficiency
Deep fast → 24-48+ hours before
OR
Low-Carb diet → 5+ days before
Deep fasts are preferred → resting heart rate is lower
Avoid dairy
Clogs sinus cavity
Avoid stimulants (I.e. coffee, green or black tea)
Increases heart rate and metabolism → burns through oxygen faster
Exercise
Exercise a few hours before diving → lower resting heart rate
Meditate
Relaxes body → lowers heart rate → improves oxygen efficiency
Yoga before diving
Stretches body to allow deeper breath