Competitive Freediving

Competitive freedivers are dedicated athletes who train for depth, distance, and breath-hold performance. This includes lifestyle sport freedivers who chase personal challenges and professional freedivers who aim for national or world records.Training often blends:Pool and open-water sessionsTechnique drills and safety workSwimming, running, strength and mobility workApnea walks and CO₂/O₂ tolerance trainingMental preparation, nutrition, and quality restCompetitive freediving is where performance meets precision, and where progress is built carefully over time.​

 

Freediving Disciplines

Freediving competitions include a variety of disciplines, each testing a different skill set:​

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Static Apnea (STA)

A breath-hold for as long as possible while remaining still, usually floating in a pool. Static tests mental control, relaxation, and breath-hold ability in a controlled environment.​

 

Dynamic With Monofin or Bifins (DYN / DYNB)

Swimming horizontally underwater for maximum distance on one breath, using either a monofin (DYN) or two fins (DYNB). This is one of the most popular and physically demanding pool disciplines.​

 

Dynamic No-Fins (DNF)

Swimming as far as possible underwater without fins, using arm strokes and a frog kick style propulsion. DNF is challenging and rewarding, relying heavily on technique, strength, and efficiency.​

 

Free Immersion (FIM)

Descending and ascending along a rope without fins, using the arms to pull down and up. FIM is often used both in training and competition to focus on equalization, relaxation, and technique.​

 

Constant Weight With Fins or Bifins (CWT / CWTB)

Descending and ascending in open water using fins. “Constant weight” means your weight does not change during the dive and you return to the surface under your own power.​

 

Constant Weight No-Fins (CNF)

Descending and ascending without fins, using only the arms and legs. CNF is one of the most technically demanding depth disciplines.​

 

Variable Weight (VWT)

Using a weighted sled for the descent, then swimming back to the surface under your own power. The “variable” part refers to the changing assistance during the dive.​

 

No-Limits (NLT)

The deepest and most extreme discipline: a sled is used for descent and ascent. No-Limits is about maximum depth and is considered the ultimate freediving challenge.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

Why Freedive?

Freediving offers a powerful mix of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. People choose it for different reasons, but the common thread is the feeling of freedom and self-discovery it brings.​

 

A Deep Connection With Nature

Freediving lets you experience the underwater world in its purest form. Without bulky equipment, you move silently, observe marine life up close, and feel fully immersed in the environment. Many divers describe it as peaceful and grounding.​

 

Health Benefits of Freediving

• Lung & heart health: improved oxygen efficiency, circulation, and often lower resting heart rate

• Strength & flexibility: stronger core and legs, better posture and mobility

• Mental clarity: reduced stress, sharpened focus, more mindfulness

• Oxygen adaptation: improved tolerance and energy management

• Recovery & wellness: better sleep and overall sense of balance

• Connection with nature: a calm, grateful presence in the water

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​Personal Challenge & Self-Discovery

Freediving is deeply personal. Each dive teaches you how to stay calm under pressure, how to progress safely, and how to trust technique over ego. Many divers find the sport builds confidence that carries into everyday life.​

 

Adventure

Whether it’s learning to freefall in deep water, reaching a new depth, or simply feeling relaxed underwater for the first time, freediving offers real achievement and a sense of exploration.​

 

Lifestyle & Community

For many, freediving becomes a lifestyle that supports better choices: improved fitness, nutrition, breathwork, yoga, and stress management. It also builds strong relationships, because the buddy system creates real trust and a supportive community.​

 

Who Can Freedive?

Freediving is accessible to anyone with a good general level of health and fitness and the ability to swim independently. If you’re unsure about your readiness, it’s always wise to consult a medical professional before starting a course.​

 

Where Can You Learn Freediving?

You can start learning freediving theory and dry training from home through online education. Pool sessions help you build technique and confidence in a controlled environment, and open-water training develops depth skills and safety in real conditions. Even if you don’t live near the sea, many divers complete their open-water sessions during a trip in destinations like the Philippines.​

 

Safety Comes First

Freediving is exhilarating, but safety is non-negotiable. Videos and articles can support learning, but they cannot replace hands-on instruction from a certified instructor. Always dive with a trained buddy, follow proper safety procedures, and never freedive alone.​

 

Freediving Equipment

• Mask: low-volume for comfort and efficient equalization

• Snorkel: for relaxed surface breathing and smooth transitions to diving

• Long fins: designed for efficient propulsion with minimal effort (plastic, fiberglass, or carbon options affect performance)

• Wetsuit: thermal protection and buoyancy; freediving suits are streamlined to reduce drag.