When I learnt to freedive I thought I knew a little about the sport, but looking back, I realise now I knew nothing. I just jumped into the (30m) deep end, took a big breath and hoped for the best. However, I was different to most beginner freedivers, I didn’t make five beginner freediving mistakes. Oh no, my mistakes were in double figures…
When we hold our breath we need to control our mind. With the freediving discipline of static apnea you are not physically moving so there is little to distract from the urge to breathe. Read more to discover the secrets to taming your thoughts and extending your static apnea breath hold.
When people find out I am a freediver, they first ask me how long I can hold my breath, and then how deep I can dive. After they have expressed shock and have shaken their heads, they usually say ‘I could never do that' and proceed to recite a number of complete myths about freediving. I then have to make a detailed rebuttal of their beliefs, and explain that ANYONE could achieve what I have.
