In order to enjoy your time freediving, it is crucial that you avoid making common beginner mistakes. While some mistakes may seem obvious, others are easily overlooked. The following list includes the 7 most common mistakes people make when learning to freedive, as well as some tips on how to avoid them.
1. Not finding a proper school and good teacher
The most difficult part of learning to freedive is finding a proper school and good teacher. This is because standards vary all over the world. When looking for a school, be sure to do your research and choose one that has certified instructors with experience teaching beginners. Once you have found a reputable school, be sure to listen to your instructor and heed their advice. They are there to help you learn and avoid any potential accidents.
2. Not practicing breath-holds regularly
One of the most important aspects of freediving is being able to hold your breath for long periods of time. This is why it is crucial that you practice breath-holds on a regular basis, both in and out of the water. A good way to start practicing is by exhaling fully and then taking deep breaths through your nose while holding your breath for as long as you can. Once you get more comfortable, you can start practicing breath-holds in the water. Remember to always start slow and gradually increase the length of time you hold your breath as you become more comfortable with the sensation.
3. Panicking when they can not breathe
One of the biggest mistakes people make when learning to freedive is panicking when they can not breathe. It is important to remember that Freediving is all about relaxation. If you find yourself getting anxious or stressed underwater, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. It is also helpful to visualise yourself breathing calmly underwater before diving down. By remaining calm and relaxed, you will be able to equalise better and stay underwater longer.
4. Not practising equalisation; Equalisation can be practiced dry! And should be practiced!
Equalisation is an essential part of freediving, yet many beginners fail to practise it regularly – if at all! This often leads to difficulty equalising underwater which can cause pain or even damage to the sinuses or eardrums if not done correctly. Equalisation should be practiced both dry (out of the water) and in the water regularly in order to ensure that you are doing it correctly and efficiently. Once you have mastered the technique, it will become second nature and you will be able to equalise without thinking about it – even at depths exceeding 30m/100ft!
5 Failing to become relaxed
Freediving is all about relaxation – both mentally and physically. if you are tense or anxious underwater, your body will use more oxygen which will shorten your breath-hold time significantly. In order to remain relaxed underwater, take slow deep breaths before diving down and focus on expelling all the air from your lungs completely before taking another breath in again. It is also helpful to visualise yourself relaxing in a peaceful underwater environment before diving down.
By avoiding these common mistakes,[we can set ourselves up for success and enjoy our time Freediving much more!] Learning how not do drown essentially! Follow instructions from teachers/practice frequently/know thyself limits /don’t get discouraged easily / Be prepared like any other sport !
