What is Freediving?
Freediving is one of the human being`s most ancient ways of interacting with the subaquatic world, it consists on going under water with only the aid of a single respiration of the lungs and breathe holding abilities. it is a codified sport.

Consists in an immersion underwater without the aid of respiration. It is a codified sport, with defined categories, registered records, athletes of the highest level, and naturally, thousands of enthusiasts who practice it for enjoyment. The origins of this discipline have been lost in the dephs of time, and are a weave of legends, chronicles and stories passed down by word of mouth.

Categories:

Constant Weight Without Fins (CNF)

The freediver descends and ascends under water using only his own muscle strenght, without the use of propulsion equipment and without pulling on the rope. Constant weight without fins is the most difficult sportive depth discipline, because of absolutely no propulsing material to go down in the water. This category needs a perfect coordination between propulsing movments, equalization, technique and buoyancy.

Constant Weight (CWT)

The freediver descends and ascends using his fins/monofin and/or with the use of his arms without pulling on the rope or changing his ballast; only a single hold of the rope to stop the descent and start the ascent is allowed. Constant weight is the common sportive depth discipline of freediving, because of the specific fins or monofins used in it. Constant weight is one of the three disciplines considered for the international competitions by team, with Static apnea and Dynamic with fins.

Dynamic Without Fins (DNF)
The freediver travels in a horizontal position under water attempting to cover the greatest possible distance. Any propulsion aids are prohibited. Dynamic without fins is the most natural of both disciplines measuring the distance for many freedivers, because it doesn't need any propulsing material, but a very good technique. Performances also could only be recognized in pools with a minimum lenght of 25 meters, and are greatly appreciated from "old-swimmers".

Static Apnea (STA)

The freediver holds his breath for as long as possible with his respiratory tracts immerged, his body either in the water or at the surface. Static apnea is the only discipline measuring the duration, and one of the three disciplines considered for the international competitions by team, with Constant weight and Dynamic with fins. Performances could be done and recognized in both pool or open water (sea, lake, river, etc).

Free Immersion (FIM)

The freediver dives under water without the use of propulsion equipment, but only by pulling on the rope during descent and ascent. Free immersion is the sportive depth discipline with the purest sensations, because of the speed of the water in the body, and the power of each pull on the rope as only mean of propulsion. Performances could be done the head first during the descent, or the feet first, depending equalization facilities of each freedivers… Some of them also even use mixed solutions.

Variable Weight (VWT)

The freediver descends with the help of a ballast weight and ascends using his own strength: arms and/or legs, either by pulling or not pulling on the rope. Variable weight is the first of both depth disciplines using a sled to go down in the water. Old sleds was descending "head first", like presented in the famous Luc Besson's movie "Le Grand Bleu", but new sleds descending "feet first" are now generalized.

No Limit (NLT)
The freediver descends with the help of a ballast weight and ascends via a method of his choice. No limit is the absolute depth discipline. Going down with a sled, and going back up with a balloon, a diving suit or a vest with inflatable compartments, or whatever other means.

Records:       www.aida-international.org
           

Community: This space is dedicated to every free diver that wants to share , learn or find out about the experiences of people like them that practice freediving and spearfishing. Be part of the  freediving comunity in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where you can practice, learn from other freedivers, assist to meetings and events, and take advantage of the different benefits, like disccounts at our store or seminars and courses.