Freediving is NOT for the faint of heart. Whether they are extreme athletes working their craft or the beauty of the water’s depths are calling them, records are constantly being made (and broken.)
1.A Freediving World Record Is Set …Then Broken
William Trubridge, of New Zealand, set a world record by freediving an amazing 400 feet. He then broke it by 7 feet.
2.What Is Freediving?
Freedivers forego scuba gear. Divers must depend on their ability to hold their breath.There are different varieties. Some divers use only fins, some use weights, and some use a ballast to help them achieve their maximum depth.
3.What Happens To Your Body?
You may be surprised at what happens when your body enters water. Heart rates can lower by as much as 25%. Blood begins to flow towards your core. The mind enters a “meditative state.” Your lungs experience great pressure due to the weight of the water. It can be dangerous. People have come back to the surface needing to be resuscitated. Some have died.
4.Common Gear
Freediving gear varies on what type you are doing. Most often, you’ll need a wetsuit, weight belt, fins, dive watch and mask.
5.How Deep Is Deep?
Freediver, Herbert Nitsch, is able to hold his breath for more than 9 minutes. He holds 22 world records. In 2007, he used a ballast to help him descend to an amazing 702.1 feet. That’s the equivalent of swimming from the top of a 58 foot tall skyscraper to the first floor.
