Free Diving

Introduction

Freediving is a famous underwater sport. The divers have to hold their breath for a span and dive deeper in the ocean. Freediving is also regarded as breath-hold diving or skin diving; without using any scuba gear. The divers usually stay inside for up to 45 seconds. 

The divers required essential pieces of equipment such as swimming mask, snorkels, fins, wetsuits and a weight belt according to the events. The competitive freediving or competitive apnea is addressed to the new age competitions. 

These competitions are governed by the AIDA International (International Association for development of Apnea) and CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques – World Underwater Federation). 

History of Free Diving

Freediving is performed since ancient times for household purposes without the aid of any mechanical device. It was widely used for food gathering or military campaigns. In 1913, for the first time, freediving was performed by a Greek sponge diver, Stotti Georghios. 

In 1927, Jacques O' Marchal presented the first-ever diving mask to enclose the nose. In 1949, the freediving modified to its current form by Raimondo Bucher. In 1951, with the increasing popularity of freediving, diver Hugh Bradner developed neoprene wetsuits to minimize the thermal heat exchange during diving. 

In 1960, Enzo Majorca achieved his first world record in freediving. He dove to 45 m and later in 1962 broke the record by diving 50 m. 

In 1988, Angela Bandini dove 107 m deep and made a stunning world record. Today, freediving has taken a vast form, including many disciplines within it. Divers from all around the world are training themselves to pioneer free diving. Freediving events are also popular in digital media platforms, where fans enjoy the thrill and enjoyment diving deeper in the ocean and explore the unknown. 

Events

Speed-Endurance Apnea

In the speed-endurance apnea, divers only swim for a fixed distance in the minimum time. The competition is organized in a swimming pool, and divers use a different type of fins. The speed-endurance distances include SPE 100m apnoea and endurances such as END 8 x 50m and END 16 x 50m. ,

The Jump Blue

In jump blue event, the divers dive over maximum distance around 15 x 15 m with a depth of 10 m in open water. The participants may use fins (bi-fins and monofins) during the competitions.

Free Immersions Free Diving (FIM)

In the free immersions free diving event, the participants cover the maximum vertical distance without ballast and fins. The competition is conducted in open water, and the participants can be pulled up with the guiding ropes.,

Static Apnea (STA)

Here, the diver holds his/her breath for maximum time without swimming in any direction; either floating on the surface or standing at the bottom of the pool. ,

Dynamic Apnea with Fins (DYN)

In this competition, the divers try to dive in the horizontal distance and keep their body below the water surface with the aid of fins in open water or a swimming pool.,

Dynamic Apnea without Fins (DNF)

The competition is similar to the dynamic apnea, but the use of fins is prohibited. ,

Variable Weight Apnea (VWT)

It is a popular apnea event in which the diver has to cover a vertical distance to the depth of water. The competition is conducted in open water where divers can use fins, and the descent is assisted by the sled, sliding down through a vertical line.,

Skandalopetra

It's also regarded as one of the recreational apnea events. The divers dive with a stone such as the marble slab attached with a rope. A team of two participants performs it. When the first diver, tied with stone; reaches the zone of deep water; the second diver begins to haul him using only muscle power.