New to Freediving? Here’s Where to Start
Freediving, the art of diving without the use of breathing apparatus, is an enthralling and empowering passion. It includes exploration of the deep waters by individuals while keeping the gear to a minimal level, mainly relying on breath-holding skills and physical conditioning.
When you are still very new and ready to go with it, thus the underwater world, this guide will be your ultimate source of information to guarantee that your adventure is safe and successful.
Understanding Freediving
Freediving is not only the leisure activity of having fun but it is particularly a sport that is comprised of good physical fitness (being in good shape), mental skills, and a proper understanding of underwater fluids and their behaviors.
Unlike diving with Scuba (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) which is accompanied by pressure tanks and other devices, Freediving is a simple and fluid experience and can be called a one-man show.
Why Start Freediving?
Freediving offers a whole lot more than just the excitement of diving. It is a training camp that elevates fitness levels, a practice of mental exercises, and also a means of bonding with nature.
The act of freediving also helps people relax and be mindful, as it necessitates deep-breathing techniques and peacefulness. Many people say that their passion for freediving comes from the freedom and the opportunity to explore it grants.
Getting Started with Freediving
Choose the Right Freediving School
Learning the basics of freediving in a reliable way is the main factor to have an enjoyable and secure beginning. In a structured program, you will get skills, knowledge, and confidence of your own to dive safely. A very recommended option is Apnea Boom. It is very up-to-date as one of the pioneers in teaching free-diving in the Santa Maria, Cape Verde area.
Apnea Boom provides a variety of classes made for different levels of practice. They make sure their coaches are experts and licensed who can give trainees the best information and boost them to success.
Understanding Freediving Courses
Freediving courses are usually divided by level with each successive course building on the previously acquired skills. Here is an outline for levels 1-3:
1. Apnea Boom’s Entry-Level Course
Apnea Boom offers an accessible beginners course comprising of the elementary stages of static apnea, equalization and underwater safety. It is ideal for those new to the sport and provides the necessary background for progressing to the more advanced levels.
2. CMAS 1 Star Freediving Course
The CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) 1 Star course is the usual progression from the entry-level. It presents the students with new advanced techniques, which they can then use in the deeper drills. This training fits individuals who have reached the starter’s level and would like to develop their skills.
3. CMAS 2 Star Freediving Course
The CMAS 2 Star course which comes after CMAS 1 Star is focused on the development of freediving skills not only in advanced equalization techniques but also deeper dives.
4. CMAS 3 Star Freediving Course
The CMAS 3 Star course is a maverick, high-level training with dives that are usually challenging for only the very well-prepared freedivers. Along with the restricted skills, talks like conscious safe procedures, rescue skills and plenty of depth training are involved.
5. CMAS 4 Star Freediving Course
One of the most amazing sports out there is freediving that is known to be king of sports. The CMAS 4 stars freediving course forms the peak of the learning process for those who are determined to conquer the world of freediving. The hypnotherapy course is targeted at freedivers who are knowledgeable of the subject and need a higher level of skill and understanding.
Essential Freediving Equipment
The sport of freediving is highly technical and dangerous, and thus it requires minimal equipment, however, the equipment you use plays an instrumental role in ensuring your safety as well as your overall performance. The basic gear is made of the following items:
- Freediving Mask
- Freediving Fins
- Wetsuit
- Weights
Conclusion
Diving is now a fun way to introduce yourself to the world of freediving with the help of the Apnea Boom, a particularly well-known freediving center in Santa Maria, one of the islands of Cabo Verde. Therefore they will be well prepared to explore the underwater world safely due to the well-structured courses and the high level of professionalism of the instructors.
With determination and the right education, you will be able to have a deep and liberating experience of freediving.
