There are several types of competition in freediving. Some are held only during competitions, while others are open to the public. These competitions are governed by the CMAS (Confederation Mondiale de Activites Subaquatiques), an international organization that was established in 1976 to provide a unified structure for freediving’s world records. It also sets rules for national freediving federations, and trains international judges.
Freediving requires a buddy pair. In a group, one person serves as a leader and the other is the follower. The follower must stay above the leader’s head while diving. If they cannot swim past the leader’s fin tips, the follower must keep an eye on them. They should remain vigilant throughout the dive, and must be able to watch them for at least 30 seconds. A freediver can take as many as seven breaths in a single dive.
The world record for freediving is held by William Trubridge, a British man who managed to descend to 126 metres in the constant weight category in a single dive. He managed to swim back to the surface, but blacked out just five seconds later. He was disqualified, as the rules stipulated that competitors must remain conscious and give a thumbs-up while they are underwater. However, the record he set remains unbeaten.
Other freediving rules include the use of fins and variable weights. In a variable-weight free dive, the athlete can pull a guiding rope while using a buoyant device to assist in descent. The diver must also return to the surface without using any kind of device or mechanism. This is also called a “variable weight free diving” and is more common than the previous two types. It is also possible to use fins while freediving in a pool, but not mandatory.
When a beginner freediver takes his first dive, he is usually only diving 20-30 meters. This is a safe depth for beginners, and a safety diver will lie on the surface with a line, signaling the beginning of ascent. Deep freedivers, on the other hand, dive much deeper, and know the exact depths that require gas. It is important for both the safety diver and the freediver to understand these rules before diving.
One of the most important free diving rules is to breathe naturally and deeply. While freediving, imagine the conditions you would experience at night. If you feel tense or have difficulty breathing, it is important to think about your breathing habits and relax. You can also extend the time of your exhalation, allowing the body to slow down and relax. In doing so, you will not be hyperventilating, which could lead to a sudden blackout without warning. The ideal breathing rhythm is two to three slow, deep breaths before diving.
If you do not have the time to perform a proper equalization, you should stop. Don’t force the equalization process; you could end up damaging your eardrum. This could also jeopardize your freediving vacation. The same goes for people who do not have the training or experience. You never know when you might need emergency medical care. A qualified diving instructor will be able to help you. And the best way to avoid this type of emergency is to follow safety protocols at all times.