What are the types of freediving?
Freediving is a diverse sport with various disciplines, each focusing on different aspects of breath-hold diving. Whether testing endurance, depth, or technique, each type of freediving presents unique challenges.
- Static Apnea (STA)
In this type, the diver holds their breath while floating on the surface of the water without any movement, the goal is to achieve the longest breath-hold possible. It tests the diver's ability to control their breath and mental state - Dynamic Apnea (DYN)
it's the diver covers a horizontal distance underwater without fins or with the use of fins, the goal is to cover the greatest distance possible on a single breath. Dynamic apnea can be performed in a pool or open water. - Constant Weight (CWT)
and in this type, the diver descends and ascends using fins or a monofin. with same amount of weight during descending and ascending, the goal is to reach the greatest depth possible on a single breath - Free Immersion (FIM)
Free immersion involves the diver pulling themselves down and back to the surface along a vertical line without the use of fins. The diver is allowed to use the line for pulling and equalization, the goal is to achieve the greatest depth also. - Variable Weight Freediving (VWT)
involves the use of a weighted sled for the descent and allowed to use of any means to ascend, this often includes specialized devices such as sleds or submarines for the descent and inflatable lifts for the ascent.and this is called (No-Limits freediving),
The goal is to reach the greatest depth, and the diver can benefit from the assistance of the weighted sled during the descent.
Beyond these main disciplines, freediving can also be categorized into recreational and Spearfishing types.
- 1. Recreational Freediving
Recreational freediving focuses on exploring underwater environments, such as coral reefs, wrecks, and marine life encounters. - 2. Spearfishing
Freediving is also widely used in spearfishing and underwater hunting. Unlike competitive freediving, this type focuses on stealth, precision, and efficient breath-hold techniques to catch fish while conserving energy and ensuring safety.