What factors affect how long you can hold your breath?
Researchers have divided the breathhold into two phases.
The “easy” phase is from start until the beginning of contractions.
Your heart rate slows. At the end of this phase, blood pressure rises
as carbon dioxide accumulates and oxygen declines...
The “struggle” phase occurs with breathing muscle contractions.
The heart rate continues to fall, but blood pressure rises.
Several factors affect how long you can hold your breath underwater.
These include:
a. Activity level – Exertion uses oxygen/produces carbon dioxide.
Freedivers try to relax and reduce activity as much as possible.
Reduced stress and adrenaline release improves breathhold time.
The key to extending your breathhold time is learning to relax.
b. Training and practice – With training and practice, you can hold
your breath longer.
• You become more effi cient and use less energy in the water.
• Your body becomes more carbon dioxide tolerant and better
able to use lower oxygen levels.
• At fi rst, you can’t hold your breath long because your body has
been accustomed to breathing continuously. As you train and
practice, your body “relearns” that you can hold your breath
much longer than initially feels possible.
c. Body sugar levels – The digestive process uses oxygen and produces
carbon dioxide.
• Eat well several hours before freediving.
• Most freedivers recommend waiting four hours after a big meal
before freediving, and two hours after a small meal.
• Some divers report their best static apnea times fi rst thing in the
morning, before eating. Others report it at the end of the day,
when metabolism slows.
JORDAN
Jordan is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage, making it a fascinating destination for travelers. Here are some reasons why visiting Jordan can be a rewarding experience... Jordan is home to several ancient and historical sites, including the iconic city of Petra, which is renowned for its rock-cut architecture. Other notable historical sites include the Roman ruins of Jerash and the desert castles. The country boasts diverse landscapes, from the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, to the stunning Wadi Rum desert with its unique rock formations. Visitors can also explore the Mujib Biosphere Reserve and the Dana Biosphere Reserve for outdoor activities, also Jordan has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations, including the Nabataeans, Romans, and Byzantines. The capital city, Amman, features modern amenities alongside historic sites like the Citadel and the Roman Theater. Jordanians are known for their hospitality and friendliness, making visitors feel welcome. Engaging with local communities and experiencing traditional Jordanian hospitality is often a highlight for tourists. Jordanian cuisine offers a variety of delicious dishes, including falafel, hummus, and mansaf (a traditional Jordanian dish). Exploring local markets and trying authentic Jordanian food can be a delightful experience. For those seeking adventure, Jordan offers opportunities for activities such as trekking, diving in the Red Sea, and exploring the unique landscapes of Wadi Rum. Adventure enthusiasts can also embark on the Jordan Trail, a long-distance hiking trail. Jordan is often considered a safe destination for tourists. The country places a strong emphasis on security and hospitality, making it a welcoming place for visitors.
Shallow Water Blackout
Shallow water blackout (technical name: ascent hypoxia) is loss of consciousness during ascent from depth (usually deeper than 10 metres/30 feet). The blackout usually happens in the last third of the ascent... The diver typically simply loses consciousness, stops swimming, exhales, and may begin to sink (depending upon depth) due to buoyancy loss or if overweight. Blackouts often occur at the surface. The diver reaches the surface and loses consciousness before or after the first breaths. If the freediver is hyperventilated, carbon dioxide levels are well below normal. It therefore takes longer than normal for enough to accumulate to stimulate breathing. During the dive, the diver uses the body’s oxygen supply but the urge to breathe is delayed. the body responds to the oxygen pressure, not the percentage. So at depth, due to the pressure, the diver has enough oxygen to function, even though much of it has been used up. Eventually, the diver goes up. With lessening water pressure, the oxygen pressure drops until it falls below the level that supports consciousness. The freediver blacks out and likely dies if not rescued
What is proper breathing for freediving?
To extend breathhold time, you need to breathe properly and not hyperventilate... Breathe from your diaphragm. This starts before you even get in the water, As you inhale, your abdomen should expand outward. It should feel like you fi ll your lungs from the bottom up, so that first your abdomen expands, then your upper chest expands and finally your shoulders rise. When you exhale, relax, letting the air out slowly, Relax as you breathe; let go of tension and empty from the top. Breathing this way is essential for effective freediving because it draws air into the lower part of the lungs where about 75 percent of gas exchange takes place. It is the most effi cient way to breathe
What types of environments might you freedive in?
Freediving (and diving in general) is popular because you can enjoy it
many places Common environments for diving include...
a. coral reefs
b. temperate water oceans
c. lakes and reservoirs
d. rivers (recreational freediving, primarily)
e. springs
f. fl ooded quarries
g. human-made environments (purpose-built sites, aquariums, etc.)