What is Freediving ?

You may have seen movies that feature freediving, you may have read books that make a mention of it, or you may have encountered news pieces on freediving competitions and world records. You may have even had a friend come back from a vacation and show off their recently acquired freediving certification, along with amazing photos and videos from under the sea and a new pair of impressively long fins. Freediving is actually one of the oldest forms of diving, but has been growing steadily in popularity as a sport in recent decades. But what exactly is freediving?

Freediving is the practice of holding your breath when diving underwater without the use of breathing equipment, such as a scuba tank.

                 Freediving Disciplines
Constant Weight (CWT)
Probably the most common depth version of Freediving.  The diver descends on a using either bi-fins or a monofin and typically a wetsuit and a small amount of weight.  The diver is not allowed to pull on any guide ropes or change the weight used.

Constant Weight Without Fins (CNF)
In this discipline, the diver wears a wetsuit and a small amount of weight without the need of any type of fin.  The diver uses only muscle strength to propel them downwards and back up again is generally regarded as the most difficult and pure discipline from a sporting perspective.

Free Immersion (FIM)
This discipline is similar to Constant Weight No Fins in that the diver uses only a wetsuit and a small amount of weight, however, in this case, the diver can only use the guide rope for propulsion.  

Dynamic With Fins (DYN)
The first of the pool disciplines.  Here the diver travels in a horizontal position underwater (typically in a pool), with a propulsion aid such as bi-fins or a monofin, in an effort to cover the greatest distance possible.

Dynamic Without Fins (DNF)
The diver in this discipline again tries to cover the greatest distance possible in a pool but this time all propulsion aids/fins are prohibited so divers just use their arms and legs to propel themselves.

Static Apnea (STA)
This discipline requires the diver to hold their breath for as long as possible floating face down with the respiratory tracts submerged.  This is the only discipline where performance is measured by duration.

Variable Weight (VWT)
This discipline is one of the two more “extreme” versions of the sport and popularized by Luc Besson’s movie “The Big Blue”.  Here the diver descends with the help of a heavy weight (typically in the form of a sled) to a pre-agreed depth and then ascends to the surface using their own strength including fins if they choose to.

No Limit (NLT)
This is the true expression of human endurance underwater.  The diver descends with the help of a heavy weight then ascends using any method of choice – traditionally a lift bag but in more recent times fast counter-balance pulley systems.  In this discipline, divers descend to depths deeper than some submarines can operate.

Join our ever growing family and discover the underwater world.
​

START YOUR JOURNEY