Cape Town South Africa

[dic]

Hi

I've recently (7 weeks ago) left hospital after spinal surgery. To pass the recovery time, which involves alot of bed rest, I started to see how long I could hold my breath for. I made 3 minutes, 7 seconds yesterday!

While surfing the net I discovered this forum and realised I've not bonkers, there is a whole community out there also holdiong there breath.

I was wondering if there are any freediving clubs or groups etc based in Cape Town?

Thanks for all the useful advice and tips.

Cheers

Richard

[sanso]

Richard,
Welcome to DB!
You'll be happy to know, then, that swimming and (likely) diving are considered excellent rehab!
From Germany,

Richard

[trux]

Richard, welcome to DB!

Originally Posted by sanso

You'll be happy to know, then, that swimming and (likely) diving are considered excellent rehab!

I am not sure if I'd recommend freediving as a rehabilitation after a spinal surgery - the problem is that you have to carry rather heavy equipment (fins, weights, wetsuit), often for long distances in difficult terrain to reach interesting diving spots. Also carrying the weight belt in water puts rather a lot of stress on the back.

So, as long as you can dive in warm waters without wetsuit and weights, it could be good, though the long freediving fins can be difficult at the beginning too, so no-fins disciplines may be better for the start.

[sanso]

trux,

probably true; I just remembered there is pressure down there, too, which might not be the best for a newly-fixed spine, either...

[Spaniard]

Forum member Miles spearfishes in your area perhaps he can point you in the right direction

[dic]

Good points.

However there should be no problem with static exercises, in anticipation, of future dives? But I will discuss with my doctor.

[Virgili]

If you intend to do spearfishing/diving, You should Contact Gary Uys.. He's a keen/prof. spearo. garyuys@gmail.com http://www.beachandbush.co.za/garyst...avelsindex.htm

[SEDATE]

Welcome to DB.net!

[covert]

Let me know once your doc gives you the all clear to go spike some klipvis
Im new to the scene, and the more diving buddies i can make the better. I have contacted Miles and Bluecape (Jeff) and they have both been awesome on the advise and invitations to go diving. And i cant wait to get my new suit this week so I can take them up on their offers and see how the pro's do it

[chris the vis]

Hey Covert, don't know if you've checked out this site yet-might be helpfull...Spearfishing and Freediving clubs in South Africa

[covert]

Thanks Chris i have seen that link ,,, been permanently on the net doing research. To my understanding Jeff also has his own club thingy and I probably going to get some more info from him this week. But thanks anyhoo the more info the better.

[deep thinker]

I know of two of em, Falsebay has a underwater club and theres also one in Bellville. Some of us from Bellville club play u/w hockey once a week at the bellville swimming pool and if your located in town I know the guys also practice in those baths at the top of longstreet twice a week I think its mondays and wednesdays, not sure though. Bellville club gets together on wednesday evening for a few drinks and so on. O and theres also a club in Wellington I think Huguonot underwater club, so make that three I know if in WC area

[pi22a]

Gday Richard,

Just read your post, I'm new to this forum too and am also recovering from a spinal injury (no surgery needed, yet).

Great to see your not letting your injury rule your life. Can you update us on how you went with static training? How well did your back hold up?

Cheers
Dave
(stuck at home, recovering now for nearly 2months,, going slightly insane)

[covert]

we should rename this thread (aquatic cripples) I also sustained a major spinal injury a coupe of years ago doing Judo. But have recovered since then i find the only thing that really mess up my back is stress these days. But i use to swim allot during my recovery phase and that helped immensly. (just normal swimming in a pool though) I still feel the effects sometimes but dont let it get you down, you can do whatever you put your mind too. And for some useless info, after starting my apnea training this week, I've decided that the ciggie this morning was my last I am so quitting smoking today.

[hunlee]

hi richard and other cape town divers!
richard, i'd love to meet up when you are physically ready...
i am a freediving instructor and passionate diver.
i've been abroad for a while, but am based in cape town now.
bluecape jeff and i are in the process of starting a club here too.
i am doing courses and also work with freediving in different rehab fields. so let's stay in touch... hope you're getting better!
hanli
ps. i'm sure static in bed is good for the mind, but do be careful of contractions, they can really shake the spine and all muscles involved around- a lot!
other than that, enjoy the solitary state of static!