want to get into spearfishing...

[danhitchcock]

... so i figure freediving would be the best place to start! also, I would just like to be able to dive, and get some use out of my camera.

I'm 23, and currently go to texas a&m. I've always liked the ocean, and curently keep a saltwater aquarium. I'm planning a trip to the keys for such, but i'll get into that later.

I was hoping (by mid march) to get to a point where I can go on a 2 minute dive without too much trouble. So many people make it seem easy, and one day I hope to be one of those people.

what I'm aiming to do isn't really static, or distance, but moreso just swimming. It seems a lot of the workouts I see are more for distance-- would this be the same kind of workout that I should be doing?

I am fortunate in that I have access to a 17ft deep pool right in front of the life guard, fins, floats, bricks, or anything. I have read up on the dangers of diving alone, pool and sw blackout (even with the guard watching), the guards seem a bit more competent here than at the neighborhood pool, not that I ever want to find out....

So what should I be doing at this point? I did a little research into O2/CO2 tables, and even walking apnea. I'm running (not too much), and of course swimming, getting used to fins. I make sure every dive I relax as much as possible. I probably won't use a monofin any time soon, although next time I swim i will definately work on undulation.

thanks for any suggestions. right now my static is around 2:20, and less than 50m for dynamic
-daniel

[hteas]

Daniel,

Sounds like you are doing pretty well. For the swimming, do both long distance and sprints (different days). For breathhold do the tables dry. While doing pool work with mask and fins focus on relaxation, not on time (and please don't push it).

You are probably setting your sights pretty high in trying for 2 minute dives at this point. It generally takes some serious effort to get there. Plan on this being a long term project and you'll maximize your enjoyment.

Howard

[azapa]

Hello Daniel,

This site is a great place to start. Be realistic with your expectations though, a 2:00 spearfishing dive is something only a handful of people in the world manage. You can have great fun with a 50 second or 1:00 dive though, and it is quite safe for most people. Aim for that, and a 50M dynamic with fins in a pool, and then the rest will come naturally. Join a club and find some good buddies to dive with: safe and fun!