Contractions - dry vs wet static

[shoutatthesky]

I have noticed a big difference in the onset of contractions in wet versus dry static breath hold. Doing dry I start having contractions at about 1:30 but wet at about 2:30 and much less intense. My PB is about 3:40. Is this common amongst other freedivers? Why?

[perow1]

I have noticed a similar thing. Contractions comes earlier dry. I cannot really think of a good explanation relly other than relaxation factors. Holding dry is a little more unnatural with pressure on your chest from body weight etc. On the other hand I have had better times dry for a long time. At the moment they are exactly the same, but I think that is a matter of training. I haven´t relly pushed myself dry for a while. Maybe I should take it up again since it is time efficient training.

[DiverTodd]

I seem to get contractions faster underwater, versus doing dry statics. I notice this every week, when I practice in a local 12' deep pool. I'll start my dive, and leisurely swim around the bottom...and it seems like my contractions come a LOT faster down there. By contrast, I did an O2 tolerance table on Sat, and during some of the holds, I was managing to hold off contractions into the 2 min. range. Maybe during a dive, it's my body having "false" contractions, and I just need to tell my brain to SHUT UP. I usually end up with a bit of water sloshing around under my nose inside my mask, too, and that always messes with my relaxation, too. No matter HOW many times I tell myself to ignore it, since I'm not even USING my nose. I've come accept that this is inescapable for me, since it happens in my Sphera, my Minima, and my Bandit. Grrrr....

Todd

[perow1]

Originally Posted by DiverTodd

I I'll start my dive, and leisurely swim around the bottom...and it seems like my contractions come a LOT faster down there.
Todd

The huge difference here must be that you are moving around. When you are not moving your muscles are not generating as much CO2, the reason for contractions.

[DiverTodd]

Yeah, but I'm talking a LOT faster...like around the 40 second mark! It's really irritating! Grrrr... That's why my weekly drills include focusing on RELAXING at the bottom.

Todd

[perow1]

I have no exact numbers, but I would say it works that way. Even the slightest work will make the contractions come a lot earlier. It is a smart thing focusing on relaxation, but do not let the contractions bother you. The contractions WILL be a part of your dive if you want to go far. The best thing you can do is focusing on relaxation WITH the contractions. Contractions at 40secs isn´t that odd I would say and early contractions might even be helpful and oxygen conserving in the long run. I am sure that, with practice, you will be able to relax and continue with your contractions. It is also a mentally important thing to get your mind OFF the contractions, since these are the ugly part of diving. Let the total dive result be the judge on if the dive was successful, not when the contractions hit you.