How to Free Dive
Recreational snorkelers experience the underwater world from the surface. For those wishing to experience sea life up close and personal, free diving is the way to go. You don't need special equipment to free dive other than standard snorkeling gear. But you do need to master some basic diving and breathing techniques that you can practice in a swimming pool or shallow open water.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Use equipment for free diving similar to that for snorkeling. You'll need a dive mask that fits well, a snorkel and a pair of swim fins. If the water's really cold, you will be more comfortable in a wet suit.
-
2
Float face down on the water's surface while you begin to relax and slow your breathing down. You have to slow your heart rate in order to maximize your underwater time once you dive. Once you're completely relaxed and able to breathe slowly, you're ready for your dive.
-
-
3
Take a deep breath and hold it while you gently plunge your head down and raise your legs up so that you're vertical in the water. Your feet will be above the surface of the water as you begin your dive.
-
4
Kick your feet in short alternating strokes to propel you down below the surface. Short frequent strokes actually use less energy and are easier on the fins than long wide strokes.
-
5
Hold your breathe as long as you can while enjoying the serene world around you. Continue gently kicking your legs as you move about in the open water.
-
6
Slowly begin to return to the surface as you complete your dive and clear your snorkel as soon as your head reaches the water surface.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The key to a successful free dive is to relax and conserve energy. By learning to control your breathing and slow your heart rate, you'll find your 15-second dive will soon last 30 to 45 seconds.
You will get water in your snorkel when free diving. To help you learn to empty it, submerge your head underwater allowing your snorkel to fill. Then raise your head level with the surface and with a hard blow blast the water out the top of the snorkel.
Equalize the pressure in your ears as soon as you start your dive by blowing air against your sealed nose. Simply pinch your nose through the mask and blow through your nostrils to release the pressure.
Never dive alone, even if you're just snorkeling on the surface. You should always take a buddy along in the event something unforeseen happens when you swim or dive in open water.
