How to Take Free Dive Lessons

The sport of free diving, or "breath-hold" diving, means that the diver submerges without benefit of an oxygen supply beyond the contents of his own lungs. Take free dive lessons to experience the underwater world in the most natural way possible, in the ancient traditions of spear fishermen and pearl divers. The absence of scuba gear makes for a silent dive that is unfettered by equipment or bubbles.

Instructions

1. Take free dive lessons before attempting any breath-hold dives. Even if you are an accomplished swimmer both above and below the water's surface, remember that free diving has many risks as well as many rewards. While some free drivers can submerge to more than a hundred feet, no novice should attempt this on the first dive. No matter how experienced, no one should ever free dive alone. Be safe.

2. Locate a training program. Free diving is popular in areas known for their ocean sports, including snorkeling and scuba. Hawaii and California draw many free divers, as do several Caribbean islands. Take free dive lessons only from certified instructors and programs.

3. Expect your free dive lessons to emphasize psychology as much as they do physiology, breath control, physical conditioning and dive techniques. Like seals, humans possess the "mammalian dive reflex," which lowers the heart rate, redirects blood flow and reduces compression of the lungs as the diver submerges to lower depths. With the mind-over-matter concentration and breath control, land-dwelling humans can further develop this innate ability.

4. Find your level. Beginner sessions usually take at least two to three days. Beginner training starts with snorkeling equipment and techniques and then move on to free dive basics like dive safety, the buddy system, equipment, breath control and free dive techniques. Intermediate courses for free divers with some experience teach safety and methods of response to potential problems as well as honing free dive skills that enable the diver to descend deeper for longer periods of time. Master courses are for experienced free divers. Master free dive classes teach the most advanced dive techniques, go deep into the psychology of free diving and often cover competition protocols and standards.

5. Learn to think, breathe, descend and ascend. At the conclusion of your free dive lessons, you will be amazed both by how long you can stay deep underwater and the undersea world you encounter there. The absence of noise and equipment lets you experience the big blue and its inhabitants in a whole new way.