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FREQUENT QUESTIONS

What is apnea?

The definition per se is the conscious act of suspending breathing. On the other hand, freediving in many countries is also known as apnea, so you will find that both words can refer to the same activity. Although if you search for apnea on the internet, you may find options that refer to sleep apnea, which has nothing to do with this sport.

Do I need to know how to swim to freedive?

You don’t need to be a professional swimmer to freedive, but you need to feel comfortable in the water and move autonomously. But, if you intend to get certified, the prerequisite to access the first level is to swim 200m continuously at your speed without stopping.

Is freediving dangerous?

Like any activity or sport, there are always risks when you don’t practice in the right way. In the case of freediving, there are well-established safety rules that minimize the risks to the maximum; the following are fundamental:

 

  • Never freedive alone.
  • Do not exceed your limits; always stay in the zone you dominate and increase your times and distances little by little.
  • Listen to your body; if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t force yourself, it’s okay, there will always be a chance to try again.
  • Make sure you always have the proper safety equipment and the company of someone who knows the safety rules required by this sport.
Who can NOT practice freediving?

In general, all people can practice freediving recreationally. If you are interested in practicing it as a sport, you must only be over 16 years old, be in good health and not have any of the following conditions:

 

  • Being pregnant
  • Have any recent trauma (pulmonary, ear, sinus, ocular, or dental).
  • Have explicit restrictions from your doctor for any existing condition.
If I want to become a certified freediver, what do I have to do?

Currently, there are many schools with their certification systems; the important thing is to make sure that their instructors are certified and that the certification they give you is internationally valid and recognized. For example, Dharma Freediving is an academy with certified “Molchanovs” instructors; therefore, we can accredit you as a Molchanovs freediver.

How many certification levels are there in freediving?

Most of the methodologies have three levels; in Molchanovs, we manage 4:

Wave1/Lap1: Beginner and initial freediving certification.

Wave2/Lap2: Intermediate certificate for advanced freediving.

Wave3/Lap3: Certification for professional freedivers

Wave4/Lap4: Certification for competition

 

Wave: Molchanovs certification for deep freediving and dynamic freediving

Lap: Molchanovs certification for dynamic freediving only

Where can I buy my equipment and which brand is the right one?

Freediving is a very new sport, and little by little, the equipment developed to practice it can be acquired in many sports stores that handle products for water sports in the country. The most important thing is that you buy what is right for you, the objectives you are pursuing, and the characteristics of the place where you will train.

In Dharma, we give you advice and support to acquire your equipment; besides, we offer you Molchanovs brand equipment; currently, we are the only distributors in Mexico. Every month, we receive equipment directly from Russia.

We also handle the Octopus brand of Swiss origin and the incredible Lobster, considered the best neck weight for dynamic apnea in the world, which comes directly from Moldavia.

What organizations worldwide regulate freediving competitions?

Currently, there are two organizations with a worldwide presence that promote freediving, regulate the competitions at an international level, and recognize the following disciplines:

AIDA – International Association for the Development of Apnea

  • Constant Weight Depth Freediving (CWT, CWTB, CNF, and FIM)
  • Variable Weight Depth Apnea (VWT)
  • Unlimited Depth Apnea (NLY)
  • Dynamic Apnea (DYN, DYNB, DNF)
  • Static Apnea (STA)

CMAS – World Confederation of Underwater Activities

  • Static Apnea (STA)
  • Dynamic Apnea (DYN)
  • Speed and Endurance Freediving
  • Jump Blue
  • Depth freediving (CWT, CWTB, CNF)
  • Freediving at depth (FIM)
  • Variable Weight Depth Freediving (VWT)
  • Scandalopetra

 

 

What is freediving?

Freediving is all those activities in which you hold your breath in an aquatic environment, natural or artificial, such as a cenote or a swimming pool. Freediving is divided into recreational and competitive.

Do I need to hold my breath long enough to be able to freedive?

Everyone can hold their breath long enough to be able to start freediving, and you will be amazed at your natural abilities. With proper training and proper techniques, your times will gradually increase.

Can I freediving recreationally?

Of course, you can, but don’t forget, the only rule and the most important is that you should NEVER DIVE ALONE; your safety is the most important thing.

What is barotrauma?

It is injuries to the body caused by changes in air or water pressure. The most common occurs in the middle ear when we descend without equalizing to a certain depth or do not compensate our ears when we board an airplane.

Why certify me as a Molchanovs freediver?

Molchanovs is the first system designed by professional freedivers for freedivers in the world. The founder and creator, Natalia Molchanova, had a Ph.D. in pedagogical sciences. As an experienced freediver, she was president of the Russian Freediving Federation and was an icon in this sport, achieving 22 gold medals in world championships and 42 world records.

Her son Alexey Molchanov trained as a freediver through the system developed by Natalia. Through time, experiences, and contributions of professional freedivers, he has been improving with great results; 7 out of 10 world champions are Molchanovs.

Today Alexey is the CEO of “Molchanovs,” is the current president of the Russian Freediving Federation, and is the deepest man globally with 24 world championships and multiple world records.

The Molchanovs Movement is the first and only training system that has created a professional and recreational freediving community built around certification courses, quality education, and high-quality team building that freedivers need.

What equipment do I need for freediving?

To start with, the essential equipment you should acquire is the following:

  • A mask: This will allow you to see and establish the confidence you need to discover a new world underwater; it is vital of low volume.
  • Snorkel: This will allow you to breathe comfortably while on the surface without having to take your head out of the water.
  • Wetsuit: Important for buoyancy, maintaining body temperature, and improving movement in the water.
  • Lanyard: The most important for your safety is a system that usually attaches to your wrist through a steel cable that ends with a carabiner and is hooked to the safety line.
  • Long fins: The propulsion system distinguishes freedivers and allows you to move through the water, optimizing energy and acceleration.
  • Belt with weights: will allow you neutral buoyancy at the required depth.

 

In which disciplines can I get started in competitive freediving?

Worldwide many disciplines are practiced, but the three most recognized and that have continuous development methodologies by levels of experience and learning are the following:

Constant Weight Depth Apnea. Discipline consists of descending as deep as possible with a single breath and is divided into four types of techniques:

  • CWT (Constant Weight): a “Monofin” is used as a propulsion system.
  • CWTB (Constant Weight Bifins): A pair of “Fins” is used as a propulsion system.
  • FIM (Free Immersion): Only the strength of your arms are used to pull you through a rope (safety line) both down and up.
  • CNF (Constant No Fins): It is the most demanding discipline in deep freediving; you can only use the strength of your arms (stroke) and legs (kick) without the support of any equipment.

Dynamic Apnea. Discipline consists of moving horizontally in a pool as far as possible with a single breath and is divided into three types of techniques:

  • DYN (Dynamic): a “Monofin” is used as a propulsion system.
  • DYNB (Dynamic Bifins): A pair of “Fins” is used as a propulsion system.
  • DNF (Dynamic No Fins): You only use the strength of your arms (Stroke) and legs (kick) without the support of any equipment.

Static Apnea. Discipline consists of holding your breath as long as possible without moving, undoubtedly the most mentally demanding of the three specialties.