Freediving, or snorkeling, is a fascinating discipline that involves holding your breath and exploring the underwater depths without the use of scuba diving equipment. It is a practice that is both sporty and contemplative which offers a unique connection with the underwater environment and its wonders.In this article, we will explore the different facets of freediving, as well as the feedback of a Quebec freediver, member of the Quebec Subaquatic community.
Freediving, a discipline with multiple benefits
Freediving goes far beyond simple underwater exploration. It is a sport that requires great self-control, intense concentration and perfect knowledge of your body. Practiced on a regular basis, apnea offers many benefits, both physically and mentally. It improves respiratory capacity, strengthens respiratory muscles, promotes relaxation, and develops self-confidence and stress management.
Several forms of apnea exist! To find out more, visit our dedicated activity page!
Webbed advice: Learn about the safety regulations for the activity of apnea in Quebec
Getting started in freediving: the essential steps of Québec Subaquatique
To start freediving, it is essential to follow a few key steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable practice. Some basic steps:
- Acquire basic knowledge: Learn the fundamentals of apnea, such as the physiology of breathing, relaxation techniques, warning signs and safety rules.
- Practice breathing: Breathing is the key to apnea. Practice deep, controlled breathing exercises to improve your lung capacity and relaxation.
- Getting started with relaxation: Learn relaxation techniques, like meditation and visualization, to help manage stress and promote peaceful immersion.
- Gradually descend: Start with shallow dives and gradually increase the depth as you gain experience and confidence.
- Never dive alone: Safety is paramount in freediving. Always practice with a buddy to be able to help each other and ensure mutual supervision.
- Respect the marine environment: As a freediver, you are an ambassador for the oceans. Respect marine ecosystems, do not touch corals or underwater fauna and adopt eco-responsible practices.
For a safe practice, consider doing your certification in a school specializing in apnea (recognized by different agencies such as PADI, AIDA, CMAS etc.)
We went to meet Marie Nick, a young 32-year-old mother from Laval who has been practicing freediving for more than 3 years in Quebec! We discovered it thanks to Instagram in particular where she publishes very beautiful photographs of her practice!
What brought you to practice? What are you looking for through your activity?
Travel without hesitation! It is through the practice of snorkeling on vacation that I wanted to develop my knowledge on the subject. Scuba diving is too cumbersome for my taste… I find less freedom than in freediving, where we depend on less equipment but much more on our physical abilities.
What feelings does that give you?
Really... it's letting go! The peace it gives me is fantastic! This allows me to be an integral part of this world and this life under water... Communion with the underwater environment is a real life experience.
On the other hand I like to push my limits, I find it rewarding to go deeper for longer. This allows you to get to know yourself better as you learn.
Finally, I like being able to go back and forth without a decompression stop and being much more free in my kicking and my connection with my environment.
What is your most beautiful underwater memory in Quebec to share with a beginner?
The Escoumins diving base without hesitation! The colors are really incredible, the underwater life is very rich, you can see the whales outside the water, a great place for beginners! You can see six meters away, it's really very pleasant to be sure to appreciate.
Where did you train? Where to start when you start freediving in Quebec?
I went to several schools and now I am at Apnée Aquarius in Montreal. When you start you have to try in class and follow the training courses that specialized schools in apnea can offer. The training is very complete in school!
A big thank you to her for her sharing, her passion and her kindness!
Do not hesitate to join her on her Instagram account to follow these beautiful underwater experiences @marienickk.
In conclusion, snorkeling is an exciting activity that allows you to explore the wonders of the underwater world while developing a deep connection with your own body. By getting closer to the professionals in the freediving school and progressing step by step, you will be able to live unique and enriching experiences in the captivating universe of freediving.
