By Johan Valentin / Photo : Marie-Nick Gagnon

Static freediving

Static freediving is simply staying underwater as long as possible without breathing. In order to save air as much as possible, the freediver immerses himself or floats with as little movement as possible, with his airways underwater.

Dynamic freediving with fins

Dynamic freediving with fins or with a single fin consists of achieving the greatest possible horizontal distance in a pool, lake or sea.

Deep freediving in "constant weight"

Here, the freediver tries to reach the greatest depth, only by the force of his fins, by following a vertically immersed cable. He is not allowed to pull himself on this cable with his hands nor to use a "jettisonable ballast", hence the name "constant weight" (the freediver ascends with the same weight as when he descended).

This is only a brief description of the three most well known and practiced freediving disciplines. There are many others such as variable weight, no-limits, free diving, etc. However, these disciplines are not among those selected for competitions.

Freediving, why ?

The practice of freediving allows man to express his natural capacities of adaptation, while opening the doors of the underwater world. Because it is practiced underwater, freediving offers us a state of weightlessness and freedom of movement without limits, and thus provides a constantly renewed pleasure. In addition to providing a relaxing effect, freediving combines the practice of swimming with that of meditation. It is therefore a complete sport in its own right, which requires a certain amount of self-control, listening to one's body and constant work to improve one's performance and thus surpass oneself. The different disciplines allow the freediver to tame his own limits. However, the sole pleasure of getting into the water to feel this freedom remains the main objective of this sport, and all freedivers will tell you that! No other underwater discipline can make you feel this sensation of freedom like freediving.

Freediving, for whom ?

Because it can be practiced with little means, freediving is a sport within the reach of everyone. Much more than an elite, much more than the disciples of the "Big Blue", freediving is for everyone, without limitation of age or aquatic experience. You don't need to be an accomplished sportsman to practice freediving. However, after a few sessions, the desire to go further is joined by the desire to improve one's physical condition. Let us also note that the physical qualities necessary to the practice of freediving correspond also and perhaps more to those of women: their flexibility, their resistance, their fluidity are assets in favor of this activity.