Lessons learnt free diving to 20m off a remote island of Timor Leste

1. TRUST THE PROCESS

Whenever we start something new, there are many possibilities, and often that can be overwhelming. Learning to free dive is a process; step one - theory, step two - static free dive - learn I can hold my breath for two minutes and 19 seconds. Following this, I learnt about dynamic free diving where I swam two pool lengths (48m) underwater with a turn at the wall before we hit the open water.

Just like starting a new company, project or role there is a process for assessing the many options you can consider. The first step is to define your aims so you can determine which option helps you meet these.

2. REMOVE ALL DISTRACTING ELEMENTS

When you freedive you follow a rope, at the end of the rope is a tennis ball, this indicates where you plan to turn. If you look at where you’re going and check how far away the tennis ball is you strain your neck muscles; it’s not a natural position to look up. Facing straight forward at the rope consumes significantly less oxygen increases the amount of time you can stay underwater. By focusing on the rope, you conserve energy and don’t think about where you are going, focusing only on your efficiency in the water. Al Reis says - you become stronger when you reduce the scope of your operations. You can’t stand for something if you chase after everything.

3. SEEK SPECIALISED HELP TO IMPROVE YOUR TECHNIQUE

The key to good free diving is to be incredibly efficient with your energy as you use oxygen to create CO2. The more CO2 you create, the sooner you experience the urge to breathe. My AIDA instructor picked up elements of my technique that were ineffective; short kicks, arms not streamlined when ascending, hands not together during duck dive. Having an experienced coach who can see things that you can’t, allow you to make quick adjustments that have a dramatic impact on effectiveness. As philosopher Kirkland Tibbels says - we’re much better off when we work with others rather than trying to do it on our own.

4. COMMUNICATE YOUR AIMS AND WORK AS A TEAM

There are a few risks with free diving, loss of motor control and blackout can occur. As a result, you never free dive without a buddy. Your buddy is as active in the water as you are, continually monitoring you. They need to understand what you’re doing, so communication is essential. Once you’ve had your dive, you change roles. Regularly checking in to ensure state of mind and body, so you don’t overdo, it is also important, and you are continually monitoring conditions. Regular communication and a clear idea of your aims, clearly defining how each party will work towards those aims will lower risk.

5. PRACTICE MINDFULLNESS

At one point on my final all day I couldn’t reach 5m. I had a mental block and was stuck while practising working on a safety technique for a 10m rescue. I had to recognise my biology reacting, slow down and take a measured approach. I reviewed the methods I’d learnt and mediated with a full body scan. I was able to overcome overwhelm by relaxing and not over thinking problem. I messed up on my next duck dive but being relaxed and knowing I’d already reached 17m, I quickly rescued my buddy at 10m feeling very comfortable. Buddha says do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

Freediving for depth isn’t as common in New Zealand, here we are usually learning the skill for spearfishing, our coastal waters are not as deep as Timor Leste. The biodiverse nature of the Timorese coast and Atauro Island are stunning. If you’re interested in spending more time, there let me know or contact Blue Ventures or New Zealand Volunteer Services Abroad to learn about how to spend time learning about these beautiful people, their challenging history of foreign occupation and their exquisite natural environment.

*Please don't try any of these free diving techniques without learning from a qualified AIDA free dive instructor.