fridykking

Fridykking, or freediving, is the practice of diving underwater while holding one’s breath without the use of breathing apparatus. Participants aim to reach depth, distance, or duration on a single breath, often within structured disciplines and safety protocols. The sport emphasizes breath-hold technique, efficient movement, relaxation, and careful equalization to manage pressure changes during descent and ascent.

Historically, freediving has ancient roots in subsistence diving and fishing, but modern competitive freediving developed in the 20th century. International organizations such as AIDA International and CMAS established standardized rules, safety procedures, and record categories, helping to promote training, certification, and international competition.

Common disciplines include static apnea (holding breath while resting on the surface), dynamic apnea (swimming horizontally underwater, often in a pool, with or without fins), constant weight (diving with fins or a mono-fin to depth while maintaining the same weight), and free immersion (pulling down and up a rope without finning). Training emphasizes oxygen efficiency, CO2 tolerance, proper equalization, and refined finning or streamline technique. Safety considerations are central, with emphasis on close supervision, progressive progression, and avoidance of hyperventilation or diving alone.

Equipment typically includes a mask, snorkel, fins or a monofin, and a wetsuit or. Depending on goals, divers may also use a weight belt and a depth or dive computer. Freely diving communities stress medical screening and adherence to safety guidelines to reduce the risk of shallow-water blackout and other hazards.