Statistically, not really at all, especially not when compared to the risk of everyday risky things we all do, like driving. In fact, freediving is significantly safer than SCUBA diving. And, if you are just freediving for fun and you do it with a trained instructor or buddy, there is very little risk with so much to gain.

Common misconception. Since freediving is 90% mindset and everyone has the MDR ready-to-go within them, fitness (at least how most of us think about it) and practice is not necessary to freedive. There can be some medical restrictions if someone has organ problems or inability to equalize their ears, for example, but generally anyone can get started. Also, breath work practice is not necessary at all. Believe it or not, we all have the ability to hold our breath for 2-4 minutes on the very first try, with no breath hold training and up to 5 minutes overall. It’s simply science! :D

This goes through everyone’s mind, and most people are surprised to find out that this is the last thing they think about when underwater. To help your brain feel comfortable quickly, first you learn the science and the skills of freediving. Then you take it step-by-step at your pace. Remember that when we dive, the MDR creates several biological safety barriers so that we stay calm and in control. You always choose what to do - there are so many awesome things to experience along the way no matter how much or little you push yourself.

Quite the opposite! Science shows that our bodies have plenty of oxygen for much longer than we think. What starts to feel uncomfortable is the build up of CO2, which gives us the urgency to breathe and anxiety but it means nothing. Tolerating that discomfort and giving it a new meaning is how we practice being smarter than our brainstem. In fact, breath hold work as a part of “interoceptive exposures” is exactly what psychologists do with clients as treatment for anxiety … it all relates to emotional control and the ability to relax in the face of stress that everyone can benefit from practicing. Plus, keep in mind that we always have enough oxygen to hold our breath for 5 minutes or even longer if we’re relaxed. Extensive research has shown that even in competitive freedivers, who dive almost 300 feet holding one breath, come up with plenty of oxygen and there’s no negative effect of this type of breath hold because the MDR kicks in and our bodies are made for it. So if you’re diving only 5 feet, 10 feet, or 30 feet, no problem at all!

Yes! Multiple entities offer freediving certifications. Dr. Bira is a PADI-certified Freedive Instructor, and certifies people in PADI Basic and Level 1 Freediving. Level 1 Freedivers can hold their breath for 90 seconds and dive 10 meters or 33 feet. Basic freedivers have the knowledge and skills but might only go 5 feet. It’s a wonderful practice to work toward, as much as you want. You can make it a goal to complete Level 2 and 3 over time, or just stick with basic knowledge and the enjoyment that always comes with the practice of freediving.

It is very important to seek training and guidance from a certified and well-trained instructor who follows guidelines closely, and who makes you feel comfortable and interested in the process. As we know, the right match is key for growth and performance.

Know that you are in control and everything you do will be step-by-step. With everything in life, we want to push ourselves; growth happens in that zone. However, we should also feel interested, motivated, and rewarded with each thing we do, so going at the right pace is important and always under your control! Remember to have an open mind, trust the science, and always dive with a trained buddy to feel awesome under the ocean!