Disciplines
Constant Weight CWT
The freediver desends and ascends a line under her own power without changing her ballast; only a single hold of the rope to stop the descent and start the ascent is allowed. Constant weight is a popular competitive discipline and is one of the three disciplines in international competitions, static and dynamic being the other two. Dives are made with either mono-fins or bi-fins with the monofin divers making the deeper dives.
CNF is constant weight diving with no fins. This is diving using a modified form of breast stroke and requires high levels of coordination and concentration. We think CNF is the purest form of free diving and as such we like it very much !
Dynamic Apnea DYN
The freediver travels in a horizontal position under water attempting to cover the greatest possible distance. Any propulsion aids other than fins or a monofin and swimming movements with the arms are prohibited. Competition performances are only recognized in swimming-pools with a minimum length of 25 meters and are sometimes combined with static apnea in indoor competitions. Trained swimmers can take to DYN with astonishing results with a competent butterfly stroke soon becoming a powerful monofin technique.
DNF is dynamic apnea without fins. This like CNF is a very pure form of freediving and we like it a lot. Many people find DNF easier than DYN because they are so used to swimming breast stoke.
Free Immersion FIM
The freediver dives under water without fins, descending and ascending by pulling on the rope. Descents are made head first or feet first depending on the diver's equalization ability, some divers even use both. Free immersion is a different dive experience and for many their favourite, it has to be experienced to be understood !
Static Apnea STA
The freediver holds their breath for as long as possible with their face in the water so they can't cheat. It is very much a mind game and requires the ability to control your thoughts and keep your heart rate low. Trained freedivers can slow their heartrates to below 30 beats a minute and switch their minds into a trance like state. These relaxation techniques are important for all forms of breath hold diving so static is considered important by many freedivers, ourselves included.
Static apnea is the only time discipline and one of the three performed in international competitions, with constant weight and dynamic with fins being the other two. Performances can be done and recognized in both pool and open water (sea, lake, river, etc).
Under no circumstances should anyone try this or any other form of freediving without training. Never freedive alone and never ever hold your breath in the bath, attend a recognised freediving course.
Variable Weight VWT
The freediver descends with the help of a ballast weight or sled and ascends under his own strength using arms and/or legs, either pulling or not pulling on the rope as desired. Variable weight diving is the discipline featured in the cult film 'The Big Blue' although things are done a bit differently today! This type of diving requires advanced skills and expert supervision. We only use variable weight dives for training at PureFreedive and do not pursue it as a discipline in its own right.
No Limits NLT
The freediver descends with the help of a ballast weight and ascends via a method of his choice. No limits is the absolute depth discipline. Going down with a sled, and going back up with a balloon, a diving suit or a vest with inflatable compartments, or any other means. We do not practice no limits freediving at pure freedive, but if you are interested we can suggest some options for you to explore.