Goon,taketheplunge:Freediving is a truly breathtaking experience

NOT everyone has had the pleasure of experiencing the world underwater in the simplest, purest and most natural way. But everyone who has, can never forget their encounter with marine fauna and flora in their natural habitat.

That is the wonder of freediving. It’s almost like having freedom underwater and getting another perspective of planet earth.

Unlike scuba diving, freediving, or apnoea diving, refers to diving underwater while holding your breath. Freedivers learn to control their breathing, gaining the physical and mental insight, experience and skills to dive as deeply, far and long as they are safely able to.

Freediving is often compared to scuba diving and, while both take place under the water’s surface, freediving has more in common with yoga, meditation and martial arts from a physical, mental and spiritual perspective.

“It is while freediving that we can experience gravity in all its forms; neutral, negative or positive buoyancy. This makes it the closest that most of us will get to experience what it might feel like to float in space,’’ said Daniela Daines, co-founder and director of Cape Town Freediving.

Cape Town Freediving was the first dedicated freediver centre of its kind in South Africa and this year marks its 10th year since opening.

“Freediving is an incredible sport/ recreational activity, a way of life – because it teaches us and changes us with every breath. Unlike any other activity, freediving gently forces us to

be present. There is nowhere to hide when you are holding your breath,’’ said Daines.

In addition, freediving helps one gain physical and mental awareness, strength and resilience. It is a personal

process of learning and unlearning, letting go of limiting beliefs and trusting an unknown inner strength.

The company developed eco-conscious Adventure Freediver course modules as part of the Pure Apnoea internationally accredited education system.

In addition to teaching freediving, it offers snorkel experiences, surf apnoea courses, surf survival, breathhold training and freedive travel, as well as breathing workshops and athlete training.

There is a range of courses, from beginner freediver to freedive instructor and even master instructor trainer. This means being able to gain the skills and experience diving from 5m to 65m deep during their courses.

Those who are not sure if freediving is for them can join in on the snorkel experience and gain a glimpse into the incredible sea forest.