Freediving for kids: features, benefits and cautions

Freediving is not just a sport, but also a fantastic opportunity for children to acquire new skills, face the underwater world, and strengthen their health. At Apnetica Freediving, training programs for young freedivers have been implemented, taking into account all necessary aspects to ensure that diving is safe and beneficial.

Children learn freediving through specially designed programs such as "Bronze Dolphin," "Silver Dolphin," and "Golden Dolphin" for ages 6 to 11, and "AIDA Junior" for teenagers between 12 and 15. The programs are tailored to the physiology and psychology of children and include:

• Personalized training for each child.
• Collaboration with medical specialists to ensure safety.
• Teaching safe behavior in water without focusing on breath-holding.
• Emphasis on breath control, relaxation, and relaxation techniques.

Freediving, or breath-hold diving, offers unique opportunities for the harmonious development of children. With the supervision of experienced instructors and proper precautions, these activities can bring numerous health benefits, self-improvement, and a love for nature.

Freediving promotes comprehensive physical development in children. Regular training strengthens the muscular system, improves posture, and enhances coordination. Special attention is given to the respiratory system. Breath control exercises increase lung ventilation efficiency. The child learns to completely relax muscles on the exhale and to actively inhale. This practice is useful in everyday life.

Moreover, freediving develops stress resistance and the ability to relax, to focus on the present moment. This can help the child cope with anxiety and overstimulation. It also strengthens self-confidence after overcoming the fear of depth and achieving goals.

It is also important for children to acquire knowledge about the underwater world, its inhabitants, and regularities. This fosters a careful attitude towards nature and responsibility for the environment.

To ensure that freediving sessions are maximally beneficial, parents and instructors should follow several recommendations:

• Start training after the age of 6 when the development of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems is complete.
• Pay special attention to adaptation to water so that the child feels safe and comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.
• Carefully dose the load, avoid forcing breath-holding. There should be adequate rest between dives.
• Monitor the child's well-being and reactions, stop training at the slightest signs of discomfort.
• Ensure constant observation by an instructor during training. Groups should ideally be no larger than 3-4 people.
• Teach children the rules of behavior and safety techniques, and how to recognize the first symptoms of oxygen deprivation.
• Make the learning process exciting, include elements of play and entertainment, competitive moments. This will help maintain the child's motivation.
• Inform parents about the methods and benefits of the lessons. Encourage their active participation in the process.
• Conduct regular medical check-ups and consultations with specialists to monitor the young freediver's health.

By adhering to these conditions, freediving can become for the child a safe and beneficial hobby that will reveal the fascinating underwater world and allow them to unlock their potential. The main thing is that the learning process corresponds to the individual characteristics of each child.

It's important not to rush things in pursuit of results. The priority should always be the health and comfort of the young freediver. Only then will the passion for underwater swimming bring true joy and numerous benefits for development. And the child's instructor, in turn, will be rewarded for their patient and attentive approach to each student.

18.12.2023