Secrets of buoyancy control in freediving

Freediving is both an art and a science of diving depths without the use of breathing apparatus. One of the key aspects that allows a freediver to interact harmoniously with the aquatic environment is buoyancy control. Understanding how to control one's buoyancy provides the freediver with the ability to move vertically and horizontally with minimal energy expenditure, increases the safety of the dive, and enhances the enjoyment of the process itself.

Buoyancy is the upward force that acts on any object in a fluid, equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. In the context of freediving, buoyancy control is the diver's ability to change their position in the water while remaining relaxed and conserving oxygen.

To find neutral buoyancy in freediving, it is important to conduct a test at a specific depth, which for recreational diving is usually set at 10 meters. At this depth, you should achieve a state where you neither rise to the surface nor sink further, meaning you remain still in the water. To check for neutral buoyancy, one must descend to the set depth, grasp the dive line, form the "OK" sign, and observe their position for approximately 10 seconds. If you maintain your position without any additional effort, then the neutral buoyancy is set correctly. With our students, we study and practice this skill during freediving courses.

Freedivers use several techniques to manage buoyancy:

The most common method to control buoyancy is the use of additional weights. Determining the exact amount of weight requires experience, as excess will lead to excessive submersion, and a deficiency will lead to excess buoyancy. The weight should be distributed in such a way that the diver maintains a horizontal position in the water.

Breath control is a key element of freediving. A deep inhale increases buoyancy, while a full exhale decreases it. While divers usually submerge on a full breath, athletes also use the "packing" technique, where additional air is added to the lungs. In some cases, this amount can be quite significant, reaching up to 1 liter. This is done not to increase the duration of the dive but to make equalizing ear pressure easier. It is important to understand that buoyancy will also increase, and this should be taken into account. Sometimes in freediving, a technique called diving to FRC (functional residual capacity), or passive exhalation, is used. This is a special technique for training, which we will not detail in this article, but it is important to understand that a diver's buoyancy will be lower after exhaling air from the lungs, and ascending from depth will be more difficult. In other words, increasing lung volume after a deep breath increases buoyancy, while decreasing lung volume during exhalation makes the freediver less buoyant.

An elongated body position reduces water resistance and allows for easier buoyancy control, while a bent body increases resistance and can cause instability. A proper hydrodynamic position helps to conserve energy and allows the diver to maintain a vertical position in the water, which is important for managing movement and reducing effort during descent and ascent.

The thickness and material of the wetsuit affect buoyancy. Neoprene has a foamed structure that increases buoyancy. Therefore, when choosing a wetsuit for freediving, these factors must be taken into account, and if necessary, the amount of weight adjusted. For instance, a 3mm thick suit will require less weight than a 5mm suit.

Buoyancy management in freediving is a complex skill that requires practice and understanding. The better a freediver controls their buoyancy, the safer and more enjoyable their dives will be. This is achieved through the correct choice of equipment, diving tactics, body position, and practical skills. Buoyancy management not only increases the safety of the dive but also allows the freediver to experience an incredible feeling of unity with the aquatic element.

10.12.2023