In the following article, a fundamental topic will be discussed, common to all sports activities potentially at risk : SAFETY; more precisely, the reduction of risks and dangers in the activity of underwater apnea .
- Static apnea : it is considered the purest form of underwater apnea. It consists in reaching the maximum time of respiratory absence; specific training consists mainly of mental training (guided and / or autogenous), prana-yama breathing (extrapolated from yoga) and specific tables performed both dry and in the pool.
- Dynamic Apnea : as can be guessed from the term itself, it represents the discipline of underwater apnea that develops "in motion". It consists in reaching as much distance as possible and measurable towards "horizontal" (with fins or underwater frog); specific training takes place in the pool and involves a large volume of work organized by tables; also in this case there is no lack of mental training and prana-yama breathing.
- Deep Apnea : which measures the achievement of the maximum measurable depth by means of a guide cable (perpendicular to the bottom); in turn it differs in 3 disciplines:
- Assetto Costante : which uses the propulsion of the body (with fins or underwater frog) both in descent and in ascent
- Regulated variable structure : that in descent uses the propulsion of a ballasted "sled" (max 30kg), while in ascent it allows the traction of the arms on the guide wire (similar to a climbing)
- Variable set-up NO limits : that in descent exploits the propulsion of a ballasted sled without limits of mass, while in ascent it is facilitated by the crossing of a balloon inflated by gas through a cylinder applied on the sled.
The specific training varies in the three disciplines and the constant training is more "physical" than the others; in any case, each specialty includes mental training and prana-jama breathing with the addition of exercises / exercises of depth (to facilitate the compensation of the breasts). The specific training volume is quite small and is characterized by the amplitude of recovery times.
- Jump blue: The athlete must perform in apnea a horizontal dynamic path, with fins or monofin, at 10 meters of depth following a predetermined path, consisting of a square formed by a guide cable of 15 meters for each side. Starting from the start buoy (Start Island) on the surface, it must reach and touch a small target positioned at the end of the line at a depth of 10 meters, and then finning along the square. The winner is the athlete who is able to cover the longest journey, then regaining the surface (source: subaqva ).
- Skandalopetra: apnea diving with the skandalopetra dates back to ancient Greece, born among Greek sponge fishermen as a fishing technique and has been successfully re-proposed in recent years as an apnea sports discipline. It consists of a diving in apnea in a variable attitude using a "petra" tied with a rope as ballast. A companion on a boat follows the plunge from the surface and retrieves the freediver with the petra by sailing the rope at the end of the descent ( wikipedia source)
- Spearfishing: it is a real mixed discipline; it is an underwater hunt for apnea fish by means of a rifle (speargun or oleopneumatic) capable of firing one shot at a time (like a crossbow or bow). The performance is influenced by the athlete's instinct, fishing technique and apnea skills.
The risks and dangers for the freediver are numerous and varied; therefore, in order to minimize the chances of such debut or unfortunate occurrence, it is advisable and advisable to understand the causes and the specific consequences.
- Risks and dangers related to incorrect ventilation: hyperventilation
- Risks and dangers related to excessively prolonged apnea: pre-syncopal state or Samba and Black-out
- Risks and dangers of ENT type
- Other risks and dangers of underwater apnea
- Risks and dangers related to the marine environment
- Risks and dangers related to marine flora and fauna
- Risks and dangers related to human beings
Risks and dangers related to incorrect ventilation: hyperventilation
Ventilation is undoubtedly the most important component in the preparation of the apneistic performance. The athlete must know and master sufficiently the prana-yama breathing techniques (deep, diaphragmatic and controlled ventilation) that allow to reach an excellent level of oxygenation (O2) and psycho-physical relaxation, while he should totally repudiate the practice of 'forced hyperventilation (frequent and unnatural). Prana-yama determines a slowing of the heart rate, a diaphragmatic visceral massage that favors the systemic circulation (squeezing of the spleen and liver) and a mental attitude suitable for managing one's autonomy during apnea. Hyperventilation, on the other hand, causes a drastic reduction in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, an increase in heart rate and a sense of intoxication due to the alkalization of the blood; all this favors an increase in energy expenditure and resting oxygen (also reducing apnea autonomy), and POSTICIPATES excessively the perception of "air hunger" and diaphragmatic respiratory contractions "VANIFICANDONE the action of" bell physiological ". Simply put, while prana-jama ventilation favors autonomy and awareness of one's physical condition, hyperventilation causes an alteration of the blood ph, induces dizziness and compromises the natural interpretation of physical signals INCREASING POSSIBILITIES OF ACCIDENT FOR APNEA EXCESSIVELY PROPERLY.
