I was out on a “stretch, paddle, breathe” morning activity out of the Prieta Beach Club last month. We were hanging out on our individual boards, the guide and me, and he was directing me on slow breathing. Afterwards Cesar said that this type of breathing was the type of breathing you need to do when preparing to free dive. “It’s about slowing your breathing and slowing your heart rate before you take a dive,” said Cesar. “You should go out with us and try it!”
As an advanced certified scuba diver, the free diving element definitely had some appeal.. and some scary elements. First off, diving without a bulky BC (buoyancy compressor) sounds incredible and freeing. Going deep underwater on one breath sounds rather alarming. Plus, for those non-SCUBA certified adventurers, free diving is a wonderful opportunity to go underwater and enjoy the flora and fauna of the sea!
What is visible from above is not necessarily what you will experience below water. Take for example, Cesar’s recent free dive. He told me that the day was rather gray, the water was choppy, and it looked like it was going to storm, but they decided to go free diving just in front of the Prieta Beach Club. The moment they went under the surf, it was tranquil and clear! They quickly “made friends” with a curious Black Turtle who swam with them for around 20 minutes, see below. Those are the moments of pure magic!
Once I get over the idea (read “fear”) of going deep underwater on one breath, it seems rather low risk (versus scuba anyway). Some of the risks of scuba is getting an air embolism or decompression sickness… and this is from using compressed air at depth. Because you are not using compressed air when free diving and are simply inhaling air before the dive, the air naturally compresses as you go deeper in the water, and naturally expands as you rise out of the water. If nervous, you simply go back up to the top. There are no “safety stops” at 15′ like in scuba.
I look forward to having instruction on free diving this week, as I am back at Peninsula Papagayo. We will start in the pool with instruction on breathing technique, and then move out to the ocean, starting in the shallower areas and moving to deeper areas as my comfort level increases. Here is more information directly from Cesar on how you can learn how to free dive when you are staying at Peninsula Papagayo at one of our luxury villas or condos.
Stay tuned for more information about my free diving lessons this week…
Have questions? I am happy to help. I moved to Costa Rica in 2004 and discover the newly opened Peninsula Papagayo resort development the same year (and purchased property within the resort thereafter). I am an expert in the area and I’m happy to help you enjoy it as much as me and my family continue to enjoy it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly, and I am happy to advise on the details of each home to help you make the best decision for your group. Free diving on vacation? Yes please!
Pura Vida!
