Discovering the Thrills and Benefits of Freediving: A Beginner's Guide - Is Freediving Dangerous?

Pure water is the world’s first and foremost medicine.
~Slovakian Proverb

Los Angeles, CA – January 10, 2023

Freediving can be a dangerous activity if it is not done properly and with the appropriate safety measures in place. It is important for freedivers to be in good physical shape and to have proper training in order to avoid accidents and injuries. There are several potential hazards in freediving, such as blackout, shallow water blackout, and decompression sickness, which can be life-threatening if not properly managed. It is essential that freedivers have a dive buddy trained in rescue techniques and follow all safety guidelines and protocols while diving.

Freediving is generally considered a high-risk activity due to the fact that it involves diving to depths without the use of a scuba tank, which can pose risks. There is a lack of reliable data on the number of freediving accidents and injuries that occur each year, making it difficult to compare the incidence of accidents and injuries in freediving to other activities.

There are many activities that can be considered high-risk, depending on the specific circumstances and precautions taken. Examples of high-risk activities include extreme sports like bungee jumping, skydiving, and rock climbing, water sports like surfing and white-water rafting, winter sports like snowboarding and ice climbing, motor sports like racing and motorcycling, and aerial sports like paragliding and hang gliding. The level of risk associated with any given activity can vary significantly depending on factors such as the individual's level of experience, equipment used, and the environment in which the activity is taking place. By taking precautions and following safety guidelines, it is possible to reduce the risks associated with these and other high-risk activities.

The PADI Freediver course is a beginner level training program for recreational freediving that introduces participants to safety precautions, the rules and skills to reduce the risks, the different forms of freediving, breathing techniques, preparation, recovery, and more. These tools enable them to dive deeper, longer, and feel more comfortable underwater. The minimum age for this course is 12 years old, and participants must be in good health and fitness and provide a medical release. The course is suitable for those who have never freedived before, as well as experienced freedivers or spearfishers who want to improve and learn safely.

Malibu Divers is a store that has been a founding member of SCUBA diving in Los Angeles since 1969 and has a long association with freediving. One of our longest staff members, Grant Graves, was the President of the United States Apnea Association and the North American Vice President of the International Association for the Development of Apnea. He was also an International Freediving Judge Instructor and received the iCARE Best International Freediving Judge Award in 2008. Under Grant's guidance, Malibu Divers has developed and launched a program that focuses on safety and quality. Our professionals, whether scuba or freediving, are all hand-picked, insured, and responsible for strict supervision of students with the highest level of duty of care. No one is ever unattended in scuba or freediving.

People recreationally freedive for a variety of reasons, including the thrill of the challenge, the opportunity to explore the underwater environment, and the sense of personal accomplishment that comes with improving their breath-holding abilities. Some people enjoy freediving for recreational purposes, such as snorkeling, spearfishing, or photography, while others participate in the sport competitively. Freediving can also be a meditative and relaxing activity that allows people to connect with nature and find a sense of inner peace.

Regardless of the specific reason, freediving can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity that offers a range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. . Regardless of the reasons for freediving, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity that allows people to experience the underwater world in a unique and personal way. It is important for recreational freedivers to have proper training and follow safety guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. To learn about our PADI freediving courses, or about any one of the other courses we offer, contact us today.