Help with breathing and other things

[TheTogMan]

Hey guys, since this was my first year spearing, I know nothing, NOTHING!

One thing that bugged me the entire year was that I could not hold my breath for long at all. I good dive for me was 30 seconds. What can't do to fix that?

Also, I am thinking of asking for a new wetsuit and fins for Xmas. The wetsuit I have now is a 3/2, so I need a thicker one but not sure which to get and I don't want to spend more than $200 or $220. And suggestions?

Any suggestions for fins aswell, I would like relatively inexpensive fins also?
Thanks guys

[TheTank]

I struggled with breath holds my first year too. Over this past winter I went from a miserable 45sec to 3minute statics. I used an iphone app called "Apnea Trainer" and did the exercises at least 5 times a week for 15-20 minutes. Highly recommended. Good luck.

[SDDiver5]

Take a class. Worth the money.

[StriperRider]

Take the ECD freediving class. You will improve your breath hold and - more importantly - be a safe diver at the end of it.

[TheTogMan]

Originally Posted by StriperRider

Take the ECD freediving class. You will improve your breath hold and - more importantly - be a safe diver at the end of it.

Is there a website I can go to to get information?

[Spear_Row]

Yeah, talk to Nick at East Coast Divers, in Brookline.
He's a good guy with some sick skillz.

[cboneill37]

Check Mako for a open cell suit that is less expensive but decent. Omer milleniums are a less expensive starter fin. As for the breath hold problem, without taking a class, the best thing is persistence, safety, patience, safety, persistence, and more safety. It takes time, have fun, be safe, be calm, be patient, and be safe.

[TheTogMan]

Would a 3.5 mill wetsuit be too thin for late season dives?

[rambofishsniper]

wayyy too thin for late and early season u need a 7mm bro
and for the breath hold ull get better the more u dive i went from 30 sec last year to 1.35 this yr for fin hit up rob at newportfreedive.com or spearfishingworl.com or flfreedivers.com

[spearoscott]

time diving is best overall way to increase your breath hold safely. I do feel though that during the months that I did work outs 3-4 times a week I had a much better breath hold. Even with all that my best times come only when I'm relaxed and comfortable with the water. Go slow and find someone to buddy dive with who is much more experienced and it will help a ton. The way you dive and your gear can have a huge impact on your bottom time. My scuba suit thick and bulky with 6lbs more lead then my freedive suit isn't going to yield the same breath hold, it takes more energy. If you shore dive or swim around a lot then you should think about longer rest periods between decents and possibly using a good float to rest by. Many factors impact your breath hold, don't push it.

As for gear you really should see Rob at Newportfreedive. It will save you time, money, and energy in the long run to do it right the first time.

[bakir_sonic]

Along with all the advice you got here I would also say to search up all the Shallow Water Black out Threads and videos. I think this will give you a good idea of how important it is to not hyperventilate or push your limits without someone who knows what they are doing.

I have been spearfishing for a little over a year and progressed fast in terms of holding my breath. But after reading up on how many divers we lost over that time frame... its scary. I didn't take it that seriously until watching all those videos and reading up about it here.

But ya those CO2/O2 tables helped me a lot.

[MeTo]

I used breath hold 3:45 in 2011 and had my best year in the six years since I began. I took a class in spring 2012 and learned lots but never did as good as 2011If you're smart about it the app will help alot and will set you back 99 cent.
Dive safe. PM with ?

[apexdiver]

http://www.makospearguns.com/product-p/m2a.htm this is a good suit

[Brother Neptune]

Hey Togman, If you have any questions on classes I would be more than happy to help. I coached Striper Rider to a 5 minute hold and had Spear_Row in class too. There are some great things that you can add to your bottom time, not just in breath hold length but in overall water technique as well. Feel free to hit me up at Brookline@ecdivers.com or you can message me directly through the website at ecdivers.com. Happy diving and stay safe - NEVER DIVE ALONE!

[Captain_T]

I second that comment. Nick at East Coast Divers is the man. I learned a ton about breathing and safety in his class. Worth every penny. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Spear_Row

Yeah, talk to Nick at East Coast Divers, in Brookline.
He's a good guy with some sick skillz.