Official Waterman Group A tribe for surfers,divers,kiteboarders,windsurfers,wakeboarders,& watersportsmen

Breathing Techniques

I need to start out by saying- don’t ever try these techniques on your own without a dive buddy watching.  Breathing techniques not only slow down your heart rate but also oxygenate the blood AND remove CO2 from the bloodstream. Why is this dangerous?  Because CO2 is what tells the brain to take a breath.  Less CO2 equals less brain signals which equals longer bottom time but also potential to stay down too long!  …at least this is my understanding.

So now that we understand the fun aspects of breathing techniques let’s get down to the nuts and bolts .  There were 4 techniques that we were taught by Mark.  the advice was to try all 4 but also never perform hyperventillation as the last technique.  Also these techniques can be done during the 4 minutes on the surface between dives.

Technique #1: hyperventillating.  This is a series of short inhales and exhales, less then a second a piece, which quickly remove CO2 from the blood.  These also cause lightheadedness so be careful.  If trying these at all which I advise against, always do these as the first technique and only for approx 30 seconds.

Technique #2: deep breaths
Breath in and out in a slow controlled manner.  All the way in till absolutely full, then all the way out pushing every last bit of air out.  These take about 3 seconds for every inhales and about 3 seconds for every exhale.  No faster then this pace.  These are my preferred method.

Technique #3: hook breath
Inhale till lungs full and hold for about 4 seconds.  Flex chest muscles by crossing forearms in front of chest then exhale.  Repeat for one minute.

Technique #4: deep slow breaths
Similar to technique #2, these should be the final breaths.  Take deep, slow, yoga type breaths which act to really slow the heart down and relax you.  There is no pushing or over filling like technique #2.

Finally when you are ready to dive, inhale your breath using your stomach (diaphragm) and inhale as much as possible (see diagram below).  This will fill your lower lungs.  Finally fill your upper lungs by expanding your chest and capture as much air in the lungs as comfortable.  DO NOT PACK BREATHS.  If you do not know what packing is then don’t worry, there is no need for it and it can be dangerous.

…And the last step to a long breath hold is to kick out your snorkel mouthpiece!  This causes the mammalian reflex when your lips are pursed and under water.  This technique should help with a longer breath hold.

So that’s it!  With these techniques you should be able to really increase your bottom time.  Remember, CO2 is your friend, so if diving alone do not perform breath holding techniques.