Free diving is the sport of diving underwater without the use of diving equipment (scuba diving systems), relying solely on breath to descend below the surface. Throughout human history, free diving has been used for hunting, exploration, and military purposes. Ancient Greek sponge divers and women divers in Japan known as “Ama” represent early examples of free diving. Modern free diving, however, developed in the 20th century as a competitive sports discipline and began to be organized under international rules.
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Physiology of Free Diving
Free divers must adapt to the physiological changes their bodies undergo underwater. The most critical elements include:
- Diving reflex: A slowing of the heart rate and redirection of blood flow to vital organs to conserve oxygen.
- Hypoxia (low oxygen levels): Divers train to increase lung capacity and extend breath-holding duration.
- Pressure and depth adaptation: As diving depth increases, the lungs compress and rising pressure affects the body. Divers therefore employ specialized techniques to tolerate these pressures.
Free Diving Disciplines
Free diving is practiced in several disciplines:
- Constant Weight (CWT): The diver descends using fixed weights without pulling on the line.
- Variable Weight (VWT): The diver uses a weighted sled to descend and ascends without it.
- Static Apnea (STA): The diver holds their breath while motionless at the water surface.
- Dynamic Apnea (DYN and DNF): The diver swims horizontally underwater in a pool, either with fins (DYN) or without fins (DNF).
Free diving records continue to advance based on the physical and mental endurance of divers. Notably, Herbert Nitsch, Alexey Molchanov, Natalia Molchanova, and Sea can like have set numerous records in the sport.
Safety Measures and Risks in Free Diving
As a high-risk sport, free diving requires strict adherence to safety protocols:
- Buddy diving principle: Divers must always dive with a spotter to prevent risks of blackout or syncope.
- Proper breathing techniques: Hyperventilation must be avoided; breathing patterns must be controlled to prevent loss of consciousness.
- Pressure equalization and ear clearing: Techniques such as Valsalva and Frenzel must be used to balance middle ear pressure.
Free Diving as a Sport and Leisure Activity
Free diving is not only a competitive sport but is also increasingly chosen as a leisure activity. By offering a deep connection with nature, it reduces stress levels and enhances divers’ overall life satisfaction. Furthermore, due to its status among extreme sports, it attracts significant interest from many adventure enthusiasts.
Turkish World Record Holders
Şahika ERCÜMEN
- 100-Meter Record on the 100th Anniversary of the Republic (1 August 2023): Şahika Ercümen became the first athlete in Turkish free diving history, among both women and men, to reach 100 meters depth using constant weight at the Vertical Blue Free Diving World Cup.
- Turkish Record at the Free Diving World Championship (12 October 2024): At the championship held in Kalamata, Greece, she broke the Turkish record by reaching 92 meters depth in the double fin category within 3 minutes and 27 seconds.
Derya CAN
- 16 December 2016: In Kaş, Antalya, she set a world record by diving 94 meters in the free immersion variable weight category without fins.
- 17 December 2016: In the same location, she set a new world record by diving 111 meters in the finned variable weight category.
- 2017: At Salda Lake in Yeşilova, Burdur, she broke the world record by diving 68 meters in 2 minutes and 5 seconds.
- 2019: In the same lake, she improved her own record by diving 70 meters in 2 minutes and 18 seconds.
Derya Can holds a total of nine world records and over sixty Turkish records in free diving. She is also the first Turkish woman to be selected most frequently for the national team and to win medals at international competitions.
