Translational Medical Research Commons^™

Technical Freediving: An Emerging Breath-Hold Diving Technique, Derek Covington, Robert H. Lee, Steven Toffel, Alberto Bursian, Kirk Krack, Chris Giordano

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Technical freediving can be defined as freediving augmented by the use of oxygen-enriched gases or oxygen before, during, or after a freedive. As a result of these techniques, breath-hold divers can visit and enjoy underwater wrecks, reefs, and other diving locations previously located at depths unreachable to apnea divers. By pre-breathing oxygen-enriched gases in conjunction with hyperventilation—which decreases the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2)—the technical freediver now has additional oxygen to facilitate aerobic respiration during the dive. In addition, pre-breathing oxygen decreases tissue nitrogen tensions, which limits inert gas loading and decreases the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). Finally, …