AIDA FREEDIVING
Association Internationale pour le Développement de l'Apnée (AIDA) (English: International Association for the Development of Apnea) is a worldwide rule- and record-keeping body for competitive breath holding events, also known as freediving. It sets standards for safety, comparability of Official World Record attempts and freedive education.
AIDA International is the parent organization for national clubs of the same name...
AIDA was founded November 2, 1992, in Nice, France, by Frenchmen Roland Specker, Loïc Leferme and Claude Chapuis, with Specker as its first president. The AIDA Competitions started to take form in 1993. National clubs begin to form over all Europe in 1994–1995. AIDA became AIDA International in 1999.
One of AIDA's core functions is to provide education and certification for freedivers at all levels. The organization offers a comprehensive range of courses, from beginner to instructor levels, focusing on safety, technique, and performance. AIDA courses are renowned for their rigorous standards and thorough curriculum, ensuring that freedivers are well-prepared to dive safely and effectively.
AIDA is responsible for organizing and sanctioning freediving competitions around the world. These events attract the best freedivers, who compete to set new records and push the limits of human endurance and ability. AIDA maintains a comprehensive database of national and world records, reflecting the achievements of freedivers globally. The organization's competitions are governed by strict rules to ensure fairness and safety.
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Molchanovs Freediving
Revolutionizing the Art of Breath-Hold Diving
Molchanovs Freediving, named after its founder, the legendary freediver Natalia Molchanova, has become a leading force in the world of freediving. Renowned for its innovative training methodologies, high-quality equipment, and comprehensive educational programs,
Molchanovs has set new standards in the sport of breath-hold diving...
Natalia Molchanova, a record-breaking Russian freediver, is considered one of the greatest freedivers in history. With over 40 world records and 23 world championship titles, her impact on the sport is unparalleled. After her tragic disappearance in 2015, her legacy continued through the establishment of Molchanovs Freediving, led by her son Alexey Molchanov, himself a world champion freediver. The organization aims to honor Natalia's memory by promoting her training philosophies and advancing the sport she loved.
Molchanovs Freediving is distinguished by its unique and systematic training approach, known as the Molchanovs Wave. This methodology is designed to cater to freedivers of all levels, from beginners to elite athletes, and emphasizes the importance of progressive, structured training.
These programs are delivered by highly trained and certified instructors, ensuring that students receive the best possible education and support
Molchanovs is also renowned for its high-quality freediving equipment, which is designed to meet the needs of both recreational and competitive freedivers.
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Freediving & Spleen Effect
Spleen: a reservoir for red blood cells
While the full blood volume in our body circulates through the spleen, this organ acts as a reservoir of red blood cells. These red blood cells are stored and held ready in case of an emergency (e.g. an accident with serious bleeding) or any other condition where a better Oxygen transport capacity throughout the body might be needed...
Spleen contraction
Under special circumstances, for example during apnea, extra Oxygen carrying capacity is needed. In this situation the spleen contracts and releases the stored red blood cells into the bloodstream.
More Oxygen carriers are available
The higher count of available red blood cells enables the body to bind more Oxygen in the blood, thus enhancing the freediver's breathhold capacity.
Surface Intervals in Freediving
Until recently it was thought that decompression sickness (DCS) occurred only to divers that breathe compressed air, such as in scuba or technical diving...
These divers breathe in a great amount of nitrogen (N2) under pressure. When a scuba diver ascends too quickly, the N2 dissolved in the tissues will “come out of solution” in the blood forming bubbles. These bubbles can block blood flow to certain tissues, creating damage known as decompression sickness. The evolvement of freediving over the years has now evidence that that DCS can also
affect freedivers. As Freediving still is a very young scientific field, the body of knowledge about it is growing quickly. However it is not exactly clarified yet how much Nitrogen a freediver accumulates at what depth in what time. Observations of the last 20+ years suggest that these two factors may vary considerably from one person to the next depending on different variables. The same is true for different people’s susceptibility to develop symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS) while or after freediving.
Rules of Thumb
• surface time = 2 * dive time
Here an example:
• Dive time 30 sec: 1 min surface interval
• Dive time 2min: 4 min surface interval
For dives deeper than -30m, two different rules apply.
• Freediving to 30-55m: Surface time = depth(m)/5
• Freediving deeper than 55m: One dive in 24h
Freediving Training Essentials
Freediving is as much about mental clarity and physical conditioning as it is about diving into the deep blue. Training for freediving involves a blend of techniques designed to enhance breath control, build physical strength, and ensure safety....
Mastering Breath Control: Breath control is the cornerstone of freediving. Training in this area focuses on maximizing lung capacity and optimizing breath-holding ability.
Breath training techinques (Diaphragmatic Breathing, Static Apnea Training, CO2 and O2 Tables).
Enhancing Physical Conditioning: A fit body supports better performance in freediving. Physical conditioning encompasses cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and flexibility.
Perfecting Equalization Techniques: Equalization is crucial for diving deeper without discomfort or injury. Training involves mastering techniques to balance the pressure in your ears and sinuses.
Building Mental Resilience: Freediving requires mental fortitude as much as physical ability. Training your mind is key to maintaining calm and focus during dives.