Disciplines

Freediving is divided into several categories. Basically, any activity that is performed underwater while breathholding can be considered freediving. However, depending on whether the diver wants to reach a depth, a distance or a time, and what equipment and techniques the diver is using to achieve these goals, then the categories will be different.

There are seven different disciplines, which are seperated for women and men:

1. Constant - deep diving with constant weight. The freediver descends and ascends with his own strenght.
2. Constant without fins - deep diving without fins and constant weight. The athelete descends and ascends with his own strengt without the use of fins. A hold on the cable is only allowed one time to stop descending and to start ascending.
3. Free immersion - deep diving without fins. The freediver descends and ascends with his own strengt without the use of propulsion equipment. Pulling on the cable is allowed.
4. Variable - deep diving with variable weight. The freediver descends with the help of a "sled" or ballast weight (max 35 kg.) and ascends with his own power, pulling on the cable is allowed.
5. No Limits - deep diving without limits. The freediver descends with the help of a "sled" or ballast weight (no limit) and ascends of his own choice - normally a balloon.
6. Static - static breath-hold. The freediver holds his breath as long as possible, with his body in either in the water or on the surface with his face submerged in the water.
7. Dynamic with fins - distance diving with fins. The freediver dives, with his own strength, in a horizontal position under water, with the use of fins (stereo or mono), as far as possible.
8. Dynamic without fins - distance without fins. The freediver dives with his own strength, in a horizontal position under water, without the use of propulsion equipment, as far as possible.

In all disciples the validity for the attempt is the physically integrity of the athlete during and after the dive. If the athlete loses control over his muscles (LMC) or loses consciousness (Black Out), the attempt is not valid. There are different rules for an individual record attempt and each discipline during a competition.