Written by Millie Mannering
How long can you hold your breath?
This is an essential component of freediving as it relies on using your lungs to explore the depths of our underwater world. No one understands the techniques of this discipline more than Kirk Krack, founder of Performance Freediving International and industry pioneer. Kirk has innovated the world of freediving and the addition of technical components to the sport by incorporating mixed gases.
Taking a break from coaching actors for the upcoming Avatar sequels, Kirk invited the current Our World Underwater Scholars to the Cayman Islands for a freediving training programme. Having always felt comfortable and natural in water, I was excited to be challenged with this training. What would be in store?
Kirk Krack blowing bubble rings underwater. Photo: Millie Mannering
Making History! In a rare occasion, all three OWUSS Scholars reunited during their scholarship years for this remarkable training opportunity! It was very special to share the experience in the Cayman Islands with Rosie Poirier (NA Scholar) and Hannah Douglas (EU Scholar).
It turns out I had a lot to learn! We were fortunate to be coached through an introduction to freediving from Kirk and his team of instructors, Carol Schrappe and Willow Wise. Our training began with the physics and physiology of freediving and time in the classroom was interspersed with equipment familiarisation and team bonding sessions in the ocean. We began to prepare our bodies through proper nutrition, learning and practicing breathing techniques and having regular stretching sessions. Most importantly, we learnt about the safety of the sport, the inherent risks of freediving and how to minimise them through adequate planning and safety procedures.
Kirk Krack’s engaging delivery of the fundamentals to freediving made theory sessions fun! Photo: Millie Mannering
One discipline I really enjoyed was static apnea, which consists of breath-holds face down in the water without any movement. After understanding the techniques, safety protocol and the capacity of the human body, we began our sessions in the nearby pool. Driven by carbon dioxide build up (hypercapnia), all your instincts tell you to come up for air while you hold your breath. I found the mental battle to overcome natural instincts, to relax into the uncomfortable experience, and to reassure yourself very challenging. The trust built with our instructors and fellow dive buddies allowed us to push our perceived limits and I even reached a 3.5 minute static apnea on the first day of pool sessions. I could not believe it!
Stages of a Freedive – Left to Right: Completing our ‘breathe-up’ up on the surface, descending down the line, hanging and enjoying the depths, heading up relaxed. Immediately on surfacing, we conduct a series of hook then recovery/cleansing breathes, confirm ‘OK’ with our safety buddy and only then can we celebrate the epic dive!! Photo: Carol Schrappe & Hannah Douglas
Unfortunately, only a few days into our training programme we were hit by the Covid-19 virus and our hopes of continuing with the planned itinerary were lost. It was extremely frustrating and disappointing to be forced to abandon the mask and fins and stop diving altogether. I would like to thank our freediving instructors, my fellow OWU Scholars and sponsors for their support and understanding during this unexpected turn of events. The mandatory extended surface interval has only reinvigorated my love for freediving and motivation to pursue the sport in the future.
Left to Right: Using our newly developed freediving skills to explore the iconic WWII Ship, USS Kittiwake. Grateful for the unwavering support of my instructor, Carol Schrappe, who holds the South American record for Variable Weight to a depth of 101m! Photo Left: Rosie Poirier Right: Hannah Douglas
This freediving training opportunity built my confidence in the water, advanced my understanding of diving physiology and challenged me immensely both mentally and physically. I know I haven’t reached my potential and I’m looking forward to continuing on my freediving journey and pursuing new depths in the future! I am confident this knowledge, training and discipline will extend beyond the course and I am excited to apply what I have learnt throughout the rest of my scholarship year and beyond.
Freediving can provide an accessible way to explore our underwater world with minimal equipment. I love using it for both creative photography or playing in the depths. Photo Left: Rosie Poirier Right: Kirk Krack
Kirk helped us push our body and mind to achieve what we thought was impossible. Breath work is such an integral and important part of our lives, regardless of whether you are a water user or not. I would recommend anyone to take a freediving course – take up the challenge and you’ll be amazed at your potential! At home in Aotearoa, New Zealand, gathering kaimoana (seafood) is an important part of our culture and connection to the ocean and I’m excited to share my newfound knowledge on technique and safety when I return.
Celebrating successful completion of a 25m dive and achieving my PFI Intermediate Freediver Certification with instructor Carol Schrappe! Flying the OWUSS and PFI flag with the training team. Photo: Ro Rovie
Thank you to the inspirational Kirk Krack for envisioning the programme and making the opportunity possible. Kirk’s relentless support and belief in the OWU Scholars has been phenomenal. The encouragement, guidance and motivation from Carol Schrappe and Willow Wise allowed us to explore deeper depths! This opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support of Waterborn TV, Jason Washington of Ambassador Divers and as well as the amazing equipment sponsors Oceaner, Shearwater and Mark Labocetta from Maverick America.
Lastly, a huge thank you to the numerous people who have supported me and continue to do so. Thank you to the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society and Rolex for making the scholarship possible. I would also like to thank my equipment sponsors Reef Photo and Video, Nauticam and Light and Motion as well as TUSA, Waterproof, Tabata Australia and Suunto.
Trip Tune: Kind Reminder – Proxima Parada
Top Tip: “If you’re on time, you’re already late” – Kirk Krack
Join me, above and beneath the surface, on my adventures throughout the scholarship year. Subscribe to my blogs, follow along on Instagram, Facebook or flick me an email! Next, I’m off to learn about ancient methods of aquaculture ..
