Breath holding and Surf survival apnea
It’s not physical, just psychological. No, you are not drowning. Stop be scared and get out there!
I have always been a bit scared about the idea of having long hold downs while trying to chase bigger waves and getting smashed and dragged down and more down. The movie Chasing Mavericks already put in my mind the idea of breath training, but somehow I related it to very big waves, definitely not what I was going for. But you actually don’t need to chase 30-foot face waves to find an excuse to learn how to manage your breath. So, I have decided to attend a Surf Survival Apnea Course. Since then, I haven’t had the feeling of being about to die under the water anymore. And I have also decided to surf bigger waves!
Photos by Megan Costello – @avalanchevocals
Survival Apnea gives you the understanding of what the human body and mind go through when underwater on a single breath. It also raises awareness of the importance of connecting with nature, mental strength and physical preparation when engaging with elements.
At the course, I have learned to pay attention to what is going on around me, in my mind and in my body. I have discovered that the urge to breath is a normal feeling due to the rising levels of CO2 and it doesn’t mean I am drowning. I have learned several exercises to improve my skills of breath control and awareness. I have gained the ability to control the situation and do not panic.
Through training, progressive exposure and self-awareness anyone can develop physical & mental adaptations that will help get through the next challenge easier.
Interested in taking part in a Survival Apnea Course?
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Hello it’s leigh from Phillip island Australia I met you some years ago here you where friends with my brother Aaron. To be honest I have noticed your photos and positivity in your surfing and have how good you truly are at this beautiful art of surfing. I actually stopped surfing for a while as of issues in my day to day life but have started again and surfing was all I really ever wanted to do forever it was everything that ever really mattered. I was reading about this course you have described and would love to know more about this technique I find since I have gotten back on my board I seem to be panicking when I’m surfing in bigger waves and if I would like to progress in my surfing this could really help me. I hope you get back to me soon. Also hi from down under :)))
Hi Leigh!
So good to hear from you and glad that you have enjoyed reading my post about Survival Apnea.
I will definitely share breathing exercises and techniques to practice in my next posts. Please subscribe to the Newsletter to be always updated!
I might also organise one of these courses in Australia in the future. I’ll keep you in the loop 😉