Why would people torture themselves and test their bodies how far they can go diving into the deep blue sea? Why not strap a scuba tank and go as far as they want to delve the secrets of the ocean? You might have similar questions when you see people free diving, or you might just want to experience it yourself.

Free diving or apnea, is an exercise of breath where a diver submerges into a body of water on a single breath of air. Historically, free diving has been ongoing for millennia, either to gather food and other resources like sponges, corals, and pearls. Nowadays, contemporary freediving is also considered as competitive athletic watersports.

When learning to free dive, it is important to understand the inherent risk involved and get to dive safely with a professional instructor and to never, ever decide to free dive on your own. Below are some safety tips for you while learning freediving.

-Select your partner. The most important rule in your freediving adventure is never to do it alone. Next is not to dive at the same time as the other diver. Your partner will faithfully watch the jump line for the free diver who must follow the line at all times.

-Never free dive when you just finished scuba diving. You are at a higher risk of nitrogen depletion in your tissues after a scuba dive. It may lead to decompression sickness when you decide to subsequently ascent during an ensuing free dive. Wait for at least twelve hours before you schedule your next freediving activity.

-Check your weight. Always check the weight of your diving suits if you are correctly weighted. A good rule of thumb is to attain natural buoyancy at fifteen meters.

-Do not “ride” your eardrum’s flexibility. Equalize in your descent about every three meters only. Also, never force your equalization. If a failed attempt happens, never force it. Aborting the dive may be your next safe step.

-Estimate sea conditions before diving. Make a complete dive plan. Every diver in a particular dive line should know what the other divers are doing, warm-ups, deep dives, etc. Know who is doing safety for whom and at what time. In the event of emergencies, plan what you are going to do. Sea conditions, water visibility, temperature, distance, current, and swell are some other factors to consider.

Cape Town, South Africa is regarded as the top freediving location for recreational activities globally. Whether you are a beginner or a pro at doing free dives, you will enjoy the mesmerizing experience in your diving expeditions in Cape Town’s two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Seeing firsthand the underwater kelp forest, enormous granite boulders, an array of underwater caves and caverns, even freediving with hundreds of seals eyeing your flippers.

There are many options for you when you decide to experience free diving in Cape Town. But make sure to complete the courses first if you are a beginner and let your instructor determine if you are now ready to see the beauty of the ocean through freediving.