Static apnea: Difference between revisions

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'''Static apnea''' is a discipline of [[freediving]] where an individual holds their breath ([[apnea]]) underwater for as long as possible, and does not travel any distance. It requires that the respiratory system be completely at rest and motionless, hence the term "static".  
== Static Apnea ==
 
[[File:Statisches_Apnoe.jpg|thumb|right|A freediver practicing static apnea.]]
 
'''Static apnea''' is a discipline of [[freediving]] where the participant holds their breath underwater for as long as possible while remaining stationary. It is one of the eight disciplines recognized by the [[AIDA International|International Association for the Development of Apnea]] (AIDA), which is the worldwide federation for breath-hold diving.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==


In static apnea, the diver begins by floating on the surface of the water, usually in a pool, while taking deep breaths to [[oxygenate]] their body. This process, known as [[breath-up]], is crucial to increase the duration of the breath-hold. Once ready, the diver submerges face-down in the water and remains as still as possible. The goal is to conserve oxygen and delay the onset of [[hypoxia]] (oxygen deprivation) and [[hypercapnia]] (excessive carbon dioxide).
In static apnea, the diver floats on the surface of the water, face down, and attempts to hold their breath for the maximum duration. Unlike other freediving disciplines, static apnea does not involve any movement or swimming, focusing solely on breath-hold duration.


== Safety ==
The discipline is often practiced in a pool, but it can also be performed in open water. Competitions are usually held in a controlled environment to ensure the safety of the participants.


Static apnea is considered one of the safest forms of freediving due to the controlled environment and the diver's lack of movement. However, it still carries risks such as [[shallow water blackout]], which can occur if the diver pushes their limits too far. Therefore, it is always performed with a safety diver or spotter present.
== Physiology ==


== Records ==
During static apnea, the body undergoes several physiological changes to conserve oxygen and extend the duration of the breath-hold. These include the [[mammalian dive reflex]], which involves a reduction in heart rate (bradycardia), peripheral vasoconstriction, and a shift in blood flow to vital organs such as the brain and heart.


The world record for static apnea is held by [[Branko Petrovic]], who held his breath for 11 minutes and 54 seconds in 2014. This record is recognized by the [[AIDA International]] (Association Internationale pour le Développement de l'Apnée), the worldwide federation for breath-hold diving.
The ability to hold one's breath for extended periods is also influenced by factors such as lung capacity, carbon dioxide tolerance, and mental relaxation techniques.


== Training ==
== Training ==


Training for static apnea involves physical and mental preparation. Physical training includes exercises to increase lung capacity and efficiency, such as [[pranayama]] (yogic breathing exercises) and [[cardiovascular exercise]]. Mental training involves techniques to calm the mind and body, such as [[meditation]] and [[visualization]].
Training for static apnea involves both physical and mental preparation. Physical training includes exercises to increase lung capacity and improve cardiovascular fitness. Mental training focuses on relaxation techniques, visualization, and meditation to help the diver remain calm and reduce oxygen consumption.


== See also ==
Safety is a critical aspect of training, and divers are advised to practice with a buddy or under the supervision of a qualified instructor.


* [[Dynamic apnea]]
== Safety ==
* [[No-limits apnea]]
 
* [[Freediving World Championships]]
Safety is paramount in static apnea, as prolonged breath-holding can lead to [[hypoxia]] and [[blackout (fainting)|blackout]]. Divers are trained to recognize the signs of hypoxia and to terminate the breath-hold before reaching a critical point.
 
Competitions and training sessions are conducted with safety protocols in place, including the presence of safety divers and medical personnel.
 
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Freediving]]
* [[Mammalian dive reflex]]
* [[Hypoxia]]
* [[AIDA International]]


[[Category:Freediving]]
[[Category:Freediving]]
[[Category:Underwater sports]]
[[Category:Breath-hold diving]]
{{Underwater-stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:24, 15 February 2025

Static Apnea[edit]

A freediver practicing static apnea.

Static apnea is a discipline of freediving where the participant holds their breath underwater for as long as possible while remaining stationary. It is one of the eight disciplines recognized by the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA), which is the worldwide federation for breath-hold diving.

Overview[edit]

In static apnea, the diver floats on the surface of the water, face down, and attempts to hold their breath for the maximum duration. Unlike other freediving disciplines, static apnea does not involve any movement or swimming, focusing solely on breath-hold duration.

The discipline is often practiced in a pool, but it can also be performed in open water. Competitions are usually held in a controlled environment to ensure the safety of the participants.

Physiology[edit]

During static apnea, the body undergoes several physiological changes to conserve oxygen and extend the duration of the breath-hold. These include the mammalian dive reflex, which involves a reduction in heart rate (bradycardia), peripheral vasoconstriction, and a shift in blood flow to vital organs such as the brain and heart.

The ability to hold one's breath for extended periods is also influenced by factors such as lung capacity, carbon dioxide tolerance, and mental relaxation techniques.

Training[edit]

Training for static apnea involves both physical and mental preparation. Physical training includes exercises to increase lung capacity and improve cardiovascular fitness. Mental training focuses on relaxation techniques, visualization, and meditation to help the diver remain calm and reduce oxygen consumption.

Safety is a critical aspect of training, and divers are advised to practice with a buddy or under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

Safety[edit]

Safety is paramount in static apnea, as prolonged breath-holding can lead to hypoxia and blackout. Divers are trained to recognize the signs of hypoxia and to terminate the breath-hold before reaching a critical point.

Competitions and training sessions are conducted with safety protocols in place, including the presence of safety divers and medical personnel.

Related Pages[edit]