Dynamic apnea

Dynamic apnea is a discipline of freediving where the diver moves horizontally under water, attempting to cover the greatest possible distance. This can be done with or without the use of fins.

Overview

Dynamic apnea is one of the eight official disciplines of AIDA International, the worldwide federation for breath-hold diving. The discipline requires a combination of physical strength, technique, and efficient oxygen use.

In dynamic apnea, the diver starts from the surface of the water, takes a deep breath, and dives under the water. The diver then swims horizontally under the water for as long as they can hold their breath, covering as much distance as possible. The dive ends when the diver surfaces and gives a signal to the judges.

There are two categories of dynamic apnea: Dynamic With Fins (DYN) and Dynamic No Fins (DNF). In DYN, divers use a monofin or bi-fins to propel themselves through the water. In DNF, divers use a modified breaststroke technique.

Techniques

In dynamic apnea, divers use various techniques to maximize their performance. These include:

• Breath-holding techniques: Divers use specific breathing techniques before the dive to maximize their oxygen intake and during the dive to conserve oxygen.
• Swimming techniques: In DYN, divers use a dolphin kick technique with a monofin or a flutter kick with bi-fins. In DNF, divers use a modified breaststroke technique.
• Streamlining: Divers try to reduce drag by keeping their body in a straight line and minimizing unnecessary movements.

Records

The world records for dynamic apnea are recognized by AIDA International. As of 2021, the men's world record for DYN is 300 meters, held by Mateusz Malina of Poland. The women's world record for DYN is 243 meters, held by Magdalena Solich-Talanda of Poland.

The men's world record for DNF is 244 meters, held by Mateusz Malina of Poland. The women's world record for DNF is 191 meters, held by Natalia Molchanova of Russia.

See also

• Static apnea
• Depth disciplines
• Freediving World Championships