Do I already have to be able to scuba dive?

No. Bottle diving experience is not necessary at all.

What sporting requirements do you need?

You should definitely be able to swim 😉 and generally just feel comfortable in the water. That’s all you need.

What health requirements do I need?

You should be in good enough health to be able to do any other normal sport at your own level. If you have acute or chronic problems with your cardiovascular system or with your ears and sinuses, ask your doctor. Serious health problems, including past health problems, must be clarified with a doctor beforehand anyway. You will receive a questionnaire before each course.

Does apnea diving make you stupid in the head?

Of course, freediving doesn’t make you stupid. Even if we hold our breath until we want or need to breathe again, we still have such a high oxygen content in our blood that we are far from suffering any health disadvantages. It is even the case that more oxygen is delivered to the tissue and therefore also to the brain, especially in the first 1-2 minutes due to the rising CO2 level in the blood. Sure, you can force yourself not to breathe until you pass out. It’s obvious that this can be unhealthy if you keep repeating it. But that has nothing to do with healthy and responsible freediving.

Is freediving dangerous?

Anything that is unpredictable and involves a high risk of injury is dangerous. This does not apply to diving with your own air, as we do it! Of course, freediving is a sport. You can hurt yourself in sport. That’s just the way it is. Sometimes your ears can hurt or you can get hypothermia because you stay in the water too long for the fun of it. More serious injuries only occur in extreme diving competitions and even then it is very rare. There are more injuries in recreational soccer and skiing. Unfortunately, freediving or apnoea diving is almost exclusively portrayed in the media as an extreme sport. The most sensational activities are, of course, those in which there is an incalculable residual risk even for top athletes. This often creates the distorted image that freedivers are completely crazy “danger freaks” and underwater kamikazes. The reality is that, as in any sport, there are a few extremists.Out of tens of millions of car-drivers, only two dozen drive in circles at 300km/h. And as with mountaineering, only a few mountain sports enthusiasts enjoy a dangerous 8,000-metre expedition. Freediving is a sport that has a very low risk of injury if you follow the safety rules, dive within your limits and always go into the water with at least two people.

Are we pulled down with weight?

No, definitely not! Letting yourself be pulled down by weight is a special discipline within the sport of apnea for a few extreme divers. There are only a few who dive this way and the most extreme among them are sponsored by the bullish “lemonade industry” … which the media jumps on again. At Freediving El Hierro, we always dive in such a way that even with a weight belt we still float on the surface by ourselves – without having to do anything. The weight belt is only there to compensate for the buoyancy of the wetsuit. If we only had the wetsuit on, without a bit of weight, it would be impossible to go under.

Why is the fascinotion of apnea diving?

Fascination: “The floating”, the freedom of movement, the elegance, the fascination of experiencing the moment much more intensely as a freediver, the meditative state of feeling yourself, actively controlling your mental activity, achieving something in relaxation that you didn’t think was possible. These are the answers you hear from most “apnoeistas”. A diving session begins with relaxing physical exercises. Each individual dive is prepared with relaxation techniques and relaxation breathing. And then finally “being” in the water. Enjoying almost weightlessness in the deep blue and experiencing the moment intensely. All this brings body, mind and soul into a very fine, pleasant, soothing state. Yes, it’s probably the high level of presence and the intense, conscious focus on breathing and the body, combined with the peace and quiet.Beautiful nature experiences usually round off the diving session.

How deep do you have to dive?

You don’t have to go deep! The important thing is to have a fun, enjoyable and relaxed time in the water. Even 5 cm is enough for that!The fascinating thing is that the more relaxed you are, and if you take a few “tricks” to heart, the easier it is to dive deeper, further and longer.And most of the time, you will also meet the requirements for completing a diving course. The “best” diver is not the one who has gone the deepest, but the one who has had the most fun at the end of the day 🙂…

What is the risk of decompression sickness during a course?

Decompression sickness = “zero point zero” in recreational freediving. Decompression sickness (DCS) is almost exclusively suffered by scuba divers who disregard the safety rules. This has to do with the fact that you can stay at depth for so long with a scuba tank that surfacing too quickly damages the body because too much nitrogen accumulates in the blood. Apnoea dives are very short and you don’t dive with compressed air, which is responsible for the extra nitrogen. DCS symptoms can only afflict a freediver at such extreme depths and dive times that it is far beyond where we enjoy ourselves. And even in the high performance range, DCS symptoms are very, very rare.

Can you get a rapture of the deep?

No, sorry 🙂! Certainly not with us! Depth intoxication is a phenomenon that is only possible at diving depths that are in the range of competitive and high-performance sports. A danger zone from which we are far far away.

What are the main differences to scuba diving?

Scuba diving or freediving? Perhaps the best way to explain it is with a metaphor.You can climb a mountain on foot or reach the summit more easily with the help of a cable car. At the end, both the hiker and the cable car passenger enjoy the same view. However, the hiker has enjoyed the ascent in a completely different way despite the effort. He also has less time at the summit and yet he would lace up his boots again for the next mountain. Just as the gondola passenger loves to be carried comfortably to the top and have a good time with little effort.Bottle diving is fun and it is simply nice to be “down there” for a longer period of time. Freediving is certainly much more sporty and much more demanding in terms of body motor skills. Here are some of the arguments that most “apneistas” give for choosing to hold their breath: The floating, the freedom of movement, the elegance, the fascination of experiencing the moment much more intensely as a freediver, the meditative state of feeling yourself, actively controlling your mental activity, accomplishing something in relaxation that you didn’t think was possible.

What equipment do I need?

Everything you need for freediving can be rented here at Freediving El Hierro. There may only be a bottleneck with special sizes. This is easily solved if we come to an agreement.Of course, it is always good to have your own equipment. Especially if you want to regularly get to the bottom of the water from 2** upwards. A perfectly fitting diving mask is probably the most important part of your equipment. Ideally an apnea mask, of course. There are also products optimized for freediving that make perfect sense when it comes to snorkels, fins, wetsuits and even weight belts.You don’t need to carry any weights with you. You can borrow it here free of charge for everyone who dives with us.If you have any questions or are unsure about something, e.g. a purchase decision, just contact us. We are happy to give you tips, because hardly any diving store is well stocked with freediving products. Not to mention that most of them have no idea what an apnoea diver really needs.

Two fins or mono fin, which is better?

First of all. We always dive with two fins on the courses. There are reasons for this: It’s more practical and we can handle two fins intuitively. You have to learn to use the mono fin efficiently separately … or remember your dolphin nature 🙂. With two fins, you are more agile in the water and have more stamina. That’s why two fins, also known as bi-fins or stereo fins, are the right tool when it comes to being agile. This means, for example, in diving lessons, in training, as a safety diver for your diving buddy, when you want to cover long distances, when taking underwater photos, when hunting underwater, etc., etc. . Two fins are simply super practical! A fin, also known as a monofin, makes a lot of sense when it comes to efficiency within a certain time. In other words, if you want to make an extremely deep dive or dive a very long distance under water. The dolphin-like diving motion allows for maximum streamlining and propulsion. The catch is that diving cleanly with a mono fin is not easy. In other words, the technique needs to be learned. In addition, the “shackled” feet make you less maneuverable.If you can deal with this and accept the limitations in terms of agility and endurance, a monofin is also a lot of fun when “free diving” to discover the flora and fauna. The elegance of movement and the seemingly effortless gliding have a fascination of their own when moving through the water. So, it’s not about what’s better. It’s about what I want to do or experience.

When is the best time to visit El Hierro?

The best time is always. Because you can dive in the sea around El Hierro all year round.Of course, the water and air are warmer in summer than from January to mid-April. But even in the “cold season”, you’ll be properly dressed in shorts or a T-shirt on most days. The water temperature in winter is 20° degrees in summer 26° and more. A 5 mm wetsuit always works. From July to November we dive with 3 mm.

What is so special about El Hierro?

The island is very natural. In more ways than one. Due to the somewhat more complex journey, it remains far away from the tourist crowds. El Hierro has a lot of nature and tranquillity to offer. The water is clear and rich in fish. Visibility is usually over 20 m downwards. The underwater landscapes are unique due to the “young” volcanic origin. El Hierro is rich in dive sites, all of which have their own special charm. Because the island is so small, you can always find a “diveable” location within a short space of time. No matter what the wind, weather or waves are like. El Hierro is said to have the most micro-climates in the world in such a small area.

Is freediving healthy?

Freediving is healthy. In any case. Breathing, rest, concentration, relaxation, experiencing nature and, of course, lots of movement in the water. Blood pressure drops, blood vessels dilate. There is often a fear of too little oxygen due to breath holding. The opposite is the case. In the first 1-2 minutes, the oxygen supply in the tissue actually improves. This has to do with the rising CO2 level. Holding your breath for a long time until the oxygen in your body drops dangerously is a borderline area where top athletes experiment in competition. This has nothing to do with normal freediving.

FAQ

Do I already have to be able to scuba dive?
No. Bottle diving experience is not necessary at all.
What sporting requirements do you need?
You should definitely be able to swim 😉 and generally just feel comfortable in the water. That’s all you need.
What health requirements do I need?
You should be in good enough health to be able to do any other normal sport at your own level. If you have acute or chronic problems with your cardiovascular system or with your ears and sinuses, ask your doctor.

Serious health problems, including past health problems, must be clarified with a doctor beforehand anyway. You will receive a questionnaire before each course.
Does apnea diving make you stupid in the head?
Of course, freediving doesn’t make you stupid. Even if we hold our breath until we want or need to breathe again, we still have such a high oxygen content in our blood that we are far from suffering any health disadvantages.

It is even the case that more oxygen is delivered to the tissue and therefore also to the brain, especially in the first 1-2 minutes due to the rising CO2 level in the blood.

Sure, you can force yourself not to breathe until you pass out. It’s obvious that this can be unhealthy if you keep repeating it. But that has nothing to do with healthy and responsible freediving.
Is freediving dangerous?
Anything that is unpredictable and involves a high risk of injury is dangerous. This does not apply to diving with your own air, as we do it! Of course, freediving is a sport. You can hurt yourself in sport. That’s just the way it is. Sometimes your ears can hurt or you can get hypothermia because you stay in the water too long for the fun of it. More serious injuries only occur in extreme diving competitions and even then it is very rare. There are more injuries in recreational soccer and skiing.

Unfortunately, freediving or apnoea diving is almost exclusively portrayed in the media as an extreme sport. The most sensational activities are, of course, those in which there is an incalculable residual risk even for top athletes. This often creates the distorted image that freedivers are completely crazy “danger freaks” and underwater kamikazes. The reality is that, as in any sport, there are a few extremists.
Out of tens of millions of car-drivers, only two dozen drive in circles at 300km/h. And as with mountaineering, only a few mountain sports enthusiasts enjoy a dangerous 8,000-metre expedition.

Freediving is a sport that has a very low risk of injury if you follow the safety rules, dive within your limits and always go into the water with at least two people.
Are we pulled down with weight?
No, definitely not! Letting yourself be pulled down by weight is a special discipline within the sport of apnea for a few extreme divers. There are only a few who dive this way and the most extreme among them are sponsored by the bullish “lemonade industry” … which the media jumps on again.

At Freediving El Hierro, we always dive in such a way that even with a weight belt we still float on the surface by ourselves – without having to do anything. The weight belt is only there to compensate for the buoyancy of the wetsuit. If we only had the wetsuit on, without a bit of weight, it would be impossible to go under.
Why is the fascinotion of apnea diving?
Fascination: “The floating”, the freedom of movement, the elegance, the fascination of experiencing the moment much more intensely as a freediver, the meditative state of feeling yourself, actively controlling your mental activity, achieving something in relaxation that you didn’t think was possible. These are the answers you hear from most “apnoeistas”.

A diving session begins with relaxing physical exercises. Each individual dive is prepared with relaxation techniques and relaxation breathing. And then finally “being” in the water. Enjoying almost weightlessness in the deep blue and experiencing the moment intensely. All this brings body, mind and soul into a very fine, pleasant, soothing state.

Yes, it’s probably the high level of presence and the intense, conscious focus on breathing and the body, combined with the peace and quiet.
Beautiful nature experiences usually round off the diving session.
How deep do you have to dive?
You don’t have to go deep! The important thing is to have a fun, enjoyable and relaxed time in the water. Even 5 cm is enough for that!
The fascinating thing is that the more relaxed you are, and if you take a few “tricks” to heart, the easier it is to dive deeper, further and longer.
And most of the time, you will also meet the requirements for completing a diving course. The “best” diver is not the one who has gone the deepest, but the one who has had the most fun at the end of the day 🙂…
What is the risk of decompression sickness during a course?
Decompression sickness = “zero point zero” in recreational freediving. Decompression sickness (DCS) is almost exclusively suffered by scuba divers who disregard the safety rules. This has to do with the fact that you can stay at depth for so long with a scuba tank that surfacing too quickly damages the body because too much nitrogen accumulates in the blood.

Apnoea dives are very short and you don’t dive with compressed air, which is responsible for the extra nitrogen. DCS symptoms can only afflict a freediver at such extreme depths and dive times that it is far beyond where we enjoy ourselves. And even in the high performance range, DCS symptoms are very, very rare.
Can you get a rapture of the deep?
No, sorry 🙂! Certainly not with us! Depth intoxication is a phenomenon that is only possible at diving depths that are in the range of competitive and high-performance sports. A danger zone from which we are far far away.
What are the main differences to scuba diving?
Scuba diving or freediving? Perhaps the best way to explain it is with a metaphor.
You can climb a mountain on foot or reach the summit more easily with the help of a cable car. At the end, both the hiker and the cable car passenger enjoy the same view. However, the hiker has enjoyed the ascent in a completely different way despite the effort. He also has less time at the summit and yet he would lace up his boots again for the next mountain. Just as the gondola passenger loves to be carried comfortably to the top and have a good time with little effort.
Bottle diving is fun and it is simply nice to be “down there” for a longer period of time. Freediving is certainly much more sporty and much more demanding in terms of body motor skills.
Here are some of the arguments that most “apneistas” give for choosing to hold their breath:
The floating, the freedom of movement, the elegance, the fascination of experiencing the moment much more intensely as a freediver, the meditative state of feeling yourself, actively controlling your mental activity, accomplishing something in relaxation that you didn’t think was possible.
What equipment do I need?
Everything you need for freediving can be rented here at Freediving El Hierro. There may only be a bottleneck with special sizes. This is easily solved if we come to an agreement.
Of course, it is always good to have your own equipment. Especially if you want to regularly get to the bottom of the water from 2** upwards. A perfectly fitting diving mask is probably the most important part of your equipment. Ideally an apnea mask, of course. There are also products optimized for freediving that make perfect sense when it comes to snorkels, fins, wetsuits and even weight belts.
You don’t need to carry any weights with you. You can borrow it here free of charge for everyone who dives with us.
If you have any questions or are unsure about something, e.g. a purchase decision, just contact us. We are happy to give you tips, because hardly any diving store is well stocked with freediving products. Not to mention that most of them have no idea what an apnoea diver really needs.
Two fins or mono fin, which is better?
First of all. We always dive with two fins on the courses. There are reasons for this: It’s more practical and we can handle two fins intuitively. You have to learn to use the mono fin efficiently separately … or remember your dolphin nature 🙂.

With two fins, you are more agile in the water and have more stamina. That’s why two fins, also known as bi-fins or stereo fins, are the right tool when it comes to being agile. This means, for example, in diving lessons, in training, as a safety diver for your diving buddy, when you want to cover long distances, when taking underwater photos, when hunting underwater, etc., etc. . Two fins are simply super practical!

A fin, also known as a monofin, makes a lot of sense when it comes to efficiency within a certain time. In other words, if you want to make an extremely deep dive or dive a very long distance under water. The dolphin-like diving motion allows for maximum streamlining and propulsion. The catch is that diving cleanly with a mono fin is not easy. In other words, the technique needs to be learned. In addition, the “shackled” feet make you less maneuverable.
If you can deal with this and accept the limitations in terms of agility and endurance, a monofin is also a lot of fun when “free diving” to discover the flora and fauna. The elegance of movement and the seemingly effortless gliding have a fascination of their own when moving through the water.

So, it’s not about what’s better. It’s about what I want to do or experience.
When is the best time to visit El Hierro?
The best time is always. Because you can dive in the sea around El Hierro all year round.
Of course, the water and air are warmer in summer than from January to mid-April. But even in the “cold season”, you’ll be properly dressed in shorts or a T-shirt on most days. The water temperature in winter is 20° degrees in summer 26° and more. A 5 mm wetsuit always works. From July to November we dive with 3 mm.
What is so special about El Hierro?
The island is very natural. In more ways than one. Due to the somewhat more complex journey, it remains far away from the tourist crowds. El Hierro has a lot of nature and tranquillity to offer. The water is clear and rich in fish. Visibility is usually over 20 m downwards. The underwater landscapes are unique due to the “young” volcanic origin. El Hierro is rich in dive sites, all of which have their own special charm. Because the island is so small, you can always find a “diveable” location within a short space of time. No matter what the wind, weather or waves are like. El Hierro is said to have the most micro-climates in the world in such a small area.
Is freediving healthy?
Freediving is healthy. In any case. Breathing, rest, concentration, relaxation, experiencing nature and, of course, lots of movement in the water. Blood pressure drops, blood vessels dilate.

There is often a fear of too little oxygen due to breath holding. The opposite is the case. In the first 1-2 minutes, the oxygen supply in the tissue actually improves. This has to do with the rising CO2 level.

Holding your breath for a long time until the oxygen in your body drops dangerously is a borderline area where top athletes experiment in competition. This has nothing to do with normal freediving.