Koh Tao Freediving

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Koh Tao Freediving

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Discover the underwater world in the most natural way possible

and experience it in the closest way we can to the creatures of the sea. Freediving, otherwise known as apnea, is diving with a single breath of air.
The human body shares with marine mammals the ability to lower the heart rate while underwater at pressure to enable the body to tolerate low levels of oxygen. Called ‘the mammalian dive reflex’, we can learn to extend our time underwater and dive like a dolphin ! Triggered by cold water on the face, this reflex causes three things to happen; lowering of the heart rate, narrowing of blood vessels, and ‘blood shift’. Our hidden aquatic potential can be realized by physiological and psychological training and freediving courses will teach the skills and techniques such as breathing and relaxation exercises to help develop this hidden ability.

Koh Tao Freediving Courses

Koh Tao is a great place to start studying freediving because of its warm climate, clear and calm water and various marine life. Koh Tao’s freediving course levels offered range from beginner to professional with each course designed to suit the ability of each individual. The first freediving school on Koh Tao was established in 2004. It is now more widely available with training through the Apnea Total Education system, SSI and PADI.

A ‘beginner’ course takes only 2 days and teaches the basics of this challenging sport where you will learn about the equipment, physiology, skills, breathing techniques and safety regulations. Yoga is also introduced to help improve skills. In just a few days it is surprising how fast it is to learn and improve, with students being able to freedive up to 20 metres and breath hold up to 3 minutes. In no time at all you will be encountering the underwater world in a new and exciting way using only your body and mind.

Koh Tao Freediving

Koh Tao Freediving
Photo by Apnea Total

If you fall in love with this challenging sport, you can continue learning with more advanced courses and even go on to become an instructor or competitor.

An advanced course takes 3 days with further knowledge development and breathing techniques to improve potential and enable deeper dives to a maximum of 30 metres and breath holding over 3 minutes.