Freediving Basics

Free Diving Discipline's 

Static Apnea (STA)

The free diver holds his or her breath for as  long as possible with the mouth and nose submerged. Most free divers float face down in the water.
Static apnea is the only discipline measuring the duration one can hold their breath. Performances can be recognised in a pool or open water.

Dynamic Apnea With Fins (DYN)

The free diver swims in a horizontal position underwater attempting to cover the greatest possible distance. The use of fins such as Bi fins or a mono fin will greatly increase your success. The mono fin being the most preferred choice for long distance swims.

Dynamic Apnea Without Fins (DNF)

The free diver swims in a horizontal position underwater (generally in a pool) attempting to cover the greatest possible distance, no fins or propulsion aids are allowed.
Dynamic apnea without fins is the most natural of all disciplines. Good technique is very important in this discipline.

Constant Weight (CWT)

The free diver descends and ascends a line by kicking. The diver must return to the surface with the same amount of weight they descended with. The diver can use the line as a guide however can only pull on the line when they turn.  A base plate is set at the nominated depth where the diver must retrieve a tag. They are attached to the line with a lanyard.  Most successful divers use bi or mono fins for this discipline. The mono fin proving to more successful on deeper dives.  
Constant weight , dynamic apnea with fins and static apnea are the three disciplines that are considered for international individual and team events.

Constant Weight Without Fins (CWF)

The diver descends and ascends underwater down a line using their own muscle power, no propulsion equipment is allowed (fins) The diver can stay in contact with the line but must not pull it until he/she reaches the bottom to begin their ascent.
Constant weight without fins is the most difficult depth discipline,  it requires perfect coordination between propulsion, equalisation and technique.

Free Immersion (FIM)

The free diver must descend  and ascend  by pulling on a rope without the use of fins. Weights can be worn, but the freediver must return to the surface with the same amount of weight. Free immersion provides one of the purest sensations in the water.

Variable Weight (VWT)

The free diver descends with the help of a ballast weight, such as a weighted sled with up to a third of their body weight and ascends using his/her own power be either kicking /or pulling on the rope.
The sleds are designed to carry the diver feet first.

No Limits

The freediver descends on a weighted sled and returns to the surface using a lift bag that is inflated by the freediver at depth.
When the diver reaches the desired depth, the  diver disconnects the lift bag portion off the sled and inflates it by using compressed air. The diver is then lifted to the surface.
No limit is the deepest discipline in freediving. It involves little physical exertion and it takes an enormous amount of mental control.