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Book Review: Freediving — The Book of Freediving
About the authors:
Kimmo Lahtinen, AIDA education committee 2005–2009, AIDA president 2010–2016. Freediving qualifications: AIDA instructor trainer and A-level judge.
Simo Kurra, AIDA education committee 2007–2009, the “father” of AIDA IT systems: EOS, CARS, JOS, AAT. Freediving qualifications: AIDA instructor trainer.
Ari Nissinen, D.Sc. (Tech) and freediver.
‘Freediving’ is a 159 page book designed for a reader wanting to take their skill set and understand their bodies beyond the level of casual snorkelling. The suggested training plans at the end are designed to take the reader to a high level of competitive diving.
The authors are extremely experienced Freedivers, and the Bibliography not only shows the amount of research gone into the book, but also gives the reader many avenues for further in depth reading around the subject.
One of the first things you notice when you pick up the book is that it is a quality product, and a quick flick through you can see that it is well presented with good use of pictures and separate text boxes for key points.
The scope of the book covers a brief history of Freediving. It covers diving physics and physiology, safety and rescue and a good section on nutrition. It then breaks the skill set of Freediving down into pool and open water freediving. It certainly guides the reader towards competitive diving, whilst discussing recreational diving and its merits.
The book reads like a breath of fresh air. So many times I’ve sat down to read something on the sport of freediving that is littered with blatant misinformation from a lack of understanding by the author. I’ve especially noticed this problem in mediums like magazines, newspapers and forums. There are many nuggets of useful information, which really can only be explained by experienced Freedivers. Advice and direction that is obvious to the experienced diver is often missed on forums and magazine articles; these are true Freedivers talking about their sport and trying to get their points across like a good coach would in a session. It is worth reading a section more than once so you don’t miss these important parts.
There are many in depth descriptions of pool and open water diving skills which are excellent – they give a really good overview of many of the types of equipment choices we have, why we would make them and then good descriptions on how to execute good technique. One part of the book I wasn’t completely comfortable with was the section on packing and mouthfill. It was only skimmed over, but I would prefer to designate an entire teaching to the subject and the pros / cons and also the potential injuries that could be caused from improper use. The author almost convinces you to not practice packing, and mentions that it is potentially fatal, but does overview the skill set so now the reader can go away and practice. This is the one skill that could really pose problems, even dry. I think a larger section in the book, if it is to be covered at all, would have been better.
Immediately after that section however is a good sized chapter on safety, a chapter I have rarely seen given so much time in any other book, so this is a good thing. It really highlights many of the systems we have so the reader is under no doubt of the need for full safety systems in place rather than risking solo diving or being looked after by a casual unqualified observer.
Clearly these authors are proponents of the philosophy I adhere to. Repetition of skills and depths, consolidation, relaxation and comfort, and enjoy to achieve. I almost feel this has become an old school philosophy but hope it isn’t lost. This philosophy is reemphasised throughout the chapters.
‘Obsessive pursuit of personal bests easily leads to near-miss situations and even blackouts’
In short this is a useful book for beginners, and intermediate Freedivers. It is also a great resource for use as course material for various types of class and training situations. Worth the money, a good read.
You can source it here: www.freexperience.com/freediving-book.html
And Amazon here.
The E-book is available for ipad and Android users. Kindle version in progress…
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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