Experience Freediving in Korea: Beginner's Guide to 35m Paradive Pool Training

Oct 9, 2024

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Hello, this is Leo, the instructor at VONFREEDIVE!

Under the clear autumn sky, I visited the 'Paradive' pool, a 35m deep diving pool, for a new diving experience. Today, I'd like to share a review of the freediving session I conducted with some participants. Through this post, I hope you feel confident that anyone can challenge themselves with freediving and succeed!

Introducing the Paradive Diving Pool

Paradive, located near Seoul, is one of Korea's deepest indoor diving pools, boasting a maximum depth of 35m. The facility is well-equipped to cater to various diving levels, from beginners to advanced divers, providing a great environment for training.

Address: Paradive1st Central Road, Gubukseom, Siheung City, Gyeonggi Province, Korea

Theory Education and Stretching Session

Freediving is not just about diving into water; safety and technique are crucial aspects of the sport. In the second theory class, we placed a strong emphasis on freediving safety. The role of a buddy in freediving is vital—your buddy must always monitor and support you. We also learned about LMC (Loss of Motor Control) and BO (Blackout), their symptoms, and how to prevent them. Moreover, we discussed the necessary rest periods between freediving and scuba diving.

Later in the session, we covered freediving techniques. From Duck diving (the technique of entering the water from the surface) to Line orientation (following the line underwater without losing direction), turning (changing direction at a specific depth), and finally ascending—we broke down each technique step by step.

After the theory session, we moved on to the stretching session, where we learned how to make our body movements smoother underwater and how stretching the breathing muscles helps prevent injuries and improves breathing efficiency.

Pool Practice Session

During the pool practice, we applied the lessons learned in the theory session. First, we practiced rescuing someone in case of an LMC or BO. The focus was on how to respond safely when a buddy loses consciousness or control.

In the dynamic practice session, we trained to move horizontally over long distances while controlling our breathing and improving our movements in the water.

We also practiced equalization to manage the pressure that increases with depth.

Finally, we wrapped up with duck diving practice, where we honed the technique of smoothly entering the water from the surface. Even the beginners quickly got the hang of it and successfully completed their duck dives.

Freediving: A Sport for Everyone

Freediving might seem like a challenging sport where you face great depths, but in reality, anyone can take it on. The participants gained confidence and enjoyment through this session, fully experiencing the charm of freediving.

The basics of freediving are 'safety' and 'trusting yourself.' Although it may seem difficult at first, with proper education and practice, you can quickly improve your skills. I encourage you to give it a try! It will be a time to focus on your breath and discover a new side of yourself underwater.

Conclusion

This experience at Paradive showed me that freediving is more than just a sport; it's a special time for deep communication with yourself in the water. Even the beginners who tried freediving for the first time completed the session smoothly and gained confidence.

I hope you also give freediving a try. It's a sport that anyone can start and excel at. I look forward to seeing you in the next session!