With the modern invention of the SCUBA tank, exploration of the oceans has been changed dramatically, but still, people continue to free dive. Ancient people all around the world have been exploring the oceans for centuries without an air cylinder.
However, in the debate of SCUBA diving vs. freediving, the differences go deeper than just the equipment. While both are a similar adventure, the technique and overall experience between the two is vastly different, and each person has a particular perception of the dive. It is truly a matter of taste.
The most obvious difference between SCUBA diving vs. freediving is the use of an air tank and other relatively cumbersome equipment like masks, gloves, regulators, depth gauges, and in today’s age, a dive computer. In contrast, while you really don’t need anything to go free diving, the most basic equipment includes a mask and fins. It’s also common to wear a wetsuit and a snorkel depending on your objective. With freediving, the most important thing you dive with is your dive buddy.
When people started using tanks to explore oceans the technique had to evolve with the technology. SCUBA divers must pay careful attention to their ascents, descents and take routine safety stops to avoid decompression sickness. They have to be aware of the nitrogen levels in their bodies. This makes SCUBA diving a slower, more thought out adventure than freediving.
On the other hand, freedivers don’t have to worry about nitrogen levels or slow ascents and descents. Freedivers have much more maneuverability than SCUBA divers. However, freedivers are challenged to hold their breath throughout the entire dive. Freediving requires a great deal of practice and training to be able to stay down for an extended period of time.
While the differences in gear affect the technique, the technique affects the experience. So if you’re SCUBA diving, you will have the advantage of staying underwater for longer. The longer you stay down, the more time you have to observe marine life and underwater geographical features. This means the longer you stay underwater, the more your eyes will adjust to the dark lighting which can increase the vibrancy creating a totally different image than a freediver. The length of time also influences how much you can explore. For example, if you’re going down to an underwater shipwreck or canyon you will be able to explore it more thoroughly.
However, freediving also has its benefits. Without the need for a tank, a freediver is able to swim smoother through the water and have a different experience with marine life. There is no added noise or disturbance because you are simply holding your breath. This can allow a freediver to get up close to schools of fish or turtles without scaring them off.
It has also been pointed out by avid ocean explorers that one of the biggest differences between SCUBA diving vs. freediving is the sense of awareness. When you are SCUBA diving you are enabled to mainly focus externally on your surroundings and gear. You are constantly analyzing these things and reacting to external forces underwater.
In freediving, it has been described as a more inward-focused experience where you are challenging yourself while still exploring. Your perception of yourself and your surroundings are altered when your mind is in a survival state, and you have to pay careful attention to what your body is telling you.
While the debate of SCUBA diving vs. freediving can go on forever, Dreaming Sea Divers has the best of both worlds. Here at Dreaming Sea Divers, we offer classes and guided experiences for both types of diving. If you have any questions or want to learn more about us, head over to our contact page or give us a call at (607) 624-6770.