Different Freediving Disciplines Explained

Freediving has been steadily gaining popularity as more people discover the serenity, thrill, and challenges that come with diving deep into the ocean without the use of scuba gear. Whether you're new to freediving or an experienced diver looking to improve, understanding the various disciplines is key to mastering this breathtaking sport.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the different freediving disciplines, each of which tests specific skills and endurance. From plunging into the depths with just a single breath to static challenges on the surface, freediving offers something for every type of underwater explorer.

What is Freediving?

Before we jump into the individual disciplines, let's break down what freediving actually is. Freediving is the act of diving underwater while holding your breath, often with minimal equipment. Unlike scuba diving, there’s no breathing apparatus involved, which creates a more intimate connection between the diver and the underwater world.

This sport requires mastery of breathing techniques, mental focus, and understanding of how the body reacts to pressure and depth. As you progress, you'll likely want to try out different disciplines to challenge your limits and experience new aspects of the ocean.

Freediving isn’t a one-size-fits-all activity. The range of disciplines reflects the diverse ways people enjoy the sport. Some disciplines emphasize depth, while others test endurance or time spent underwater. By trying different styles, divers can improve specific skills, whether it's breath-holding ability, fin technique, or comfort in deeper water.

Common Freediving Disciplines

1. Constant Weight Freediving - CWT

Constant Weight Freediving, or CWT, is one of the most popular and well-known freediving disciplines. In this type of dive, the freediver descends and ascends using a monofin (or bifins) without changing the weight they carry.

• Depth-oriented

  Divers aim to reach the maximum depth possible.

• Use of fins

  Most divers use a monofin or bifins.

• No changes in weight

  The diver carries the same weight throughout the dive, adding an extra layer of challenge due to the changes in buoyancy at different depths.

Who’s it for - CWT is perfect for those who love the challenge of going deep and enjoy the sensation of gliding through the water with the help of fins.

2. Free Immersion - FIM

In Free Immersion, divers use a rope to pull themselves down and back up without the use of fins. This discipline eliminates the need for leg propulsion, putting more focus on arm strength and technique.

• No fins

  No monofin or bifins are used, allowing divers to focus on controlled rope pulling.

• Calming descent and ascent

  Many find FIM to be a more meditative experience, as it can feel more controlled and steady.

• Depth-based

  Like CWT, the aim is to achieve the maximum depth, but with a slower, methodical approach.

Who’s it for - FIM is great for those who prefer a more relaxed, controlled dive, and it’s often used as a training discipline for divers looking to improve their equalization techniques.

3. Constant Weight Without Fins - CNF

As the name suggests, Constant Weight Without Fins (CNF) is similar to CWT but without any fins. Divers rely solely on their arms and legs to descend and ascend.

• Pure body propulsion

  With no fins, this discipline demands strong technique and efficiency in movement.

• Depth challenge

  Like CWT and FIM, the goal is to achieve maximum depth.

• Physical demand

  CNF is one of the most physically challenging freediving disciplines because it requires a great deal of stamina and full-body coordination.

Who’s it for - CNF is best suited for divers who want to push their physical limits and improve overall body technique in the water.

4. Static Apnea - STA

Static Apnea is all about holding your breath for as long as possible while floating on the surface of the water, usually face down.

• Focus on breath-hold duration

  This discipline is time-based, with the goal being to hold your breath for the longest time possible.

• No movement

  Unlike other disciplines, there’s no diving or movement involved.

• Mental game

  STA is as much about mental endurance as it is physical, requiring deep focus and relaxation.

Who’s it for - Divers looking to improve their breath-holding abilities and mental focus often train in STA. It’s a great starting point for beginners but also a discipline that experienced divers use to push their limits.

5. Dynamic Apnea - DYN

In Dynamic Apnea, divers swim horizontally underwater, typically in a pool, aiming to cover the longest distance possible on a single breath.

• Distance-focused

  The objective is to cover as much distance as possible while submerged.

• Fins or no fins

  Dynamic apnea can be done with a monofin, bifins, or no fins at all (known as Dynamic No Fins, or DNF).

• Pool discipline

  Most DYN events take place in controlled pool environments, making it one of the most accessible freediving disciplines.

Who’s it for - If you enjoy pushing your breath-hold while swimming, DYN is for you. It’s also great for anyone looking to practice in a controlled environment like a pool before venturing into open water.

6. Variable Weight - VWT

Variable Weight Freediving (VWT) is a discipline where the diver uses a weighted sled to descend, and then ascends using their own power, whether by finning or pulling on a rope.

• Assisted descent

  A weighted sled allows divers to focus on equalization and relaxation during the descent.

• Own power ascent

  Divers must ascend under their own power, either by using fins or pulling on a rope.

• Depth-focused

  Like CWT and FIM, VWT is all about achieving the greatest depth possible.

Who’s it for - VWT is perfect for those who want to experience deeper depths but prefer to conserve energy on the way down, focusing on equalization and the ascent.

7. No Limits - NLT

No Limits is the most extreme and risky freediving discipline. In NLT, divers descend with a weighted sled and ascend using a lift bag or other buoyancy device. There are essentially no restrictions on how deep a diver can go, hence the name.

• Maximal depth

  This discipline allows divers to achieve the greatest possible depths.

• Mechanical assistance

  Both the descent and ascent involve mechanical aids, such as sleds and balloons.

• High risk

  Due to the extreme depths reached, this discipline carries significant risks, and it’s only for highly experienced divers.

Who’s it for - NLT is for the true adrenaline junkies and experienced freedivers who want to explore the outermost limits of human capacity.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Freediving Discipline

Freediving offers a rich variety of experiences for both beginners and seasoned pros. Whether you're looking to explore serene underwater environments, push the limits of your physical and mental endurance, or challenge yourself to reach new depths, there's a freediving discipline for you.

As you progress, you may find that mastering one discipline leads to an interest in others, each offering its own set of skills and rewards. Whatever path you choose, freediving offers an unparalleled connection to the ocean and yourself. So, grab your fins (or don’t!), take a deep breath, and dive in.