I love freediving. But I almost blacked out and drowned once when I was doing it alone, hours hike away from anyone. Sure enough, I was using hyperventilation, which I didn't know back then was a big mistake.
When I think back about it, it's crazy how close I was to death. Learned my lesson that day. As she says in the article, don't do it alone.
I made it back to the surface and started feeling that familiar dizziness / light headed sensation. Not sure how to explain. Similar to when you stand up too quickly sometimes and feel like you're going to pass out.
I started swimming towards shore, pulled myself on the rocks there and rested. It felt weirdly wonderful. Warm rocks heating up my body, and a great sensation of calm. Only after a few minutes did I understand the gravity of what had just happened.
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I love freediving. But I almost blacked out and drowned once when I was doing it alone, hours hike away from anyone. Sure enough, I was using hyperventilation, which I didn't know back then was a big mistake.
When I think back about it, it's crazy how close I was to death. Learned my lesson that day. As she says in the article, don't do it alone.
How did you know you almost blacked out? I'm most terrified of the stories that you can fade without knowing
I made it back to the surface and started feeling that familiar dizziness / light headed sensation. Not sure how to explain. Similar to when you stand up too quickly sometimes and feel like you're going to pass out.
I started swimming towards shore, pulled myself on the rocks there and rested. It felt weirdly wonderful. Warm rocks heating up my body, and a great sensation of calm. Only after a few minutes did I understand the gravity of what had just happened.