Expert: Lorena Kerr - 8/17/2004

Question
hey, my name is Rick and i am currently training to go into the Navy's SEAL program and i would like to know if you can help me. I am in top shape and would like to be able to swim underwater for a long distance, atleast 50 meters. Right now im at 25m. i was wondering if you had any tips on holding my breath. Thanks alot

                           Rick

Answer
Rick --

Good question.  Yes, there are some tricks that will work.  

1.  You have to be completely relaxed.  The harder your heart beats, the more oxygen it will need.  So before you swim, be sure to take a minute and consciously relax your whole body.  

2.  This sounds crazy, but DON'T take a huge breath.  The bigger the breath you take, the more likely you are to need to exhale quickly.  In fact, it might be easiest if you just "stop" breathing.  

3.  Once you're in the water, don't panic, just stay relaxed.  Try to get as far as you can without moving very much -- the more you move, the more oxygen you need (but don't go slow, either.)  Work on economizing your strokes so that you can get the most distance and speed out of the fewest strokes.

4.  When you absolutely HAVE to take a breath, try one of two things: swallowing or exhaling (if you exhale, be sure it's not a lot of air).  Somehow doing either of these things will release the pressure in your lungs, for a little while at least.

Hope this is helpful for you.  Good luck in your training, and feel free to ask if you have any more questions.  Good luck!

Lorena