Freediving is actually split into many different categories.  Divers choose whether they want to dive for time, depth or distance. Freediving has proven benefits on your mind and body. It can be done both recreationally and competitively. 

Let’s take a look at the different types of freediving:

Static Apnea 

During this type of freedive, the diver spends time in the water without moving and holding their breath to see how long they can last. This is freediving for time and the diver remains still to conserve energy and oxygen. Usually done in a swimming pool, it is often considered as one of the more difficult types of freediving to get good at. 

Dynamic Apnea 

In a pool, the diver swims in a pool while they hold their breath. This can be practiced with (DYN) or without fins (DNF). Divers that have trouble equalizing will enjoy the fact that they can still freedive without the issue of depth. 

No Limits Freediving (NLF)

Often considered as the most dangerous and extreme type of freediving, the diver uses weights to go to a depth, a buoyancy aid like a lift bag is often used to return up to the surface. 

Free Immersion Freediving (FIM)

The diver pulls down on a rope and pulls up on the rope as they dive to depth. This conserves energy as the diver is not swimming. The diver will descend as deep as possible. Ear equalization is considered easier during this type of freediving as the diver descends on a rope at their own will. 

Constant Weight Freediving with Fins (CNT)

The most common type of competitive freediving, constant weight freediving, is when a freediving uses fins to swim downwards and ascend. The diver can use either bi-fins or a monofin. The only time divers can touch the line is to stop their descent. 

Constant Weight Freediving without Fins (CNF)

Considered by most as the purest form of freediving this is diving to depth without fins. For this, the diver has to swim down and upwards. This means mastering certain finning and swimming techniques. Swimming uses up more oxygen than using a line. The diver also has to focus on equalizing and swimming while remaining streamlined. The diver has the same amount of weight as they descend and ascend. 

Variable Weight Freediving (VWT)

Although this is not considered a competitive type of freediving, divers use additional weight to descend and then swim upwards by themselves. This is about testing depth as the weight pulls the diver rapidly downwards. It can be difficult to equalize during this descent.