Depth Training Experience with Ocean Limits PH

I was actually introduced to freediving in the last quarter of 2017. It was just a spontaneous trip with a few friends and never have I ever thought that I’ll take it seriously a year after. See, I’ve joined and did a lot of fun dives. There goes the one in Coron in Palawan, Apo Reef in Mindoro Occidental, Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental, a lot in Batangas including Summer Cruise and Danke Laia. Yet, I still never had a formal training and introduction.

This year, I was invited by a friend who also freedive to do a line training for a weekend. I was hesitant for two reasons: one, I’m afraid I could not go as deep as they would go; two, I live for fun dives in spots where reef is alive and colorful and that’s mainly it. But then, I realized, I think it’s about time to formally learn about freediving for safety reasons.

About Ocean Limits PH

My Line Training Experience with Ocean Limits

Moving past the 10-meter marker Diving with Decathlon’s SUBEA freediving gear Read the honest review here

Day 1. I have attended the training with basic knowledge on Freediving like what Freediving is, equalization, duck diving, finning and the gear per se. Upon arrival at Nenita Casapao resort, I changed into my diving outfit and got into the waters. I was in a buoy with two other divers and Coach-Doc Irene. We were initially taught on how to descend properly with the rope; especially how to hold it. We did Free Immersion as a warm up with the line set at ten meters. Ally, Doc Polly and I took turns in descending. I did it 10 meters the first time I descended maybe because I have been diving at that depth even before the training. Then, when we were finally ready Coach Irene dropped the weights down to 20 meters. 

The thought of that depth made my heart raced. Could I even do it? I asked. This time, Coach Irene got a lanyard – one end at the line and the other end wrapped around the forearm of the diver. We’re asked first if we’ll do Free Immersion (FIM) or Constant Weight (CWT) which at first I didn’t know the difference (I told her I’ll do FIM but I did CWT lol that’s when Coach Irene knew that I didn’t know stuff, so I was given a formal introduction to the sport). It’s noted: it is Constant Weight if I descend and ascend with fins, with weights or none, without touching the rope except when I turn. It’s Free Immersion if I ascend and descend without finning or any propulsion equipment and constantly pulling the rope. So I remembered, Ocean Limits lets everyone define his or her limits and overcome it! On my turn, I descended in FIM, it was around 13 or 14 meters. Okay, now that’s a new personal best! It’s pretty fulfilling and it seriously made me wanna go down for more. On my second turn, I did CWT. I hit another Personal Best at 16 meters! I didn’t know I could make it to that depth. Since the waves are getting a little rough, we headed back to the resort and called it a day.

Since we could not dive in the afternoon due to the waves and currents, Coach Irene decided to give me an Introduction to Freediving instead. I learned about the different equalizing techniques such as valsalva maneuver, hands free (BTV/VTO) and frenzel. I used to do valsalva and been doing hands free since I’ve heard about it from someone. 

I love how approachable everyone is in Ocean Limits. They are actually like a family and that nipa is somewhat a home. Everything is in the right place and they keep it clean and organized. I instantly made friends with them and we even had samgyeopsal and milk tea for dinner. After the socials, we all decided to call it a night.

Day 2. Ocean’s flat, visibility is exceptional. After taking gulps of Vitargo and stretching, we changed into our diving attire and got into the waters. Second day was different. It was fun! Since we all had the knowledge of the basic stuff, Coach Irene decided to give us a taste of what Freediving competitions are like. We declared what our depth will be prior to the mini fun depth competition proper. Then, we stayed at the resting buoy. The first one in line descended and the rest followed. We got white cards (meaning we got into or beyond our declared depth with no violations) and even hit our PB’s again! I declared 15 meters as my depth and I surprisingly got into 18 meters!

After our mini fun depth competition, we did maximum depth before we retreat and that’s when I got another personal best!

After the depth training, we decided to do a fun dive at a nearby dive spot famous for the underwater bar, the tables. We all headed west and walked along the pebbly shore. We entered the waters through the shore, swam a little and found the tables at I guess five or six meters. 

Courses, Training, Certification and Rates

1. Fundamentals of Freediving

The course gives an introduction to recreational freediving/skindiving for beginnes. The aim of the course is to provide the student with the basic knowledge on freediving particularly simple physiology, proper breathing techniques, equalization techniques, freediving equipment and a little on basic safety for freediving. This helps the students develop the basic skills necessary to enjoy freediving safely.

2. Safety and Rescue

This course is open to freedivers who are done with Fundamentals of Freediving and who wish to upgrade their skills by learning about the Basic Safety and Rescue in Freediving.

Ascent Diving with Decathlon’s SUBEA freediving gear Read the honest review here

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