As surfers, we have a deep connection with the ocean. We try, we fall, we immerse ourselves in the deep blue. Many surfers find that fear can limit their performance and hamper their enjoyment. Surf Apnea training allows surfers to better understand the mechanics of the breath and increase confidence in more challenging conditions.

In this article, we’ll explore surf apnea training and how it can help surfers of all levels improve their performance and endurance.

AWAVE Travel has partnered with one of the world leaders in Surf Apnea Training – Augusto Vargas, to offer exclusive access on their programs – click here for more information.

As an introduction, Survival Apnea is offering free access for 7 days to their Ocean Resilience Program – click here for more information!

Understanding Apnea for Surfers

Apnea, so Wikipedia tells us, is the cessation of breath…when there is no movement of the muscles of inhalation. Obviously, we hold our breath when we duck dive, cop a set on the head, or go over the falls, so we’re already practicing apnea to some degree, but training in it, making your breath holds better, longer, and more comfortable, is an amazing and simple way to step up our surfing.

Increased breath-holds allow for amazing opportunities to freedive as well. This is something that can really add to a Surf Charter trip in The Maldives or Indonesia!

Surf Apnea Training Benefits

Most people come to apnea through want for freediving. Apnea training was developed to increase the human ability to stay underwater. Spearfishers also get great benefits from apnea training so that they can stay down for longer and improve their chances of nabbing tonight’s dinner.

But surfers don’t stay down that long, and the idea of holding your breath for two minutes plus is kind of pointless? Not at all. Increased breath holds increase confidence in all situations in the ocean.

Survival Apena is offering free access to their Survival Apnea Insights Course, showcasing the benefits for surfers and all water users.

Starting Your Apnea Training Journey

But apnea training is a twofold lesson. “Apnea helps you to develop self-awareness, self-control and forge body and mind resilience through the mastery of breathing and apnea,” says apnea guru and founder of Survival Apnea, Augusto Vegas. “Apnea practice will improve your ocean fitness, but more than that, it will help you to remain calm and controlled during hold-downs, endure better through challenging moments, such as when paddling through a set of waves, sharpen your presence and focus, and give you far more control over anxiety and apprehension.”

Augusto has developed an extensive online course, for those looking to learn. As an introduction, Survival Apnea is offering access to ‘The Three Captains: The Mind, The Body, The Breath’ for free!

CO2 Training for Surfers

Augusto’s apnea training covers all aspects of freediving and survival apnea – being able to remain controlled and unphased in pressure situations. The comprehensive courses, both in-person and online, provide the perfect foundation for all ocean-goers, whether you free dive and spearfish, or even if you choose to spend most of your time above the waves”

Exploring Apnea Training Techniques

There are two primary breath lessons that you can easily and safely do without any official training that will already begin to improve your abilities. These ‘dry training’ lessons focus on two specific medical conditions: hypoxia – a lack of oxygen – and hypercapnia – an excess of carbon dioxide. These lessons, what are known as O2 and CO2 training, or tables, begin to train your body to better manage periods below the surface.

Safety and Professional Guidance in Apnea Training

It’s a mind-over-matter scenario. Of course, breathing is quite helpful for our survival, but our body’s reaction is almost excessively over-reactive, preempting our urge to breathe far sooner than is actually required. Even when we’re out of breath on dry land, holding for 20 seconds is easy. But put your head underwater, in a situation where breathing isn’t an option, and even 10 seconds can seem like forever.

Survival Apnea Courses for Surf Enthusiasts

Starting on your own at home is an excellent way to begin your apnea journey, but nothing is going to be more effective – or safe – than investing in a Survival Apnea course. Under trained instruction, you will develop skills far more rapidly and, when you begin your wet training – in a pool or the open ocean – you will be expertly taught with professionals always on hand should anything occur or you panic.

AWAVE Travel has partnered with one of the world leaders in Surf Apnea Training – Augusto Vargas, to offer free access for 7 days to their Ocean Resilience Program – click here for more information!

This is the perfect introduction to apnea training and will improve your confidence and performance in the water!

Conclusion and Medical Precautions for Surf Apnea Training

So whether you just count the seconds while lying on your bed or take the plunge and invest in a Survival Apnea course, learning how to breathe – or more importantly, how not to – could be the simple trick you need to take your surfing into new realms, bigger waves, and with greater confidence.

Medical Warning: Apnea, even in its simplest form, can be dangerous. If you have respiratory conditions, heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other underlying issues, consult a medical professional before undertaking any form of breath training. Always practice apnea in a safe environment and ONLY practice wet training with a trained professional.