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Surf Apnea Training: Increase Confidence and Safety in the Ocean

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 weโ€™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 tonightโ€™s dinner.

But surfers donโ€™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. โ€œApnea helps you to develop self-awareness, self-control and forge body and mind resilience through the mastery of breathing and apnea,โ€ says apnea guru and founder of Survival Apnea, Augusto Vegas. โ€œApnea 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.โ€

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

Augustoโ€™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 wavesโ€

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 โ€˜dry trainingโ€™ 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

Itโ€™s a mind-over-matter scenario. Of course, breathing is quite helpful for our survival, but our bodyโ€™s reaction is almost excessively over-reactive, preempting our urge to breathe far sooner than is actually required. Even when weโ€™re out of breath on dry land, holding for 20 seconds is easy. But put your head underwater, in a situation where breathing isnโ€™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.

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Customer Reviews

AWAVE Travel

Customer Reviews

Jose Luis Villalon 07/10/2024

TrustPilot
Great experience! Great communication throughout the entire process. A knowledgeable team giving advice considering individual needs and a great result at the end. It was a seamless experience and I will use them again for my next travel!

Stella 02/07/2024

TrustPilot
AWAVE Travel exceeded all my expectations! From the seamless booking process. The team was incredibly attentive and made sure every detail of our trip was taken care of. I can't wait t book my next adventure with them!

Xabi Fernandez 09/08/2024

TrustPilot
I stayed at Seasons Paradise 10 days in Maldives. Talked with Carlotta from Awave, it was really helpful every time! The destination was perfect, about to repeat! Good price ratings and perfect service both Awave and Seasons.

Christopher Tabone 03/09/2024

TrustPilot
My wife and I booked an 8 day surf charter on the Gahaa with a dedicated surf guide Moussa who was worth his weight in gold knowing what breaks would be firing and his knowledge of marine life and Maldivian environment enlightening for my wife and I. From the initial booking and contact Guilia at AWAVE made the whole process seamless communication was excellent. I have traveled extensively and surfed many parts of the world this trip truly exceeded my expectations the crew were incredible taking us to excellent surf and snorkeling locations. The boat itself is a converted fishing Dohni that exudes old world charm is clean and meticulously cared for. The meals prepared for us were nothing short of exceptional excellent variety and plenty of it a mix of western and Maldivian fare. We are definitely coming back and certainly using AWAVE again! Thank you Giulia and Moussa our trusted surf guide who gave us incredible insights into Maldivian culture.

Marco 02/08/2024

TrustPilot
Absolutely Recommended. Giulia and James are top professionals: I will be using Awave for all my future surf trips. I have been surfing for 30 years and travelled the world so I have dealt with a lot of agents. Awave is in the top spot as far as I am concerned. I spent 10 days with them on a boat trip in Maldivesโ€™ central atolls: not only their recommendations were spot on but being a boutique agency they tailor the surf experience to the very specific needs. They are surfers (real chargers) and know personally each spot and surf operator they recommend (wtether it is a guest house or a resort or a boat).

Michael Dunn 26/09/2024

TrustPilot
Absolutely amazing 8 day trip with my wife to Maldives visiting Club Med Kani. Carlotta at Awave travel was outstanding in organising everything and getting us the best deal,we are already looking at next year returning and will be sure to be booking with Carlotta and Awave again! Club Med Kani is outstanding for everything, Surf spot in island is Ninjas,easy paddle from shore! Food,drinks,staff,surf guides,brilliant!!! Accommodation excellent!! Tons of activities on island to enjoy, not just the surf!! Sailing, snorkelling, paddle boards, just to name some! Staff on the island added some very special touches to help us celebrate wedding anniversary also! Only regret was not staying 2 weeks!

Bruno 07/10/2024

TrustPilot
Great experience from start to finish. Giulia was awesome and helpful. I strongly recommend this travel agency.

Lissette De Boer 30/06/24

Google
Giulia was incredibly helpful in booking our surf trip! Strongly recommend using AWAVE for any surf packages. We will definitely be contacting her again. Thank you!

Fabs Alegria 19/05/24

TrustPilot
Trip of a lifetime. First and foremost I'd like to thank James Colston from Awave Travel, for assisting me in every which way to help book one of the most memorable experiences I've had in my life. He was extremely responsive and answered every single question I had, even the dumb ones haha. As for AYADA, holy dooly, that place is paradise! Absolutely breathtaking, I couldn't believe I was actually walking around such a beautiful island! Big love to the staff at Magu Restaurant, seeing as how I ate there pretty much everyday, they were amazing! Very switched on and quick off the mark to help with anything that was needed. A special mention to Dhaboa and the captain who took me out surfing! I cannot speak highly enough about their friendly, helpful and straight up on point expertise. With Dhaboa picking the spots to surf and tips on where to sit to catch the best waves on the day, to the wonderful captain himself, filming and sending me videos of the waves I caught.
Absolute legends! Made my surf trip! Best holiday I've ever been on to this date.

Carlos 30/06/24

TrustPilot
Reliable travel agency to book a surf trip - Both Giulia and James were very reactive and adivsed on the best options. In our case we made a boat trip in Maldives. It is the second time we use Awave Travel to do a surftrip to Maldives and we have had a very good experience in both cases. They are a reliable and trustworthy travel agency, I highly recommend them.
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