Freediving in cold water: challenges and secrets

Cold water presents unique challenges, but it gives a stronger diving response and better depths to anyone who masters adapting to it.

How cold affects the body

Cold strengthens the diving response because the face receptors react faster and more strongly to cold water, which slows the heart more deeply.

Challenges in cold water

• Loss of body heat consumes more energy
• Muscles stiffen quickly, which weakens movement
• Fatigue happens faster compared with warm water

Necessary equipment

A thick suit
For water below 15 degrees you need a 7 mm suit or thicker, with a hood, wrist seals, and neoprene boots.

A closed-neck suit
A suit with an integrated hood prevents cold water from entering at the neck, which is one of the main areas of heat loss.

Gradual adaptation

• Start with short sessions and increase the duration gradually
• Warm water after the session speeds recovery
• Keep a warm drink in a thermos to sip after the session

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Divers in cold water are among the strongest divers because they train in the hardest conditions.