Competitiveness in freediving: when it motivates and when it harms

Competition in freediving is a double-edged sword. In its place it drives development, and out of place it leads to danger.

Healthy competition in diving

Healthy competition is competing with yourself. The goal is to surpass your personal number from last week, not to outdo another person.

Risks of the wrong competition

When a diver wants to surpass another person, they start ignoring their body’s signals and carrying more tension than they should, and this is the sure path to an accident.

Competition in official contests

In official contests there are rules, safety, doctors, and observers. This is the correct place to compete with others.

The buddy’s role in managing competition

A good buddy encourages you but does not push you to exceed your limits. A buddy who tempts you with phrases such as you can do more, without real knowledge of your limits, is not a good buddy.

---

Your best competitor in diving is your version from a week ago. Surpass it and you always win.