Freediving is not about the numbers

If you’ve ever done a Beginner Freediving course with us at Deep Sensations Freediving, you’ve probably heard this line:

“Freediving isn’t about the numbers.”

Depth. Time. Distance. They’re not the point.

The point is relaxation. Connection. The experience of being underwater on a single breath.

At least… that’s what we tell everyone.

But during my Wave 3 Instructor upgrade, while doing the Master program in the Philippines with Camotes Freediving, legendary coach Thibault Guignes opened his talk with those exact same words.

“Freediving isn’t about the numbers.”

Then he paused.

Smiled.

And said,

“Well… it kind of is.”

And honestly? He’s right.

Let's Be Clear

Our ethos is very different to a lot of schools. A Beginner course should have NO emphasis on the numbers. It's about introducing divers to the world of freediving, and helping them become confident and safe divers.

However, as divers choose to progress to their Advanced, Master, or Instructor courses, things change.

There is more of an emphasis. The importance here, is HOW you go about it.

Why Numbers Matter in Freediving

Like it or not, humans are wired to track progress.

We measure improvement in everything we do:

• How much weight we lift

• How fast we run

• How much money we earn

• What car we drive

• How long we hold our breath

Freediving is no different.

When a diver moves from 20 metres to 30 metres, or from a 2 minute breath hold to 3 minutes, it represents growth. It represents the training sessions, the patience, the frustration, and the breakthroughs.

Progress feels good because it shows us that our effort is working.

So yes, numbers do matter.

But they are not the goal.

They are the byproduct.

Where Divers Go Wrong

The problem isn’t the numbers themselves.

The problem is how divers relate to them.

Most divers want progress. That’s normal.

Otherwise, why would we:

• Spend thousands travelling for training

• Use our annual leave chasing depth camps

• Wake up at 6am for pool sessions

• Push through uncomfortable CO₂ training

We do it because we want to grow.

But divers start running into problems when they begin to attach too much meaning to the outcome.

Suddenly the numbers become:

• A measurement of self-worth

• A deadline that must be achieved

• A target that needs to be forced

• Whether a trip was 'worth it'

This is when the magic of freediving starts to disappear.

Instead of enjoying the dive, the diver is thinking:

“I have to hit 40m this week.”

That pressure is the fastest way to sabotage your performance.

The Paradox of Progress

Freediving is one of the few sports where trying harder usually makes you worse.

If you force a dive, your heart rate increases.

If you chase the number, your body tightens.

If you worry about the outcome, your nervous system shifts into sympathetic mode.

And the result?

Less oxygen efficiency. More tension. Shorter dives.

The irony is that the divers who progress the fastest are usually the ones who stop chasing the numbers altogether.

They focus on:

• Relaxation

• Technique

• Consistency

• Enjoyment

• 
  

And then one day, without forcing it…

The number appears.

A Better Way to Look at Numbers

At Deep Sensations Freediving, we encourage divers to use numbers as information, not identity.

A number should simply tell you:

• Where you are right now

• What your body is adapting to

• What might be possible in the future

It’s data.

Nothing more.

Your 30 metre dive doesn’t define you.

Your 3 minute static doesn’t define you.

Your PB attempt that failed definitely doesn’t define you.

They are just markers along the path.

Don’t Chase the PB

One of the biggest lessons experienced divers learn is this:

You don’t chase PBs.

You arrive at them.

A personal best should feel:

• Comfortable

• Controlled

• Repeatable

If you need to force it, you probably aren’t ready yet.

And that’s okay.

Some of the strongest divers in the world spend months or even years training at the same depth, refining technique, relaxation, and efficiency before the next breakthrough happens.

Progress in freediving isn’t linear.

It’s layered.

The Real Wins in Freediving

Some of the most meaningful improvements in freediving have nothing to do with numbers.

Real progress might look like:

• Feeling calmer during your dive preparation

• Having smoother equalisation

• Recovering faster on the surface

• Feeling more relaxed during contractions

• Trusting your buddy system more

• Enjoying training sessions again

These are the changes that create long-term divers.

And ironically, when these foundations improve…

The numbers usually follow.

Enjoy the Process

Freediving is a strange sport.

We spend a lot of time staring at depth gauges and timers, yet the best moments often have nothing to do with them.

The laughter between dives.The encouragement from your buddies.The quiet focus before you duck dive.The feeling after a session when you know you showed up and gave your best.

Those are the moments that matter.

The numbers are just milestones along the way.

Final Thoughts

Freediving isn’t about the numbers.

But yes… it kind of is.

The key is learning to build a healthy relationship with them.

Use them as guidance, not pressure.

Let them show you progress, not define your worth.

Train consistently. Relax deeply. Trust the process.

And when the time is right…

The numbers will take care of themselves.

Are you in Sydney or Wollongong and looking to join a Freediving Community? Check out our upcoming events.