How long can you go - challenge extended!

Castiel said:
Well, I doubt very much whether there are hordes of daft schoolchildren reading this thread putting themselves into hypoxia at 2am in morning trying to break breath-holding records. :p
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Won't someone please think of the drunks!

I've just tried to drive to my parents, bashed on the front door, but alas no answer and i can't get to the pool, looks like I'll have to face plant the pond instead......

Op can expect a compo claim in the post.
 
I can swim for ~35ish metres underwater (25m lengths so I have to do a turn). Aiming for two full lengths underwater on one breath (something SEALs, PJs etc have to have)
 
Used to swim in my teens at a reasonable level, I could do a length underwater no problem but never thought to turn and carry on! Can still manage over 1min 40seconds now while sitting still.
 
Castiel said:
Holding your breath underwater (the colder the better) is easier than holding your breath above water......we used to do loads of hypoxic training (including underwater swimming) to increase lung capacity in the marines....the OP's 2 minutes 33 is pretty good and for anyone untrained or unpractised anything over 1min 30 is pretty good for above water.
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You'd be surprised, most people struggle more underwater purely for the fact that they are under water and mild panic sets in very quickly at well under a minute for most, more so in cold water.

Under water i use to be able to hold my breath for over 3 minutes but not quite as long any more :(
 
I tried this recently after getting back into swimming. I have so far done about 1 and a quarter lengths underwater in a 25m pool. And whilst laying on the sofa back at home held my breath for 1 minute 30 secs on the first attempt.

I read about it a bit and apparently its quite easy to hit 3+ mins with a bit of practice with relaxation.
 
Flare said:
You'd be surprised, most people struggle more underwater purely for the fact that they are under water and mild panic sets in very quickly at well under a minute for most, more so in cold water.

Under water i use to be able to hold my breath for over 3 minutes but not quite as long any more :(
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I was referring primarily to people under training and instruction rather than people just trying to see how long they can hold their breath.

The ability to relax is critical, but all things being equal cold water is more effective as it slows your bodies metabolism and heart rate therefore lowering the need for oxygen.
 
I've done two lengths underwater before at Morley 25m pool, and over a length at the international pool.
 
I can hold my breath for a staggering amount of time underwater, but when you include swimming in that, probably just about a length before my lungs collapse.
 
1:05.

Probably could have tried a bit harder but I doubt I would get more than 10 seconds more. I'm not that fit and I don't swim so it will do.

I'm guessing most of the people in this thread are all above average as theres no way the average person on the street can do more than 2 minutes.
 
Surveyor said:
I think the OP's question is about holding your breath in general not specifically while swimming underwater.

He's not asking people to risk drowning themselves for the sake of posting it on the forum.
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This completely, if people are stupid enough to risk drowning themselves, then more fool them....

I guess poll would be,

0-30
30-60
60-90
90-120
120-180
180+

Something like that (seconds obviously) :p

(Then again, to be fair, it might not be worth it :p)

Castiel said:
Holding your breath underwater (the colder the better) is easier than holding your breath above water......we used to do loads of hypoxic training (including underwater swimming) to increase lung capacity in the marines....the OP's 2 minutes 33 is pretty good and for anyone untrained or unpractised anything over 1min 30 is pretty good for above water.
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Yeah, this is completely true, should probably have explained this.

Anyone who tries this in water will have an advantage due to the bodies natural reaction. It's something we've built up by evolution that helps us hold our breath somehow.

The real disadvantage about doing it underwater, is actually being able to stay underwater - for swimming a distance as an example then you actually have to exert energy to swim - using up oxygen. For just sitting on a bed, you don't need as much energy...

I think they say 4 minutes is some kind of magic achievement in water? Doctors can't explain how it's done or something.

kd
 
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