Yoga Report

photo: Stig Åvall Severinsen

Finally I had the chance to meet the 4 times world champion Stig Åvall Severinsen. We met in the Copenhagen Dive Show and of course I was a bit nervous to meet this legend. In connection to yoga I have done a bit of  breath retention and my fascination for free-diving started with the Big Blue where free-diving is pictured as a very beautiful and spiritual practice. Stig has an athletic build and comes across as a very friendly person . He talks with passion about breathing and how important it is for us. During  the lecture he walks us through the breathing process and we are encouraged to try some techniques. Straight after the lecture it is time to put on  the wetsuit as I am one of the guinea pigs for the demonstration.  Static Apnea, the art of holding the breath under water proves to be quite challenging. The wetsuit is really tight and there are people watching us from all around the pool.  Stig guides us through the session with relaxation techniques. At first I am tensed and the wetsuit is holding me in a very tight grip. The scuba mask is forcing me to breath through the mouth and this feels really awkward.  During the first dive there are a lot of thoughts circling around in my head “all the other guys are experts” ” just stop the practice and give up”. I notice these thoughts and I decide to get to the point where the breathing reflex starts and then go up.  Before the second try we do a meditation together.  The second try is much better and I feel the breathing reflex but it does not bother me that much. I hear the referee say 3 minutes and I decide to stay in there for a while. I am quite happy with 3 minutes and 25 seconds in my second try. I have done breath retention in a meditation posture before but this is cold water and with all kinds of distractions.

He really sparked my interest for free diving and I can see myself doing this in the red sea with just a pair of shorts on and a diving mask. Definitely something I want to try again !

Something that really scares me is deep water and I remember one time when I was snorkelling in the Red Sea and the water was clear but I could not see the bottom. That really scared me and maybe free diving will the therapy I need ?