in the past people would hyperventilate on dives – that washes away CO2 and hampers efficiency of oxygen delivery, leading to blackouts.”
“So the strategy is to slightly increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the body, then two or three intakes of breath before the dive, that is more than enough, because that refreshes the air in the lungs. True, I get the urge to breathe earlier, but it is safer and sustainable, where overbreathing at the beginning of the dive may make you feel euphoric at first, but you are then quickly consumed by the urge to breathe.”
In terms of bettering his own records, Molchanov is confident. “The current world records I was regularly hitting in training anyway, so I think I can do at least another few metres at each discipline. That is the goal and this is my full-time job, so of course I will carry on pushing human endurance to the limit.”
WHEN I TELL PEOPLE FREEDIVING IS VERY GOOD FOR STRESS
MANAGEMENT IN THE OFFICE, THEY LOOK AT ME IN A STRANGE WAY
“People say the depths myself and other freedivers reach are amazing, but it’s something we all do regularly. I have done thousands of dives and although it’s a complex discipline involving the right combination of endurance, technique, equalisation and mental resilience, plus respect for the water and awareness of hypoxia, lactic acid and other things, but it is all very normal for me.”
“And really the biggest thing in the water it is keeping your cool,” he continues. “Technical elements and endurance are automatic because you have trained your body for those. The only thing which can fail your attempt or make it harder, is your mind, and that’s why focusing so hard before the dive is essential.”
With further advances in camera technology enabling supporters to see dives in stunning quality, it follows that Molchanov’s own passion for photography, in recording on film the depths, has come to the fore also.
“Yes photography was a natural extension. My mum bought me a compact camera with underwater housing when I was about 17, and a few years ago I picked it up again. It seemed such a waste to see all these beautiful, tropical locations and not document them in the way they deserve. So I started on the photography again and now it is a big thrill for me.”
Molchanov’s other thrill is inspiring the next generation of freedivers, perhaps even one to challenge his own world records. “Not so many people want to compete or really train hard, because it takes so much time, but as a recreational type of activity, as a fitness activity, it’s great. Doing workouts in the water is brilliant for strength, for your respiratory organs, developing lungs and increasing flexibility of the intercostal muscles in your diaphragm, so there are so many health benefits techniques.I believe everyone should try this. It is a magical world to discover, and a privilege to explore it.”
ONBOARD | AUTUMN 2018 | 45
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