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Hitting 20 meters for the first time is one of the most empowering milestones in a freediver’s journey. It’s not just a number—it’s a gateway. The first real threshold. A place where technique, mindset, and body awareness come together. But like all good things in freediving, it requires patience, precision, and a little bit of humility.
As an instructor, I’ve helped hundreds of divers reach this mark. And I’ve also seen many struggle—not because they weren’t capable, but because they rushed the process or focused on the wrong things. So here’s a breakdown of what really matters when working toward that first 20-meter dive.
Most beginners underestimate the surface phase. They gear up, line up, and want to dive—fast. But what I’ve learned over the years is that the dive begins long before you leave the surface. Give yourself 2 to 3 minutes. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Visualize your dive. Run through each phase in your mind like choreography. This moment of preparation not only calms your nervous system but helps anchor your intention. Start well—and you’re already halfway there.
Obsessing over depth numbers can get in your way. Instead, obsess over form. Whether it’s your duck dive, finning technique, or body position, clean technique will carry you further than brute force ever could. When your movement is smooth and efficient, you’ll enter a flow state—where the depth seems to come to you, not the other way around. In fact, some of my students don’t even realize they’ve hit 20 meters until they reach the bottom plate. That’s how freeing it can be when you stop chasing meters and start refining movement.
If you’re not already using the Frenzel technique, now is the time to start. This method allows for quicker, more consistent equalization—especially in the first 10 to 20 meters where most issues arise. But here’s the catch: if you can’t do it dry, you won’t do it in the water. Use tools. Watch tutorials. Book a course. Practice with feedback. Equalization isn’t something you figure out mid-dive. It’s a technique that requires repetition and muscle memory, built long before you’re 15 meters down.
If you’re new to depth, don’t rush to fin down. Free immersion—pulling yourself down the line with your arms—gives you more control over your speed, head position, and relaxation. It’s not just easier on the body; it’s easier on the mind. You can pause, regroup, and stop anytime without fighting against your own technique. That sense of control builds confidence fast.
Once you switch to finning, think of it in phases. Start with three strong kicks to get going, followed by three medium, then three light. Let your buoyancy shift guide you. As you pass 10 meters, you’ll start becoming neutrally buoyant. A little deeper and you’re sinking. That’s your cue to stop kicking and let gravity take you. This natural descent saves energy and increases your efficiency. Think glide, not grind.
At some point on your way down, intrusive thoughts might sneak in. This is too far. I can’t make it. My lungs hurt. I should turn back. Don’t panic. Don’t react. Just pause. Count to three in your head. Focus on one part of your body—your hand, your chest, your legs—and soften it. Most of the time, this moment of reset is all you need to regain control and keep going. And if it’s still too much? No problem. Grab the line and ascend. There’s always another dive.
Not everyone hits 20 meters on their third session. Some need weeks. Others need months. And that’s okay. Freediving isn’t a race—it’s a practice. It’s about showing up with awareness and a willingness to learn from each dive, even the ones that don’t go as planned. Progress in freediving is rarely linear. Some days you’ll feel invincible. Others you’ll feel like a beginner again. Trust the ebb and flow. You’re still moving forward.
The first 20 meters is more than a physical achievement—it’s a mental turning point. It’s where you stop thinking of yourself as someone who wants to freedive and start becoming a freediver. It’s also where things start getting fun. The deeper water. The silence. The stillness. The feeling of flying. So be patient. Be persistent. And most of all—enjoy the process. Because once you reach 20 meters, you’ll realize it was never just about the number.