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Variable weight freediving has been an integral part of my journey as a freediver, and today, I want to share my experiences and insights into this fascinating discipline. From its potential as a training tool to the risks it entails, variable weight dives offer a unique way to explore depth with minimal physical effort—a discipline that demands respect, preparation, and experience.
Imagine yourself on the surface, beside the buoy, completely relaxed and ready. You’ve visualized your dive, your partners are in place, and your equipment is set. One partner is your safety freediver, while the other manages the line, ensuring it’s under control as it descends. With everything in order, you take your final breath, remove your snorkel, and signal your partner to release the pulley. The line begins to drop, and as you grip it with one hand while maintaining equalization with the other, you adopt a streamlined posture, head down, ready to let gravity guide you.
In the first few meters, the line moves slowly, but as you descend beyond 10 meters, the speed increases. The sensation of effortless descent is both exhilarating and meditative. You control your equalization, charging your mouthfill as needed, and let the weight do its work. At a point of your choosing, you release the line, transitioning to free fall. The experience of gliding parallel to the drop line is incomparable, a moment of harmony with the depths. When it’s time to stop, you turn on the line and begin your ascent. Without a weight belt, the ascent feels buoyant and easy, and you return to the surface with energy to spare, greeted by your safety team.
I first incorporated variable weight dives into my training during my second year of freediving in 1999. Back then, in Venezuela, resources on the discipline were scarce. There were no books or established protocols, so I relied on curiosity and experimentation. My early dives started at 40 meters, and over time, I refined my technique, logistics, and team coordination. By 2004 and 2006, this discipline had propelled me to set world records of 135 and 140 meters, respectively. Fast forward to 2023, I had the privilege of organizing Alexey Molchanov’s world record dives in Bonaire, reaching depths of 153 and 156 meters with the Blue Classroom team. The evolution from rudimentary setups to advanced technology, including the use of drones, has been extraordinary.
Variable weight diving is an excellent tool for improving equalization and exploring new depths efficiently. However, it’s not for beginners or even intermediate freedivers. This discipline is best suited for those with significant experience, typically at a master freediver level or higher, such as AIDA 4 or Wave 3 certification. Without proper preparation, knowledge of safety protocols, and a well-coordinated team, the risks can outweigh the benefits.
Setting up for a variable weight dive requires meticulous planning. The head-down pendulum system is a simple and safe option for amateur-level divers. You’ll need a buoy, a freediving pulley, a line, a lanyard stopper, a bottom weight, and two safety assistants. The process begins with ensuring a clear signal to release the pulley, such as removing the snorkel. Once the line drops, leaving around 10 meters of space between where you grip the line and its end, the freediver can release it if necessary or continue free-falling to a predetermined depth. A knot at the end of the line acts as a safety measure, stopping the line’s descent and preventing tangles or unintended extensions.
Safety is paramount in variable weight freediving. Equalization issues can arise during descent, and it’s crucial to have a system that allows you to stop or release the weight at any moment. Understanding the environment is equally important. Knowing the depth and characteristics of the bottom, such as rocks or underwater structures, helps prevent accidents. I recommend maintaining at least 10 meters of clearance from the seafloor and ensuring the lanyard stopper is several meters above the bottom weight.
Another key consideration is avoiding tangles with parallel lines. If multiple lines are in use, whether for warm-ups or counter ballast systems, ensure at least 15 meters of separation. Alternatively, limit the setup to one active line for variable weight dives to minimize risk. Each safety freediver should have a defined role. One oversees the descent and ascent, while the other manages the surface logistics and ensures the line remains tangle-free.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed how even the smallest oversights can escalate into significant risks. One critical precaution is securing the connection between the pulley and the buoy. A secondary knot or backup connection can prevent catastrophic failures where the entire line drops uncontrollably. In some cases, adding a secondary buoy or using a boat with a stable arm can provide additional safety.
Reflecting on my early days of training in Venezuela, I’m reminded of the rudimentary setups we used. Without pulleys, the risks were higher, and yet those experiences laid the groundwork for my career. Today, with advanced equipment and greater knowledge, variable weight freediving has become a safer and more accessible discipline for experienced divers. It’s a powerful tool for honing skills, exploring depths, and achieving a deeper connection with the underwater world.
To anyone considering this discipline, my advice is to prioritize safety above all else. Have a skilled team, ensure your equipment is reliable, and respect the limits of your experience. Variable weight freediving is a testament to the possibilities within our sport, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and discovery. With the right approach, it’s a journey worth undertaking.