"Higher, faster, stronger" is a saying we often hear when talking about sporting achievements. What about deeper? One goes there lower, slower and very calmly. This is a completely different dimension of physical effort, which is even more related to psychological preparation than physical. The summer holiday at sea is approaching, where many people spend part of it underwater. The secret of holding your breath for a long time deep below the surface was revealed to us by Samo Jeranka, who holds the Slovenian depth record in free diving. Recently, with a new Slovenian record, he won third place in the discipline of static apnea at the World Championships in Belgrade. And how does a person feel who can last eight minutes and eight seconds under water in a stationary position?
Underwater apnea is the connection of the body with the mind, because only by controlling the body and mind can we achieve good results. You say that we all mistakenly imagine that it is an adrenaline-fuelled, extreme sport, but in reality it is far from that. So what is it?
Interesting question. Personally, I think it's an activity where we give the body a chance to completely calm down. Interestingly, the easiest way to achieve this is to stop breathing and dive below the surface of the water. It sounds extreme and dangerous, but many people do not know that our body is extremely well adapted to such conditions. With special mechanisms, he begins to save energy, which is why today we see a bunch of competitors who can last eight minutes or more under water.
How do you achieve a state of relaxation for a superb dive?
I try to start every dive as relaxed and calm as possible. With the techniques of breathing and autohypnosis, I focus only on the moment in which I find myself. This is a big challenge, because expectations are constantly burdening our thoughts. Despite all the techniques, I can never relax as much on the surface as I can at a depth of 20, 30 or 50 meters. Reflexes are triggered there, which calm down all the processes in our body. Thoughts focus only on a few small things that need to be controlled to make the dive safe and successful.
But fear, deep below the surface?
There is no fear, but there is a great deal of respect for the environment in which I venture. At the same time, it is important to be aware of the dangers lurking there. Water is a medium in which survival without breathing apparatus is impossible, and at the same time, high environmental pressure can cause damage to internal organs. These are the facts I take into account on every dive, so I never dive alone. I always have a partner by my side who can come to my aid in case of problems.
Do you also feel connected to other underwater creatures, fish and marine mammals like dolphins and whales down there?
In fact, the main reason I do freediving is the incredible feeling of freedom as I slowly sink to the bottom of the sea. I consider life in the form given to humans to be a great privilege, so I never look for parallels with other aquatic creatures. But I admire them when they swim to and fro with all their elegance.
You are an international AIDA scuba diving instructor. You lead diving courses at the pool in Tivoli. Who attends them and how do they take place?
Freediving is becoming more and more popular. The number of underwater hunters is also increasing from year to year. With my knowledge and guided trainings and courses, I want to bring diving closer to a wider audience. I prepare them systematically throughout the year so that they are in the best condition when they go to the sea in the summer. The results and progress are exciting. Freediving training is suitable for everyone, so I would like to expand these activities in the future.
Do you also dive at sea as part of the course?
Yes, we go to the sea at the beginning and end of the season. It starts in October and ends in June. Since freediving is mainly related to swimming in the deep, I try to teach people the basics of safe diving with courses at sea, and especially pressure equalization techniques, which are a common problem for beginners.
I know that you spearfishers don't like to give away your secret locations, but which places in the Adriatic would you recommend to vacation divers?
I myself am a supporter of remote locations where there is no mass tourism. My favorite location on the Adriatic is the waters of the island of Vis. Biševo, Svetac, Brusnik and Palagruža are islands that I dream about all year round. The feeling when you swim on a remote island and catch a fish is absolutely fantastic!
More information:
www.jeranko.si, www.spz.si
