How Far Can a Human Dive Without Gear? Exploring Free Diving Limits

Discover how deep humans can dive without gear, the current record, and safety tips for free diving.

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The maximum depth a human can dive without gear, known as free diving, largely depends on the individual's experience and training. However, most people can safely dive up to 20 meters (about 66 feet). Trained free divers can go much deeper, with the current non-assisted record being 214 meters (702 feet) set by Herbert Nitsch. It's essential for divers to ascend slowly and equalize pressure to avoid decompression sickness.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is free diving? Free diving is the practice of diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus, relying solely on breath-holding techniques.
  2. How deep can an untrained person dive? Most untrained individuals can safely dive up to about 20 meters (66 feet) without gear.
  3. What is the world record for free diving? The current non-assisted world record for free diving is 214 meters (702 feet), set by Herbert Nitsch.
  4. Why is it important to ascend slowly while diving? Ascending slowly helps divers equalize pressure in their bodies and prevents decompression sickness, which can occur due to rapid changes in pressure.