Having an understanding of how long to hold your breath before blacking out will help you get the most out of your diving experience. The answer depends on your specific specialty, but the average freediver can hold their breath for at least three minutes, while a highly experienced diver may be able to hold their breath for as long as ten minutes without oxygen.
The most accurate way to figure out how long to hold your breath is to perform a series of tests. These tests can be as simple as counting the number of times you can resist contractions, or as complicated as recording the time it takes you to get your breath back. If you are able to do both, you will have a leg up on your competition.
One of the most effective ways to increase your breath-hold time is through the use of CO2 accessories. These accessories help to elevate the CO2 levels in your body, which helps to enhance your oxygen oxidation rate. However, you should make sure that you do not contract during these exercises.
Several associations have been formed to promote freediving. Some of the most prominent are AIDA International and CMAS. Each of these associations has a specific type of training for freediving. These associations will also help you find an experienced partner.
In addition to learning the most efficient way to hold your breath, you should also learn how to relax your muscles. This is important because it will help you increase your intake of oxygen, and will help you survive anoxia, or loss of oxygen, if you should become unable to get your breath back.