Freediving Book Recommendations

[ljdiver]

hey all

So I have been freediving for 2-3 yrs but have never been into it very seriously. My experience is limited to diving 20-25ft max while snorkeling as something to keep me busy when the surf is flat (I didn't even know I was actually 'freediving'). After recently getting scuba certified I became interested in advancing my level of freediving. I know many people recommend a formal class but unfortunately that's not a choice while I'm away for school. So I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for freediving instruction books. These are the two I have been looking at:
Amazon.com: FREEDIVE! by David Sipperly, Terry Maas Hardcover Book: Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com: Manual of Freediving: Underwater on a Single Breath: Umberto Pelizzari, Stefano Tovaglieri: Your Store

thanks for any help

[JennyWren]

I don't have experience with those books but I'd recommend finding a buddy who knows the ropes. A buddy is essential - and maybe can give you some tips.

[covediver]

I have both. Maas is good, it is a basic, survey level book that discusses a range of activities including basic theory, equipment, and techniques and a range of activities including monofin swimming (which I do), underwater hockey (did it in the past), and spearfishing (did it twice, wasn't really good at it). Pelizzari's book is a technical treatment of freediving theory, equipment, and techniques and does not address the range of activities (hockey, monofin, spearfishing) that Maas does. Pelizzari's book is much more extensive that Maas' book. If you want a freediving reference, go with Pelizzari. If you want a basic overview of breath hold sports, go with Maas.

P.S. I agree with jennywren. I lost a buddy who was solo breath hold diving so a buddy that knows what they are doing is essential. If I recall, Terry Maas lost his teenage son Loren to a freediving accident in Hawaii some years back. He was diving with a buddy but something happened.