Can You Get the Bends From Freediving?

If you’ve ever been diving, you’ve probably heard of “the bends.” But what are the bends, really? And can you get them from freediving?

The bends, also known as decompression sickness, is a condition caused by bubbles of nitrogen forming in your blood and tissues. It can happen when you ascend too quickly from a deep dive. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, the bends can be fatal.

So, can you get the bends from freediving? The short answer is yes. However, it’s important to understand that the bends is a risk associated with all types of diving, not just freediving. And while the bends can be caused by ascending too quickly from a deep dive, it can also be caused by other factors, such as flying or driving to a high altitude after a dive, or diving with a cold or other illness.

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting the bends. First, always use a dive computer when freediving, and follow the safety guidelines it recommends. Second, make sure you’re properly hydrated and have no cold or other illness before diving. And finally, if you do start to feel symptoms of the bends, seek medical help immediately.

With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can help keep yourself safe from the bends.