The resistance of water and
its effect on objects moving through
it is important to be aware of since
small improvements in streamlining
can have large results on efficiency.
With water resistance proportional
to velocity cubed, then each time a
small amount of resistance is either
added or subtracted, the velocity of
that object either slows down three
times or increases three times it's
original speed. In freediving this
has huge implications where instead
of applying more power and thus using more oxygen to increase velocity, by simply
streamlining your form and/or technique you are able to more efficiently increase
velocity. Streamlining can come from modifying the equipment you use or how it is
used. It can also come from evaluating your form and technique when moving through
the water. Obviously the easiest way to improve your resistance in the water is to
streamline your equipment. This takes no training or practice. It is simply achieved by
using freedive specific equipment which is designed to be the most streamlined
equipment available. On the other hand what you can do to see the largest improvements
usually comes from improving hydrodynamic form and technique in the water. This can
be achieved through the use of video to review your technique but a professional
instructor will be able to help point out areas to improve and get you to the most
efficient form possible.