It’s tough to find a better freediver on this planet than Martin Stepanek.
Even the 13-time world record-holding freediver, however, isn’t immune to hypoxia while diving. As talented as any freediver or spearfisher may be, the dangers of the activities simply can’t be overlooked.
“If you’re going to play this game long enough, you will black out; you will have to help somebody that’s unconscious,” said Stepanek. “You can do everything right, but that day your physiology may not be up to the task, and your body decides to switch off earlier. Then you want to have the right buddy there.”
In an effort to combat the rise of freediving and spearfishing deaths in Hawaii, Martin’s wife Niki Stepanek founded FreediveSafe! Hawaii. Launched just last year, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization held its sixth free community program – and fourth in Kona – this weekend.
Top USA Spearfishing Team member Justin Lee, a Big Island native, kicked off the event Saturday morning by addressing the 21 attendees, ages 12 to 22-years-old, at the event via Zoom, highlighting how important the modern safety training is to returning home every time.
“One of the biggest things you’re going to learn is how to take care of yourself,” he said. “It’s a team sport; it’s to ensure that I come back to my family.”
Freediving Instructors International (F.I.I.) certified instructors Heidi Hoover and Sandra Hammel led the way, teaching the students how to recognize and effectively manage various scenarios regarding hypoxia (low levels of oxygen) both in themselves and in a dive buddy. While there are more advanced F.I.I. freediving courses, this weekend’s course primarily taught basic safety to the class of mostly novice freedivers.
“This class is about basic safety,” Hoover told the attendees. “How to prevent and manage, if a situation should arise, loss of motor control and blackout.”
The five-hour program was split into two parts. Part one was in a classroom setting, with videos augmenting the tips and techniques taught by Hoover and Hammel. Memorable phrases like, “Bubbles mean troubles” and “The rule of nines” helped to drive home specific points of emphasis.
Part two saw the class split, with each half taking their turn getting hands-on practice in the protected waters of Kailua Bay. With some help from event sponsors Ali’i Adventures and Kona Freedivers, students were provided with free gear rental for the second phase.
For more information about future events, contact Niki Stepanek at info@freedivesafe.org or call (808)900-3331. Interested students can register for future events as they are added at freedivesafe.org.