When dragged under by a whirlpool, a large wave, or a strong current, any river surfer knows that your body will crave air. This could feel like you’re in the underwear for 2 minutes even though you’re just there for 10 seconds.

Whenever a wave grabs you, your instinct is to emerge and breathe as quickly as possible. Surf Apnea, on the other hand, understands that your body can handle it.

It recognizes that your body is normally capable of handling the impulse to breathe. As long as you know how to overcome it, you won’t have any problems.

Timo Niessner, a freediving specialist and trainer, shares a few tips on how to use Apnea breathing techniques to lengthen your breath-hold.

First, strength is less vital than the desire to learn, embrace, and let go. Breath-holding is more about your mental toughness than it is about your physical strength.

Next, you need to have a good understanding of your body. You should have a good grasp of what’s happening in your body when you hold your breath,

Finally, avoid thinking about time. The more you think about it, the more you’ll panic.

If you want to learn more, it’s always a good idea to take a few classes. You will never learn unless you try.