Winter Time Blues — New England Spearo

After the last fish disappear from our cold coastal waters it is easy to settle into hibernation mode. If you put in a little maintenance through the winter months you can start strong next spearfishing season. Over the years I have found a few things that work for me. Here is how I maintain diving fitness through long New England Winters. This list will start from the most exciting to most boring.

1. Surfing - This is by far my most favorite off-season exercise. We have surprisingly good surf here in New England. And with a good 5mm or 7mm hooded freediving suit, along with gloves and booties, you can surf through some pretty frigid winters. Surfing will allow you to be in the ocean through the winter, which as freedivers, is something we should strive to do. Extra points for boogie boarding with fins.

2. Indoor Cycling- Go to a spin class and get your butt kicked. Or just get on a stationary bike and raise your heart rate. This will keep your keep your legs strong for all that deep diving next summer.

3. Swimming Laps- If you are like me, this is not your favorite activity. I know it is good for me so I will try to get in the pool and swim laps with and without fins. There is truly no substitute exercise for swimming with fins.

4. Yoga- It incorporates breath control while exercising, similar to freediving. It can be used to work on diaphragm flexibility which is important for deep diving.

5. Apnea Walks and Push-ups- I will not go into specifics, but these are great for breath hold training and can be done on dry land. I usually focus on these closer to the start of diving season.

6. Mountain Biking- A spring time favorite when the weather is warm, but the water is still frigid. It’s a bit more fun than the stationary bike.

7. Weight Lifting- For general fitness.

8. Running- Another great cardio activity. I find it to be hard on my knees and I prefer cycling.

9. Underwater Hockey- This keeps you in the water and works your breath holding abilities and leg strength.

10. Diving for Shellfish- Clams don’t migrate. So if you can handle the ice cream headaches there are harvesting opportunities all winter.

Bonus: Winter Dive Trip- Having a trip to look forward to will help you stay motivated to keep up your fitness and breath-hold. This could be as simple as a road trip to Florida or as fancy as a week in Baja. There are plenty of guided trips available now.

The best way that I have found to stay in shape is to find enjoyable activities that compliment diving. If it’s too rough to dive I will usually be out surfing. If the waves are no good for surfing I will go indoors and hit the stationary bike or pool. Dive Safe. Have Fun.