How do you hold your breath longer underwater?

[oldgrom]

Big quick gasp of air and go rag doll limp,relax,open eyes and it'll be over before you know it. look at light and bubbles they are up and follow suit.
Just remember you'll never fight it and win so just relax and be calm conserve energy and uses less o2.

[Dmd*Grl]

does opening your eyes really help? i mean seeing all that would make me nervous.

[oldgrom]

What ????? nervous about what??? A big fleshy comin at ya??? Ya it helps me as long as it's not shore break and a washing machine of sand mixed in the soup. Next time your out past breakers lean to side and plop your face in the drink and open yer peepers ( If ya see a shark comin at ya that's shearly coincedence) but look around, no you won't see like a dolphin but you can make some things out.

[waverat]

if it's big, I just relax, put my arms out to create as much drag as possible to stop the ragdolling and float. It works for me anyway

[pkbum]

lol sometimes i like to curl myself like a ball.

[LucasG]

lol sometimes i like to curl myself like a ball.

Agreed, it feels funny.

[garbarrage]

lol sometimes i like to curl myself like a ball.

Agreed, it feels funny.

don't know for sure but i've found on a big wave (up to 8ft) hold down that curling into a ball gives less resistance to the turbulence under water and the wave tends to let you up quicker... like i said, i'm not sure but the rag dolling doesn't seem to feel as bad.

as for opening your eyes on a hold down, don't know if it helps i just do it. light dark light dark. find it definitely gives me the mental edge on a long one as it gives the illusion that i know whats going on.

[parrysurf]

If I get slammed all the way down to the rocks I try to grab on to something...the lion grass in our area gives a great holding material. Hold on till the wave passes, then it hasn't drug you in as far and saves some paddle.