The longest breath hold by Vitomir Maričić
Staying underwater for 29 minutes seems impossible. Learn how this freediver pushed his body to a physiological breaking point to set a world record.
Best quote from The longest breath hold by Vitomir Maričić
That desperate, burning urge to gasp for air? That’s not your brain saying 'we’re out of O2.' It’s actually triggered by the buildup of carbon dioxide, and elite freedivers train their brains to stay calm while the fire alarm is going off at full volume.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
The history of the longest breath hold by Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić
Frequently Asked Questions
Vitomir Maričić achieved this record using a specific technique called an oxygen-assisted breath-hold. Before submerging, he spent ten minutes inhaling pure oxygen, a process known as denitrogenation. This flushed the nitrogen out of his system and saturated his blood plasma and tissues with five times the normal amount of oxygen, creating an internal reservoir that his body could slowly consume while underwater.
The "panic" or burning urge to gasp for air is not actually triggered by a lack of oxygen, but by the buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream. As cells burn oxygen, they produce CO2 as a waste product. When CO2 levels hit a certain threshold, sensors in the brain and throat signal the body to exhale and inhale. Elite freedivers must train their nervous systems to remain calm and ignore these "fire alarms" even as their diaphragms begin to contract involuntarily.
Pushing the body to a physiological breaking point can cause significant trauma. Maričić reported a "massive headache" and brain fog that lasted for two days following his 29-minute feat. More seriously, he experienced intestinal bleeding caused by the physical stress of hundreds of involuntary diaphragmatic contractions, where his body was essentially bruising itself from the inside while trying to force an inhalation.
When performing feats like his 300-kilogram underwater squat, Maričić utilizes the laws of physics to manage the load. Due to buoyancy, a steel barbell loses approximately 15 percent of its weight—about 40 kilograms—because of the volume of water it displaces. However, the diver must still contend with water resistance (drag) and the difficulty of maintaining balance in a low-gravity environment while deprived of oxygen.
Chunking is a psychological strategy Maričić uses to manage intense suffering by breaking time into tiny, manageable segments. Instead of focusing on the many minutes remaining in a dive, he asks himself if he can survive just ten more seconds or three more physical contractions. This mental technique shrinks the horizon of the challenge, making an overwhelming ordeal feel doable by focusing only on the immediate future.
Discover more
Whole Body Breathing, Cymatics & Holy Breath
Whole Body Breathing, Cymatics & Holy Breath
This plan bridges the gap between ancient mystical traditions and modern vibrational science for holistic transformation. It is ideal for wellness practitioners, spiritual seekers, and anyone looking to master their energetic state through the synergy of breath and sound.
Breathing better
Breathing better
Proper breathing is a fundamental yet often overlooked pillar of health and peak performance. This plan is ideal for anyone from stressed professionals to elite athletes looking to unlock their full physical and mental potential.
Breathing and relaxing
Breathing and relaxing
In an era of chronic stress, understanding the physiological connection between breath and calm is essential for long-term health. This plan is ideal for professionals and individuals seeking science-backed methods to regulate their stress response and improve daily focus.
Immortality
Immortality
This plan bridges the gap between speculative science and actionable health strategies for those obsessed with longevity. It is ideal for biohackers, futurists, and anyone seeking to understand the biological and ethical frontiers of extending human life indefinitely.
To have a longer attention span
To have a longer attention span
In an era of constant digital interruptions, mastering your focus is a critical competitive advantage. This plan is designed for professionals and students who feel overwhelmed by technology and want to reclaim their cognitive depth and productivity.
Explore Fitness, History & Memoirs
Explore Fitness, History & Memoirs
This plan bridges the gap between physical peak performance and intellectual growth. It is ideal for individuals seeking to strengthen their bodies while gaining a deeper understanding of human history and personal resilience.
Mind, Creativity & Mindfulness Study
Mind, Creativity & Mindfulness Study
This study bridges the gap between ancient mindfulness practices and modern neuroscience to unlock the brain's creative potential. It is ideal for professionals, artists, and students seeking to overcome mental blocks and master the art of deep, focused work.
Break habits and attachments to stay focused
Break habits and attachments to stay focused
In an era of constant distraction, the ability to detach from limiting patterns is a competitive advantage. This plan is designed for professionals and creatives who want to move beyond brute-force willpower to achieve high-level focus through behavioral science and mindful detachment.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
