... may not seem the most preferable training medium for ocean lovers but, when one is land-locked, pools can prove to be very useful to maintain the technique and physiology required for deep diving. As available lanes are very hard to come by, when they do, it is important to make the most out of training.

Below, read Canadian freediver Tyler Zetterstrom's account of his two-week training with William in the early part of 2009.

"Recently, I had the opportunity to do some intensive training with William Winram and explore perspectives on what brings results to his participation in the life aquatic. It quickly became apparent that William has a lot of resourcesful background knowledge, experience, and tools to apply to our sport gathered during his practice of osteopathic techniques, competitive swimming, numerous martial arts, and more.

William was interested to take the time to consider the specifics of my physiology, assessing my current strengths and weaknesses including range of motion, balance, power, movement compensations, etc. This detailed attention to my body from another person was a little unnerving at first, but definitely further expanded my interest in the universe of the human physique. Meanwhile, this daily ongoing process created further critical attention and awareness within me of what is at play as our bodies attempt the feats of our strenuous passion called breath-hold diving.

Our training was a demanding series of resolve and focus, combining dry and in-pool exercises. I found it rather distinguished from other training regimes I had been witness to in the past. Most of what I had seen in practice involved lengthy mental and physical preparation prior to a performance however, mostly followed by near-max attempts.
Hence, I found it unusual the first day, arriving and jumping in the pool only to have William querying me a few moments later, "So, ready on green top ? Say... one-minute intervals ?" I indifferently, but dazed, said, "Umm, ya sounds good." And off we'd go, determined and without any new-age relaxation, yoga, or bliss state to prepare us for the psychological challenge ahead.

I imagine the gains of psychological indifference to competition stresses when everything can only be better and more prepared than this. I have not trained in ages, so sometimes I lose the will-power battle, my body wishing for bliss, or at least comfort, more than I want to ensure I get the most from each lap. However, I am pleased, I expected a lot worse performance under the conditions, or I should say my lack-thereof.

The following days we dabble in static apneas and I am extremely surprised to find my discomforts that predominantly arise during wet statics seem to not get a grip on me. Static after static, I withstand the urges to breathe and the diaphragmatic contractions that ripple through me every one and a half to two and half seconds. Maybe the previous session of 'no relaxation' apnea has made this seem like child's play.

I have not done a static in five and a half years and in my first session without any significant preparation or breathing technique I am able to push to my max at this point. This shines as a real shift for me since previous experience with wet statics almost always had me end in a state of claustrophobia and overheating without nearing my maximum performance.

Courtesy of the owners of the facility, William has access to the swimming pool early in the morning, so we have it all to ourselves. Under the watchful eye of the coach on deck, we drift aimlessly during our statics in the subtle currents generated by the heating jets, somehow always finding our way back to lightly bumping into each other. William suddenly bolts upright from a static, "Dude ! How can I concentrate with all this traffic in the pool ?!" Glaring at me with accusation, the absurdity rips out laughter from us, breaking the seriousness of our attempts to defeat our demons.

It is without doubt that William takes his training at heart, dreams of a sport which regularly gives him serious professional competition, and a sport that brings together athletes and inspire them to go beyond the limits placed by their own psyche. While sharing what he has to offer William is very aware, and seems genuinely interested, that he may very well be assisting the development of somebody who will rise to be his motivating nemesis.

All in all, a stay and attention from William can never be a dull moment. When he takes a break from the intensity and high expectations that he casts on those he chooses to really share with, his background unfolds in a vast flow of entertaining and challenging stories, eccentric events, and overly-intelligent fierce opinions... Whether it is story or training time, if you happen to have the fortune of interacting with William Winram, I would say there are two options: lay out all your cards sincerely to warrant his respect, support, and incredible perspective; or get torn apart as you are stripped naked in preparation for a cleansing."