Static apnea(STA)
The diver holds their breath on the surface for as long as possible. This is the most mentally challenging of all the disciplines as there is nothing to take your mind off the fact you are holding your breath. This is good training for other disciplines.

Dynamic apnea (DYN and DNF)
With or without fins, the diver swims horizontally under water in a swimming pool for as long a distance as possible. Good training for other disciplines during the winter.

Constant weight(CWT)
With or without fins, the diver must descend and ascend finning under their own power. The diver may wear weight, but whatever is taken down must be brought back. This discipline is seen by many as the purest form of freediving and the toughest.

Free Immersion (FIM)
The diver descends and ascends by pulling on the dive line. Weight may be worn but whatever is taken down must be brought back. Often used as a warm up before Constant Weight dives as it save the legs.
 

Variable weight (VWT)
The diver descends on a sled and returns to the surface under their own power, either kicking with fins and/or pulling on a line.
 

No-Limits (NLT)
The deepest dives in history are made in this category. Here the diver uses a weighted sled to get to depth and is returned to the surface using a lift bag or other device.