Freediving

Competitive freediving is an extreme sport in which athletes attempt to attain great depths, times or distances on a single breath of air taken at the surface. putting divers to the test in the two most important depth disciplines: constant weight with fins (CWT) and constant no fins (CNF).

Freediving world records and competitions are governed by the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA), who will supply three judges to officiate the world championships.

Constant Weight Without Fins (CNF)

The freediver descends and ascends underwater using only his own body for propulsion, without the use of fins and without pulling on the rope. Constant weight without fins is the most physically demanding discipline, because the athlete is not assisted in any way. It requires a perfect coordination between propulsive movements of the hands and fee, equalization, technique and buoyancy.

The current world records are:
- Men: 88 meters (288 feet), held by William Trubridge (NZL)
- Women: 60 meters (196 feet), held by Natalia Molchanova (RUS)

Constant Weight (CWT)

The freediver descends and ascends using fins or a monofin as well as their hands for propulsion, but without pulling on the rope (only a single hold of the rope to stop the descent and start the ascent is allowed). 'Constant Weight' refers to the fact that the athlete is not allowed to drop any diving weights during the dive. This is the most common freediving discipline, and the great depths acheived make mental calm and equalisation very important factors.
The current world records are:

- Men: 122 meters (400 feet), held by Martin Stepanek (CZE)
- Women: 101 meters (331 feet), held by Natalia Molchanova (RUS)

For more information on competitive freediving, visit: http://www.aida-international.org/