[Cliff Etzel]

Jon - Before last October, I could barely do 33 feet without feeling like I was being crushed. After proper training from Kirk Krack and Brett LeMaster while at the POerformance Freedive Clinic, I was able to do PB's of 67 feet in CB and 87 in Variable.

I would never have attempted such depths witout the proper training I received from both of them over those 4 days. There were guys who had never gone deeper than 40 feet who made it to 105 feet - but only after being instructed how to adapt to the pressure, proper ventilation, etc.

What I am getting at is that unless you have actually taken a sled course to be shown how to use it correctly, you are possibly putting yourself and others at great risk should something goes terribly wrong.

I am to the point in my freediving now where I am taking my Instructor Certification with Pipin and Carlos Serra at the IAFD next month so that I can impart that necessary information to those seeking it.

After that point, I'll be in a position to advise in a more professional role after that.

I am only speculating here, so please don't take offense if it comes across as so, but it seems you're very determined to experience sled diving and our points are trying to make sure you do this in the safest and most controlled environment possible.

I would hope that you would reconsider your position on this matter and take a sled diving course to understand the FULL ramifications of what it means to use one - Safely.