[littlefreediver]

As much as this is a contentious issue, and I feel for Martin and Will T as all this uncertainty must be a pretty big emotional strain, it is positive to see so many athletes passionately participating in this debate. It is a sign that our sport is growing and developing in its professional approach to competition.

For what it's worth, while this debate is going on and the rules are re-evaluated, there may also be some value in looking at the big picture and considering the material and colour of the tag also. No, this isn't a really 'girly' comment - the introduction of velcro tags has made CNF dives slightly easier. I have done competitions with both and whatever means of attachment the diver chooses (sticking it to his suit, belt or even tucking it inside the hood) it is easier as it frees up the hands and wrists (not to mention putting your hand through an elastic loop if you're diving without a mask takes time and interferes with the first pull on the ascent).

On the colour note, and to back up Dave Mullins' comment about diving without a mask (or fluid-filled goggles without lenses for that matter) retrieving the tag with blurred vision certainly adds to bottom time. Linda and Lotta at Freedive Dahab use a white bottom plate with black tags which certainly helps in this.

Perhaps a sensible way forward is for the decisions to go to discussion and then vote among any athlete seriously interested in competing in this discipline. That way we get the benefit of every athlete's experience and it is a fair outcome at the end. Certainly as depths increase, the safety aspect of minimising bottom time has to be taken into consideration.

Dive on, everyone!
x
Sara