Apnea@Altitude 08

[BennyB]

Does anyone have any updates from this comp in Taupo, New Zealand? I heard a rumour that after the first day only 2 of the 8 divers made their dives. Was that in Constant Weight? Who made it?

Cheers,
Ben

[Mullins]

Yeah everybody was having equalising problems. That thermocline was pretty savage, and nobody had been able to do much CW training over summer. I don't know all the results, but the ones I can remember:

Wal: 74m CW, had a go at 81m CW today but noseclip was too loose
Kerian: 55m CW, tried for 60m but lost mouthfill
Guy: Umm... 55m CW? And tried for more today but same problem as Kerian?
Me: Had a shocker. 85m CW today, let's not talk about days 1 & 2
Kathryn: 56m CW (NR), 36m CNF (NR)
Chris: 45m CW, 45m FIM, spat about 1l of blood after each dive so was probably anaemic by today, when he did 36m CNF.

Had some slight issues with line measurement, fresh water and depth gauges... but otherwise it was a great comp. Big boat to sit on and prepare, little boat to ferry divers to and from shore, convenient island to hide behind out of the wind, calm deep water. Sponsors Cressi and Oceanhunter were very supportive, volunteers were great as per usual. And there was a camera crew there to capture all our failed dives, at least we will have dispelled any myths about freedivers being an infallible elite!

[BennyB]

Wow - sounds like very trying conditions, well done to everyone for having a go.

Congratulations Kathryn, 2 NR's in a comp! Brilliant.

And awesome to see Wal back in the water after a year off, certainly doesn't look like the year off has done him any harm!

Thanks for the updates Dave.

Cheers,
Ben