Puzzled? The Answer!
Hi Bladerunner, it is I... Tec Clark! I can see why you are frustrated and puzzled by my absense in the local freediving scene yet active nationally. Allow me to explain.
When you contacted me a while ago I was at my wits end attempting to run the YMCA of the USA's Scuba Program, I was married with our first baby on the way. I was a Board Member of the AIDA USA but that was in spirit really - a legacy if you will from Mehgan Heaney Grier and I founding the US Freediving Team. I really did not do much as a Board member because my job at the Y was beyond demanding.
I was asked by Tanya Streeter to be the captain of the 2002 Team at the Pacific Cup in Kona. And after that wonderful, touching time out there I came back to Atlanta and gave my resignation to the Y. My daughter was born the next month and I became primarily a stay at home dad. I tought scuba at Emory University and Georgia State. I puffed-up like a toad (I got fat) and really did not do any training for any sports - especially not freediving.
Then in April of this year I attended, on a whim, a Performance Freediving Clinic in Miami. THAT TOTALLY brought back my passion for freediving. In fact, I even gave a freediving seminar for the Emory Scuba staff. But, I knew I was moving to Augusta, GA in two months. So, I still did not train for freediving.
I moved to Augusta (Evans) in June. And as a founding member of the USAA I assisted securing insurance for the National Competition. So, I planned to go to the Nationals as a volunteer and help out where needed. The day before the event I found out that there were more volunteers than competitors so I decided to enter as an athlete. Not having trained at all (other than going to the PFD clinic) I did everything totally conservative. I have been a freediving judge, a captain, a safety diver but had never participated in competitive freediving as an athlete. So I thought I would try it. And, as you can see by my results, I obviously do not train!!!!
However, I am here in Augusta now and I have been thinking about training. As you will also notice I have just joined DeeperBlue. I know, I know it is pathetic that I have not joined until now. In fact, now I see your posts looking for a buddy.
So, I am very sorry for the confusion and the length of my post, but I really wanted to explain why you have not heard from me. I am very excited to get together with you and train - and the Ga. Tech person too! I am only 2 hours away!!!!
Tec