CMAS 8th World Championship Freediving Depth
The CMAS 8th World Championship Freediving Depth is a highly anticipated event that brings together the best freedivers from around the globe to compete in one of the most exhilarating and demanding sports on the planet. Set against the stunning backdrop of Kalamata, Greece, this championship showcases the remarkable skills, mental fortitude, and physical endurance of elite athletes as they dive into the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. Join us as we dive into the highlights of the first two days of this prestigious championship. Day 1 - Constant Weight with Monofin (CWT) for Men The opening day of the CMAS 8th World Championship Freediving Depth in Kalamata, Greece, set the stage for an exhilarating week filled with competitive spirit and record-breaking performances. Athletes showcased their skills in the calm, crystal-clear waters of Messinian Bay, creating the perfect environment for impressive dives. The highlight of the day came from the Alexey Molchanov, who clinched gold in the men's Constant Weight with Monofin (CWT) discipline with an awe-inspiring dive to 135 meters. Known for his impeccable technique and unwavering mental focus, Molchanov made this challenging dive appear effortless. As the reigning world champion and world-record holder, he solidified his dominance in the sport, emerging from the water composed and reaffirming his position at the top. Greek athlete Emmanouil Giankos also shone brightly, achieving a remarkable dive to 118 meters and securing second place with a new national record. Giankos delivered a powerful performance, showcasing his technical prowess and mental resilience. Competing on home soil, this dive was a proud moment for Greece and signaled his potential to challenge the sport's elite throughout the week. Completing the podium was Davide Carrera from Italy, who took third place with a strong dive to 116 meters. Carrera, an experienced competitor, demonstrated his consistency and control at depth, reaffirming his status as one of the top contenders in this year's championship. A special mention goes to Alexander Kusakin, who performed a Para Freediving World Record dive to 46 meters. Congratulations, Alexander! With the first day wrapped up, the competition is just heating up. Athletes will soon tackle other disciplines, including Free Immersion (FIM), Constant Weight No Fins (CNF), and Constant Weight with Bi-Fins (CWT-BF), presenting new challenges and opportunities for record-breaking dives. Watch The Video Highlights From Day 1 Day 2: Women’s Constant Weight with Monofin (CWT) Day 2 of the CMAS 8th World Championship Freediving Depth in Kalamata showcased an exciting showdown in the women’s Constant Weight (CWT) discipline. The world’s top female freedivers took to the depths of the Mediterranean, with Slovenia’s Alenka Artnik once again proving her dominance by defending her world championship title for an incredible fifth consecutive year. Artnik did not disappoint, claiming first place with a spectacular dive to 116 meters. Her performance was a perfect blend of grace, strength, and composure, trademarks that have established her as the reigning queen of CWT freediving. Emerging from the water calm and collected, Artnik secured her fifth gold medal, leaving fans and fellow athletes in awe of her consistent mastery at such extreme depths. Following closely was Hanako Hirose of Japan, who delivered a stellar dive to 113 meters, earning second place. Known for her precision and mental toughness, Hirose showcased her ability to stay calm under pressure, surfacing with perfect control despite a longer-than-planned dive. Her composure and skill were commendable. Rounding out the podium was Alessia Zecchini from Italy, who secured third place with a solid dive to 109 meters. A multiple world-record holder, Zecchini demonstrated her experience in the water. Although she opted for a conservative announcement due to challenging weather predictions, her technically flawless performance still earned her a spot on the podium. The calm waters of Kalamata, combined with ideal diving conditions, have set the stage for a remarkable championship. As the competition progresses, the excitement builds for the remaining disciplines, including Free Immersion (FIM) and Constant Weight No Fins (CNF)1. With fierce competition and the potential for new records, the coming days promise even more extraordinary feats of depth and endurance. Watch The Video Highlights From Day 2
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07/10/2024
Inside The Dive Bag Of Key West Waterman
In the spearfishing community, gear plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall experience and performance in the water. In a recent video by Aaron Young, also known as Key West Waterman, he walks us through his spearfishing dive bag, revealing the trusted gear that he’s been using for years. Aaron’s recommendations stem from his extensive experience as both a spearfishing guide and a content creator, offering valuable insights for beginners and seasoned divers alike. Among the various gear, Aaron highlights two pairs of Alchemy fins that he swears by: the Alchemy V3 and V3 Pro. These fins deserve a deeper look for anyone serious about improving their freediving and spearfishing game. Essential Gear: Masks, Snorkels, and Socks Aaron kicks off his video by discussing the basics—masks, snorkels, and dive socks. When it comes to masks, he uses the Scuba Pro Solo, a scuba mask he’s been diving with since he was 18. It fits his face perfectly and prevents the headaches he experiences with other free-diving masks. He also has a second mask, the Go Mask Panorama, with a built-in mount for filming. Aaron’s snorkel of choice is a SoFlow Silicone Snorkel. He prefers it over harder versions because it's flexible and doesn’t break easily. For dive socks, Aaron uses Argos Dive Socks, thin enough to work with freediving fins but tough enough to provide durability. He stresses the importance of using socks, especially for freediving, instead of scuba booties, which are bulkier and less suitable for the sleek foot pockets of freediving fins. Gloves, Dive Lights, and Knives Safety and functionality are crucial underwater. Aaron relies on Dyneema Gloves from Neptonics for protection and grip during both spearfishing and lobstering. The gloves are cut-resistant and offer a rubber coating for better handling of equipment. When it comes to seeing in darker environments, Aaron’s go-to light is the Neptonics Dive Light, which offers 860 lumens and the flexibility to use either AAA batteries or rechargeable ones. Its twist-on design ensures that the light doesn’t accidentally turn on during transport, preserving battery life for when it’s most needed. For dive knives, Aaron prefers two options: the Koah Spearfishing Dive Knife and the Red Tide Dive Knife, both known for their sharpness and dual-purpose functionality. While Aaron uses these knives to dispatch fish and cut through ropes in emergencies, the Red Tide Dive Knife stands out with its double-serrated edge, adding an extra layer of versatility. Alchemy Fins: A Detailed Breakdown Now for the real stars of the show—Aaron’s Alchemy fins. These carbon fins are a staple for both casual and serious spearfishers, and Aaron makes a clear distinction between the two models he uses: the Alchemy V3 Pro and the Alchemy V3. The Alchemy V3 Pro is Aaron’s go-to for inshore diving and shallow water spearfishing. Whether he’s maneuvering through mangroves or lobstering, the V3 Pros excel in these environments. Aaron’s choice of foot pockets is the Pathos Pockets with a 23° angle, offering comfort and efficiency. He emphasizes that while some people prefer the 30° angle, he finds the 23° to be the best for his diving style, particularly because of the fit and flexibility of the pockets. The Alchemy V3 Pro fins are medium-soft, making them versatile enough for a range of diving conditions. According to Aaron, these fins strike the right balance between stiffness and flexibility, allowing him to make powerful kicks without overexerting himself. The carbon blades are lightweight, adding to the ease of use during extended dives. For more specialized diving, especially deeper and more technical freediving, Aaron switches to his Alchemy V3 fins. These fins are slightly longer than the V3 Pro, making them ideal for up-and-down diving. The extra length allows for more efficient energy transfer during deeper dives, giving divers the propulsion needed to return to the surface with minimal effort. Despite the technical differences between the V3 and V3 Pro, Aaron points out that for most people, the differences will be subtle. However, for someone like him—who dives both inshore and offshore, shallow and deep—having both pairs of fins allows for maximum versatility. He notes that his Alchemy S fins, while not shown in the video, also have a place in his dive bag for certain conditions, but the V3 and V3 Pro cover the majority of his needs. Why Invest in Carbon Fins? Aaron strongly recommends carbon fins for those who are serious about improving their freediving skills. While they come at a higher price point compared to plastic fins, the performance gains can be significant. Carbon fins are more responsive and lightweight, which reduces leg fatigue during long dives. This is especially important for spearfishing, where energy conservation can make or break a hunt. That said, Aaron doesn’t dismiss the value of plastic fins for beginners. He acknowledges that carbon fins may not be necessary for everyone, especially if you’re just getting into the sport. Plastic fins can still do the job, especially in shallow waters. But if you’re looking to dive deeper and increase your efficiency underwater, carbon fins like the Alchemy V3 or V3 Pro are worth the investment. Conclusion: A Dive Bag Built for Performance Aaron Young’s dive bag is a reflection of years of experience and fine-tuning. From masks and snorkels to gloves and dive lights, every piece of equipment serves a specific purpose, ensuring that he can perform at his best in the water. His love for Alchemy fins, in particular, stands out as a testament to their quality and performance. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your gear, Aaron’s advice offers a practical guide for assembling a reliable spearfishing setup. And if you’re serious about freediving, investing in a pair of carbon fins might just be the game-changer you’re looking for.
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07/10/2024
Crucial Tips For Beginner Freedivers
As with many life pursuits, the most valuable lessons in freediving often come through experience. However, it doesn’t always have to be that way. Here are a few important insights, reflecting on the things we wishe we had known when we first embarked on our underwater journey. A Democratic Sport Freediving may seem like a sport reserved for the elite, but in reality, it’s remarkably accessible to anyone in good health. While holding your breath for minutes or reaching great depths can sound superhuman, these feats are well within the capacity of the average person. The greatest barrier is often psychological—many assume they lack the extraordinary abilities needed for prolonged underwater exploration. Yet, the human body is already equipped with remarkable adaptations, ready to be unlocked through proper training and patience. The Right Instructor Can Make All the Difference Choosing a freediving instructor is more than a practical decision—it’s a pivotal one. The dynamic between teacher and student is key, and you want an instructor who not only understands the sport but also fits your learning style and needs. It’s easy to be dazzled by impressive numbers, like how deep they can dive, but what truly matters is their experience, teaching philosophy, and ability to create a supportive learning environment. Always ask about their methods and make sure they prioritise your safety, motivation, and comfort. Reviews and recommendations can be a good guide—after all, a skilled instructor should never hesitate to answer your questions. Focus on Enjoyment, Not the Target In any new sport, it’s natural to expect rapid progress, but freediving isn’t about instant results. In fact, focusing too much on targets early on can hinder your enjoyment and success. Freediving is a sport of relaxation, where calmness is key. The more you chase specific goals, the more stress you introduce—and stress is the enemy of a good dive. Instead, approach freediving with curiosity and joy. Learn to appreciate the serene moments in the water, and let performance improvements come as a byproduct of your enjoyment. Embrace Online Training We live in a connected world, and freediving is no exception. Even without access to regular water sessions, online training has become a powerful tool for freedivers at all levels. Many instructors now offer comprehensive virtual programs that can significantly enhance both physical and mental preparation. Some students have begun their freediving journeys entirely online before ever setting foot in the water. Whether you're training between trips or just beginning, online guidance can fast-track your progress and bolster your confidence. The Power of Dry Training Don’t let geography limit your freediving aspirations. While regular access to water is ideal, there’s much you can do on dry land to sharpen your skills. Dry training allows you to practice safely at your own pace and strengthen key areas, from lung capacity and diaphragm flexibility to mental techniques like visualisation. This type of training helps to develop the mammalian dive reflex, and the results often speak for themselves when you finally get back in the water. Even without specialised equipment, you can make meaningful strides in your training from the comfort of your home. Less is More Freediving is as much about restraint as it is about depth. Beginners are often eager to maximise their time in the water, but it’s important to resist the urge to overtrain. While freediving may seem like a leisurely activity, it can be physically demanding. Overdoing it can lead to fatigue, injury, and burnout, all of which can slow your progress. Balance your underwater sessions with adequate rest, and remember that taking breaks is just as crucial to your development as time spent diving. Equalisation: The Crucial Skill Equalisation is the cornerstone of freediving—something you must master early on. It’s easy to get caught up in the wonder of the ocean and forget about the technical aspects, but failing to equalise properly can lead to painful barotrauma, particularly in the ears. This is a common issue for beginners, and it can result in extended recovery time out of the water. By prioritising equalisation from the start, you’ll protect yourself from injury and ensure a more enjoyable dive. Invest Wisely in Equipment Many new freedivers rush out to purchase the latest and greatest gear, assuming it will improve their performance. But in reality, investing too early in equipment can be a costly mistake. It’s worth renting gear initially and trying different setups before committing to big purchases. Not only will this save you money, but it’ll also help you make more informed decisions. Freediving equipment is a long-term investment, and you want to be sure you’re choosing the right gear for your needs.
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07/10/2024
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