by Christopher Gryniewicz

Created on: December 18, 2009

Freediving is the sport of diving underwater and swimming a great distance, depth, or length of time in a single breath. The Association for Development of Apnea (AIDA) has defined several different competitions for aquatic apnea, which have resulted in some amazing world record holders.

Among the AIDA competitions are:

- Static Apnea (STA) – which is a timed breath holding underwater.

- Dynamic with Fins (DYN) – underwater distance swimming while using a monofin or bi-fins.

- Dynamic without Fins (DYF) – underwater distance swimming without the aid of fins.

- Constant Weight (CTW) - making a dive and returning to the surface while holding on to a weight using only the assistance of fins.

- Constant Weight without Fins (CNF) – same as CTW without fins.

- Free Immersion (FIM) - using a guide rope to dive and pull yourself back to the surface.

- Variable Weight (VWT) – diving to a depth using a weighted sled and then swimming or pulling yourself to the surface.

- No limits (NLT) – diving to a depth using the means of your choice, usually a weighted sled, and returning without limitations. This includes the use of an inflatable bag to aid the return.

World record makers and holders:

Herbert Nitsch – Known as the “deepest man on Earth,” Nitsch has set over 25 world records since 2001. Although many of his records have been beaten, he is constantly pushing the boundaries to retake the lead. Nitsch's record of 214 meters in the Men's No Limits competition has held since June 14th 2007.

As of December 17th 2009 several records were still pending approval including:

Men's Constant Weight - 123 meters

Men's Free Immersion - 122 meters

Men's Variable Weight - 142 meters

Martin Stepanek – Another champion of freediving in the world today is Stepanek, who has set eleven world records in AIDA competitions, received “Best Male Freediver of the Year" in 2004, and was nominated for “Athlete of the year" in 2005. If Nitsch's records are made official, they will surpass the records Stepanek has on the board from early 2009.

Men's Constant Weight - 122 meters

Men's Free Immersion - 110 meters

Stephane Mifsud – One of the most amazing records is eleven minutes, thirty-five seconds in the Men's Static Immersion competition, set in June of 2009.

William Trubridge – The current title holder of 90 meters in the Men's Constant Weight Without Fins Competition. He was also the prevision record

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