William Trubridge breaks freediving world record

On 12 December 2010 at 11:43am local time in the Bahamas, William Trubridge broke the freediving world record by becoming the first person on earth to descend 100m without using fins! The record breaking took place at Deans Blue Hole on Long Island.

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The depth of 100m was first reached by a free diver in 1980 (the year William Trubridge was born) by Jacques Mayol. With the slight difference that Mayol used a weight to descend to 100m and then a buoyancy bag to return to the surface. Trubridge used neither weight nor fins. His only equipment was a wetsuit, mask and dive computer. The dive was performed along a release line so the freediver knew which way to go at all times. At 100m, the record-holder took with him a plaque as proof that a record had been set (additional confirmation is the depth recorded on the Suunto dive computer). This feat is the 13th record set by Trubridg.
The Hector Project, which included the record breaking, was dedicated to Hector’s dolphins. This is the smallest dolphin species in the world, found only in New Zealand. Currently, Hector’s dolphins are threatened with extinction and whether they will be saved depends largely on the decisions that the New Zealand government will make.

After setting the record, William Trubridge wrote:
“Four years ago I managed to set my first world record without using fins, on my third attempt. Since then I have come a very long way, both in the depths reached (from 80m to 100m) and in the confidence of diving at depth under very high pressure. I needed all the experience I had so far at the time of my third attempt, during which I managed to descend to 100m. Yesterday I had already managed to touch the plaque suspended at 100m and return safely to the surface, but the dive remained invalid for procedural reasons (nose clip not removed during the final procedure at the surface). During this dive I strained a muscle in my neck, so I took anti-inflammatories overnight. That morning the weather changed abruptly. A cold front brought a cool wind and covered the sun with clouds. I entered the water at 11am and immediately started shivering. When I made the attempt and finally submerged, some of the air escaped from my lungs into my mouth and then into my stomach. For a split second I considered continuing the attempt, but it would have been very unwise. I regretfully turned back to the surface.

There was still a sliver of hope to save the day, so I quickly returned to shore climbed into the car and turned the heating on to maximum. After 20 minutes of warming myself up, I returned to the rig. This time I spent municipal time catching air in the water and cautiously started another attempt. From that moment on, I only have a few memories of my body automatically performing pre-planned movements. I remember how relaxed I was when I reached the free fall zone, and how, with my eyes half closed, I told myself, relax and swim as I started the long way back towards the light. I remember returning to the surface and reminding myself to do everything according to protocol so that the dive would be considered valid. And of course I remember the explosion of joy, along with my team when the judges showed the white cards.

The road to this magical depth was very long and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve it if it wasn’t for the support of an amazing team: divers Brian, Paul and Jason; safety freedivers Alfredo, Brian and Charlie; photographers Igor and Paolo; doctor Tom; Nic who travelled for two days to support me during the record and my lovely wife and coach Brittany. I wouldalso like to thank sponsors Suunto and Orca as well as Ex Drinks, Tenerife Top Training and Glorp.”

Photo:Paolo Valenti, Igor Liberti
Source: http://www.xray-mag.com