A new UK diving record has been set in Huddersfield.
And the new record holder Rebecca Coales’ achievement is clearly making waves on the emerging sport of freediving.
It involves swimmers competing lengths of a swimming pool at different depths while holding their breath which is also known as Apneists.
Rebecca, from Stockport, was joined by competitors from across the North who came together at the Kirklees Active Leisure pool at the John Smith's Stadium.
She broke the UK freediving record and also managed to extend her own record from 120 metres to 134 metres swimming underwater doing just breast stroke.
But spectators and fellow swimmers did not have to wait for long as the whole dive time took two minutes and 52 seconds.
It was overseen by internationally qualified judges from the main Freediving agency, AIDA International.
Steve Millard, Apneists UK head coach, said: “Freediving is a sport where the athletes hold their breath and compete in one of three disciplines.
“Each discipline has a point score, the highest point score wins.
“We have depth disciplines too. This was just a pool competition this time.
“It is a great sport for increasing fitness and losing weight, as a confidence builder for Scuba divers and for snorkelers.
“We can give them an improvement in style and ability, helping those wanting to explore the reefs on holiday, and it holds the exciting possibility of records for those who have good swimming style.”
But Steve advised there were strict rules to follow to ensure the sport was enjoyed safely.
“Freediving is an extremely personal sport,” he said. “You do your own dive on the day, but at the same time you never dive alone without someone properly looking after your safety.”
For more information go to / www.freedivers.co.uk/
What is freediving?
Freediving is a form of underwater diving that relies on a diver’s ability to hold his or her breath until resurfacing rather than on the use of a breathing apparatus such as scuba gear.
Competitive freediving is governed by two world associations – AIDA International (International Association for Development of Apnea) and CMAS (World Underwater Federation).
