Wellingtonian Dave Mullins has set the New Zealand freediving record at the Cressi New Zealand Depth Nationals, Lake Taupo, on 18th March 2017. Diving to a depth of 105m, using a single mono-fin, he has beat the previous record of 93m set by Austrian Herbert Nitsch.
Dave Mullins, age 37, completed his record-breaking dive in three minutes and is the deepest dive ever recorded in New Zealand in all freediving disciplines. Whilst AIDI, the International Association for the Development of Apnea, don’t distinguish between salt and fresh water dives, he has unofficially set a record for the world’s deepest free dive in fresh water.
Mullins commented that he kicked until 30 metres depth and then allowed the weights to carry him deeper. Whilst descending he focussed on relaxing his chest muscles and equalising. He confirmed the ascent was more painful and harder work as the lactic acid built up in his legs. A strict surface protocol with safety divers present ensured his safety upon reaching the surface.
The water temperature at the surface was 17 degrees Celsius and decreased to 7 degrees Celsius at 100m. Mullins commented it was pitch black at the bottom.
Mullins is now focussing on setting a new world record.
