Freediving is unlike any other sport. You’re not only experiencing the sublime weightlessness beneath the surface, but you’re relying on a single breath to do so.
It is an extraordinary physical and mental test.
In this blog, we celebrate those who have redefined what is possible by looking at AIDA’s current 10 freediving records across the different freediving categories
What Are Freediving Records?
Freediving records represent extraordinary achievements in depth, time, or distance during breath-hold diving. These records showcase the capabilities of the human body, and are validated by organisations like AIDA and CMAS, which ensure that every record meets stringent safety and performance standards. Freediving records are a testament to the courage and determination of divers worldwide.
1. Dynamic With Fins (DYN)
- Men: Ming (William Joy) Jing – 307m (2024)
- Women: Magdalena Solich-Talanda – 277m (2022)
In Dynamic With Fins (DYN), divers swim horizontally underwater using fins, aiming to cover the maximum distance while holding their breath.
These distances showcase immense control and endurance, pushing the boundaries of human performance in breath-hold diving. Ming Jing and Magdalena Solich-Talanda covered distances that test not only physical endurance but also mental fortitude.
2. Dynamic Without Fins (DNF)
- Men: Mateusz Malina – 250m (2022)
- Women: Julia Kozerska – 213m (2023)
In Dynamic Without Fins (DNF), divers swim underwater for distance without fins, relying solely on body movements to propel themselves forward.
The records in this category represent extraordinary feats of body control, as divers like Mateusz Malina and Julia Kozerska navigated the water without any equipment, using only the strength of their muscles to achieve incredible distances.
3. Static Apnea (STA)
- Men: Stéphane Mifsud – 11:35 min (2009)
- Women: Heike Schwerdtner – 9:07 min (2024)
Static Apnea (STA) tests how long a diver can hold their breath while remaining motionless in water.
Holding one’s breath for over 11 minutes, as Stéphane Mifsud did, or more than 9 minutes like Heike Schwerdtner, demonstrates a remarkable ability to withstand oxygen deprivation, pushing the boundaries of what the human body can endure.
4. Dynamic With BiFins (DYNB)
- Men: Mateusz Malina – 290m (2022)
- Women: Magdalena Solich-Talanda – 243m (2022)
In Dynamic With BiFins (DYNB), divers use two fins to swim horizontally underwater, aiming to cover the greatest distance while holding their breath.
These records display an incredible combination of technique and strength, with divers like Mateusz Malina and Magdalena Solich-Talanda maximising their efficiency in the water, turning powerful kicks into extraordinary distances.
5. No Limit (NLT)
- Men: Herbert Nitsch – 214m (2007)
- Women: Tanya Streeter – 160m (2002)
In No Limit (NLT), divers descend with a weighted sled and return to the surface using an inflatable device, aiming for maximum depth.
No Limit diving, where divers venture into extreme depths, epitomises the most daring aspect of freediving. Herbert Nitsch and Tanya Streeter are legends in this field, achieving depths that seem to defy the limits of human physiology.
6. Variable Weight (VWT)
- Men: Alexey Molchanov – 156m (2023)
- Women: Nanja Van Den Broek – 130m (2015)
In Variable Weight (VWT), divers use a weighted sled to descend but must ascend under their own power using fins.
The ability to dive deep with assistance, but ascend through sheer personal strength, marks an impressive blend of equipment use and athletic prowess. Divers like Alexey Molchanov and Nanja Van Den Broek continue to break barriers in this challenging discipline.
7. Constant Weight (CWT)
- Men: Alexey Molchanov – 136m (2023)
- Women: Alessia Zecchini – 123m (2023)
In Constant Weight (CWT), divers descend and ascend using fins without changing their weight or using the guide rope for assistance.
Constant Weight diving records require immense power and precision, with athletes like Alexey Molchanov and Alessia Zecchini pushing their physical capabilities to swim to incredible depths while maintaining perfect technique.
8. Constant Weight Without Fins (CNF)
- Men: William Trubridge – 102m (2016)
- Women: Kateryna Sadurska – 77m (2023)
Constant Weight Without Fins (CNF) requires divers to descend and ascend without fins, using only body movements to propel themselves, without altering their weight.
This discipline is considered one of the most physically demanding, as divers like William Trubridge and Kateryna Sadurska must rely solely on their body’s strength to power their way down and back up through the depths.
- Get to Know William Trubridge
9. Free Immersion (FIM)
- Men: Petar Klovar – 135m (2023)
- Women: Fatima Korok – 102m (2023)
Free immersion dives demonstrate the purest form of control, as divers like Petar Klovar and Fatima Korok use only their arms to pull themselves to extraordinary depths, mastering both physical and mental discipline.
10. Constant Weight With Bifins (CWBT)
- Men: Alexey Molchanov – 135m (2024)
- Women: Alenka Artnik – 111m (2023)
In Constant Weight With Bifins (CWBT), divers use bifins to descend and ascend, maintaining a constant amount of weight throughout the dive.
This category highlights the powerful propulsion provided by bifins, allowing divers like Alexey Molchanov and Alenka Artnik to reach impressive depths while maintaining fluid and efficient movement throughout their dives.
- Get to Know Alenka Artnik
Pushing the Limits of Freediving
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just beginning, these records remind us of what’s possible when we dedicate ourselves to something greater.
As you pursue your own freediving journey, take inspiration from these incredible individuals who have redefined what it means to push the limits of human potential.
If you’re ready to start your freediving adventure or want to enhance your skills, check out our freediving courses in Sydney, the Central Coast or Jervis Bay and become part of this extraordinary world.
Sources: AIDA ; Outer Edge Mag ; alessiazecchini.com ; williamtrubridge.com ; Glorius Sport