Splash New Zealand Freediving Pool Nationals 2017

Splash New Zealand Freediving Pool Nationals 2017

Freediving NZ is proud to announce the ‘Splash New Zealand Pool Nationals 2017’, this year's annual event will be held at the AUT Millennium’s Sir Glen Owen National Aquatic Center on Aucklands North Shore; Friday 15 th September to Sunday 18 th September 2017.

Competitors from all over NZ and Overseas will compete in both AIDA grade (For Ranking Points) and Recreational Grade – a popular format for our upcoming NZ Freedivers. This year we have 9 Nations represented , and a number of them have their eyes set on their national records.

Pool Competitors compete over three events; all disciplines are completed with a single breath of

air:

STA - The Freediver holds their breath in a stationary position for as long as possible, face down in a pool. This is the only discipline that measures the dive duration rather than depth or distance.

DYN - Dynamic With Fins. The freediver swims horizontally across the pool using fins – In either Bi-fins or a monofin, trying to cover the greatest possible distance.

DNF - Dynamic No Fins. The Freediver swims horizontally across the pool without the use of fins covering the greatest possible distance.

This year sees a large number of athletes competing and in both grades and can expect to see closely fought competitions.

The current NZ National Champion and Pan Pacific Champion Kathryn Nevatt is defending her National title, and as well as our own NZ athletes challenging her, Anette Rafen Ottzen from Denmark is competing. Anette holds is the current CMAS European Champion for DNF and Danish National DYN Champion.

“Our National Competitions continue to grow and attract oversea competitors; this year's proves to be another big competition and will be very well supported by our wider Freediving community; it's going to be a big gathering. I am very impressed by the calibre of all our athletes and looking forward to an exciting competition. ” states Nick Rhodes, FreeDiving NZ.

Hayden Salmons, General Manager of Splash Dive says “We are delighted to be able to support Freediving NZ for this event; the competition provides an ideal platform for both experienced divers and emerging divers to compete in an inclusive format. NZ has produced some world class divers over the years, and these competitions allow the development of these athletes to continue and to go on and compete internationally”

"Freediving is one of the fastest growing water sports and as such, it is important to highlight safe diving practices. PADI are thrilled to have the chance to do so as a sponsor of the Freediving NZ Pool Nationals and look forward to educating competitors and the general public about the training and opportunities available through the PADI Freediver program." states Jen Clent, Regional Manager PADI Asia Pacific.

Freediving can be dangerous if practiced alone or without proper instruction due to the risk of hypoxic black out, and a recognised course or introductory session with a freediving club is highly recommended. Clubs offer intro evenings for anyone who snorkels, likes the water or just wants to see how long they can hold their breath in a safe environment. For more information find them on Facebook.

More information on the event can be found on the Freediving New Zealand Website : http://www.freediving.co.nz/splashfnzpoolnats2017//

ENDS

© Scoop Media