Media Release: 12th September 2018
Freediving New Zealand Pool Nationals 2018
Freediving NZ is proud to announce the “Freediving New Zealand Pool Nationals 2018”, this year's annual event will be
held at Alpine Aqualand –Queenstown Events Centre, 33 Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton, Queenstown. Friday 14th to Sunday
16th September 2018 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.
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 is the first year we see the Pool Nationals hosted in the South Island and we are pleased to see such a great
turnout. Queenstown provides a stunning backdrop and the local community has supported the competition ; with a lot of
local businesses providing sponsorship alongside our generous national sponsors. ” states Nick Rhodes, FreeDiving NZ.
"It is PADI’s aim to offer the best support to freedivers and freediving instructors as the sport grows. These
competitions are a great representation of how the New Zealand freediving community comes together to support the sport
and continue its growth into the future." states Chris Hailey, Regional Manager PADI NZ & Fiji.
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/fnzpoolnats2018/
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