Martin Štĕpánek Sets New Freediving World Record

In April this year the Blue Eye FX team were commissioned to film the international freediving event, Vertical Blue, held in Long Island, Bahamas. It turned out to be a fantastic competition, in which 32 National and 5 World records were broken. In the male competition, Herbert Nitsch from Austria and New Zealander William Trubridge had a field day when they both broke World Records in the main depth disciplines.

These are the World Records that Martin Štĕpánek announced he would beat in Sharm El Sheik in Egypt this month. Štĕpánek announced world record attempts in all three Depth Disciplines consisting of Constant Weight (CWT), Constant Weight No Fins (CNF) and Free Immersion (FIM).

Ensuring coverage of all the action, Blue Eye FX had a film crew on location and in the water at the Only One Apnea Center that was hosting Štĕpánek's' attempts.

Martin Štĕpánek set his first world record in freediving back in 2001; hailing from the landlocked country of the Czech Republic, his astonishing performances have rocked the freediving community worldwide. From 2001 to 2009 he has set over 12 world records. Without doubt, as these records progressively get deeper everyone is wondering: What are our limits?

In Sharm on 22 May 2009, Štĕpánek tested him limits and began his assault with a new CWT World Record (the fifth time he has claimed this record) and an incredible depth of 122 metres. This outstanding athletic achievement has reclaimed Štĕpánek's position as the World's Deepest Freediver. The dive lasted 3 minutes and 36 seconds and bested Austrian Herbert Nitschâs record of 120 metres.

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On the following day, 23 May, Štĕpánek claimed yet another World Record diving to 110 metres in the discipline of Free Immersion with a total dive time of 3 minutes and 56 seconds. FIM allows the diver to pull on the rope during descent and ascent, the use of fins being prohibited. This record was previously 109 metres, also held by Herbert Nitsch.

But the record week doesn't end just yet. Štĕpánek is planning to set a new World Record in Constant Weight, No Fins. New Zealander, William Trubridge, currently holds this record at a depth of 88 metres.

We can't wait to see if he gets there!

All of Štĕpánek's dives in this event are dedicated to preservation and awareness of our oceans. To support Oceana go to www.oceana.org

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