News
New British National Records set in Freediving
British National Records set in the new Depth Discipline Constant Weight Bi-Fins by Dean Chaouche & Helena Bourdillon!
British freedivers Dean Chaouche and Helena Bourdillon have set new national records of 98m and 75m respectively, in the constant weight bi-fins (CWTB) depth category. The discipline has been recently recognised by AIDA International, whereby a diver descends using only bi-fins as propulsion. Dean and Helena are the first UK athletes to set records in this discipline.
This is the first time Helena has set a national record in freediving, and she set two over the course of just two days! The first of the two British records took place on 4 August when she swam down to 73m, the next day, 5 August, she went to 75m, both times at the Caribbean Cup Freediving Competition. Helena had this to say: “I’m thrilled to have done this and enjoyed it a lot!”
Dean set the first of four CWTB records at the Asian Freediving Cup on 9 June, going down to 90m; he went two meters deeper on 24 August at the Korean Cup organised by Freedive Panglao in the Philippines and then to 95m on 29 August and finally to 98m on 31 August at the Freedive Panglao Mini Comp.
Dean said: “After my 90m bi-fins dive which I had made earlier in the year I was surprised by how much fun deep bi-fins dives can be and so I decided that I would push the depth a little more and enjoy the process of developing a new discipline. My other goal for these string of comps, organised by Freedive Panglao, was to achieve a greater state of relaxation similar to what I feel on training dives and to build slowly. I began with a 92m dive on the second day of the Korean Cup, following that dive I decided to go for 95m on day one of the Mini Comp, it was a very relaxed and enjoyable dive, exactly the experience I was looking for.”
“I made a slightly more challenging dive to 98m due to current, though I am very happy with the numbers, what I’m more happy about is the circumstances and the quality of dives and focus. There was quite a bit of current all the way down, I was aware of this before my dive but I still maintained a very relaxed state of mind. When I started the dive I could feel it was taking more energy to keep straight and I could feel the current moving me around on the descent but I realised I was still in a very comfortable state of mind and knew that I could make the dive even with the added difficulty. The swim up was for sure harder than the previous dive but ultimately successful and a clean protocol. I’m super stoked with how relaxed I can feel even in competition and will aim to build on these satisfying dives.”
Dean Chaouche from Swansea has broken several national records in both the free immersion and constant weight no fins depth disciplines and is currently ranked in the world’s top 5. You can follow Dean on Social Media under the handle @deanfreediver. Helena Bourdillon is a motivational speaker as well as a competitive freediver and is based in London.
For more information about the BFA visit their website by clicking here.
News
Professional Scuba Schools Offering Exclusive Crossover During DEMA 2024 Show
The DEMA Show offers many opportunities for dive leaders and dive center owners to organize and plan their coming year’s activities by taking advantage of unprecedented deals from the industry. Based on the popularity and success from the DEMA Show 2023, Professional Scuba Schools will once again offer an instructor crossovers at its booth #6180 during DEMA Show 2024.
There will be two available sessions each day, one starting at 10:30AM and 3:30PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the Show. There is no charge for the crossover, but a $75 registration fee will apply that covers instructor dues through December 31, 2025!
Crossover candidates must provide proof of active teaching status with an RSTC recognized agency and verification of a current (within last 12 months) physical. Those who do not have proof can still attend the crossover, but additional requirement and delays in completing the crossover may apply. In addition to attending the booth session, crossover candidates must complete all e-Learning requirements before certifications will be issued.
Take advantage of this offer, and start your instructor crossover at DEMA Show 2024, by simply completing the required pre-registration at https://www.pssworldwide.org/en/registrazionexOver.aspx?lang=en and selecting your DEMA Show Booth Crossover day and time. A Professional Scuba Schools Course Director will then contact you to explain the next steps. You can also register at the PSS DEMA Show booth #6180 but space is limited each day, so you are strongly encouraged to register today! Last year all slots were filled via pre-registration, so don’t delay.
To find out more about joining the PSS Evolution email pssnorthamerica@pssmail.org or call 813-344-2868.
Dive Leaders and Dive Center owners who are attending the DEMA Show 2024 should make sure to stop by the PSS Worldwide booth #6180 to learn more about the benefits of PSS affiliation!
News
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
Nestled deep within the jungle of Quintana Roo, Mexico, lies Cenote El Pit, a hidden natural wonder that captivates adventurers, especially those with a love for diving. Known for its striking depth, crystalline waters, and surreal geological formations, Cenote El Pit is more than just a hole in the ground—it’s a portal to an otherworldly underwater realm.
Located within the famous Sac Actun cave system, just a short drive from Tulum, El Pit offers a thrilling experience for divers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its towering walls, pristine water clarity, and mesmerizing light effects make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Yucatan Peninsula’s cenote-rich landscape.
What makes Cenote El Pit unique?
Cenote El Pit is one of the deepest cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, plunging over 120 meters (393 feet) into the earth. Unlike other cenotes which are open and wide, El Pit has a more cavernous vertical drop that gives the impression of plunging straight into the earth’s core.
Located just a short distance from Tulum, this cenote is surrounded by dense jungle providing a sense of adventure even before you enter the water. Below the surface, crystal-clear water allows the light beams to pierce through letting you see the unique underwater formations.
Why you should dive Cenote El Pit?
For those passionate about diving, Cenote El Pit is one of the most exciting and visually captivating cenotes in Mexico. Here’s why:
1. Incredible Depth and Visibility: The water visibility is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, allowing divers to see deep into the cenote’s vertical shaft. The clarity provides an almost dreamlike sensation as you descend into the depths surrounded by shades of blue and green.
2. Spectacular Light Shows: A very famous feature of Cenote El Pits is the way the sunlight penetrates the cenote. During the middle of the day, when the sun is directly overhead, its rays cut through the water creating a natural laser-show effect. Divers can witness these light beams illuminating the underwater formations and halocline layers.
3. Halocline Phenomenon: El Pit is famous for its halocline. This is where freshwater meets saltwater at a certain depth, creating a blurry shimmering effect in the water. When passing through the halocline, the water becomes clouded, almost like swimming through a layer of fog, only to clear up again as you ascend or descend beyond it.
4. Hydrogen Sulfide Cloud: At around 30 meters, divers encounter a thick, eerie layer of hydrogen sulfide that forms a milky cloud at the bottom of the cenote. This cloud is formed by the natural decomposition of organic matter and creates a mystical, fog-like layer. As you descend into this cloud, it feels like you’re diving into another world, with the forest of dead branches and tree roots adding an extra touch of otherworldliness.
5. Stalactites and Stalagmites: The walls of Cenote El Pit are adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, ancient formations that hint at the cenote’s history when it was once a dry cave. These formations, created over thousands of years, offer a glimpse into the geological past and add an element of exploration as divers navigate through the cavern’s intricate landscape.
6. Peaceful and Pristine Environment: Unlike some of the more popular cenotes that can become crowded with swimmers and tourists, Cenote El Pit retains a more secluded and tranquil ambiance. Its remote location and the challenge of access—often only via dirt roads—mean it’s mostly visited by dedicated divers. This makes for a serene and immersive experience, where you can truly appreciate the silence of the underwater world.
Practical Considerations for Diving in Cenote El Pit
Cenote El Pit is suitable for both intermediate and advanced divers. For those interested in cave diving, additional certification is required. Following local regulations, we recommend that divers first explore a more accessible cenote before diving in El Pit. This ensures both safety and an optimal experience for our guests.
You can dive at El Pit all year round! Pro Dive International provides guided diving tours with experienced instructors.
Contact Pro Dive International now to book your dive or request more information!
Cenote El Pit stands out as one of the most unique and stunning cenotes in Mexico, especially for divers seeking an extraordinary experience. Its combination of crystal-clear water, incredible depth, natural light displays, and geological formations creates a magical and mystical environment unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re looking to explore the mysterious halocline layers or marvel at the sheer beauty of the underwater cathedral of light, diving in Cenote El Pit is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure.
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