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
The ‘Big Scuba Day Out’ – The Ultimate Day for Water Lovers!

Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure, exploration, and all things scuba and watersports! Oyster Diving’s Big Scuba Day Out is taking place on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at Mercers Park, near London —and best of all, entry is completely FREE!
Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a total beginner, or just looking for a fun day out by the water, this event has something for everyone — including lovely walks around the lake with your four-legged friends!
Come and experience the latest dive gear from some of the world’s leading brands, including Santi, Suex, Apeks, Aqualung, Garmin, GoPro and XDeep. Get hands-on with dive scooters, cutting-edge dive computers, and high-performance gear designed to take your underwater adventures to the next level.
Take part in fun dives with expert guides try out other exclusive demo kit. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, try out new equipment, or simply enjoy the stunning underwater world of Mercers Park, this is the perfect opportunity.
A special raffle in aid of the Shark Trust will include prizes such as PADI branded goodies, Apeks 30m reel and wet notes, and Shearwater Peregrine TX worth £689!
As a special highlight for those wanting to “live the dream”, Course Director Mark Taylor and PADI Regional Manager Emma Samuelsson will be giving an exclusive talk at 12:00 PM about how to become a PADI Pro, including Divemaster and Instructor pathways. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for diving into a career, this is the perfect chance to get insider knowledge from one of the best in the industry.
Not just for divers, the Big Scuba Day Out also offers a variety of watersports courtesy of www.aquasports.co.uk. Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or other exciting water activities.
After all the action, relax on the beautiful lake terrace, where you can enjoy a selection of delicious food and licensed bar while soaking in the breathtaking views.
Don’t miss this incredible day of diving, watersports, and fun for the whole family. For full details and to register your interest, visit Oyster Diving’s website. https://oysterdiving.com/diving-club/uk-diving-trips/the-big-scuba-day-out-4th-may/.
News
Experience a night Dive at the West Rock Shipwreck with Euro-Divers

There’s something magical about night diving— the ocean transforms into a whole new world, alive with mystery and wonder. At Euro-Divers Meeru, we love sharing this unique experience with our guests, and the West Rock Shipwreck is one of our favourite sites for night diving.
Here’s why:
Setting the Scene
The adventure begins at 17:30 as divers gather on the boat. After thoroughly checking our equipment, the boat departs for the dive site. The 15-minute journey is a treat, with the calm sea and the soft glow of the setting sun creating the perfect atmosphere.
Arriving at West Rock, the boat gently moors above the wreck. As our team briefs you on the dive, we will walk you through the special night diving techniques, such as using a torch and maintaining buddy contact, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. While we wait for the sun to set, there is time to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and take in the breathtaking colours of the Maldivian sunset.
The Dive Begins
Once darkness settles, it’s time to dive. The West Rock Shipwreck—a small cargo freighter sunk in 1999—rests at 20 meters on a sandy plateau. Over the years, it has become a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life.
As we descend, the beams of our torches cut through the dark water, revealing the wreck’s coral-covered surfaces. It is always thrilling to see the wreck come to life under the light. Colourful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, frogfish, and shrimps are just a few of the creatures that call this wreck home.
We often find parrotfish and pufferfish inside the wreck settled in for the night, while lionfish and moray eels lurk in the shadows. We frequently spot larger residents, too—Napoleon wrasse or even a resting nurse shark, peacefully tucked away beneath the ship’s hull. Every corner of the wreck offers something new to discover.
Underwater Galaxy
As the dive comes to an end, we have one final highlight to share. During the safety stop at 5 metres, we may ask you to switch off your torch and gently move your hands through the water. This action stirs up bioluminescent plankton, lighting up like tiny stars surrounding you— a magical, otherworldly experience that never fails to amaze.
Post-Dive Bliss
Emerging from the dive, we are welcomed by the cool night air and a canopy of stars. The boat crew helps us as we climb aboard, where hot tea or coffee awaits to warm us up. The journey back to shore is filled with shared stories and a sense of camaraderie that only diving together can create.
Night dives like this one at the West Rock Shipwreck offer more than just an exploration of marine life; they remind us of the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.
For more information, contact the Euro-Divers Meeru team at meeru@euro-divers.com or visit www.euro-divers.com.
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