Don't Hold Your Breath - Unless You've Joined Auckland's First Official Freediving Club!
In response to fast growing interest in the diverse and specialist sport of freediving – breath hold diving - Auckland has established its first incorporated freediving club.
The Auckland Freediving Club (AFC) has been founded by athletes enthusiastic for this unusual sport to provide safe and effective opportunities for divers to learn and develop their breath hold skills and knowledge.
New Zealand has become a centre of excellence in the sport of freediving. In the last World Championship competition held in Denmark this August, New Zealand divers claimed six medals, including two golds. Kiwis also hold several world records and are considered to be among the world’s finest athletes in the sport.
In Auckland, freediving has thrived due to a handful of passionate individuals. The AFC has been set up with two main aims: to provide an opportunity for this hard-earned expertise to be shared with those newer to the sport, and for its members to train and dive together safely.
Involvement in the sport comes from diverse interests: some want to challenge themselves physically and mentally; others to better understand the marine environment; some to overcome fears and to become more comfortable in the water.
The club provides training in key techniques that can be applicable to all apnea activities, such as underwater photography, spear fishing, underwater rugby and hockey, and freediving competitions – some members have even used apnea skills to recover treasures from the deep!
The AFC also hopes to attract non-divers interested in a unique and effective way to develop fitness and physical well-being. The combination of mental and physical skills practiced in freediving allows athletes to stretch themselves in new and often unexpected ways.
The AFC offers weekly training sessions at the YouthTown pool on Nelson Street. New members take part in induction sessions which cover fundamental safety and rescue training. Pool sessions focus on developing technique, breath hold, and general fitness. Trainers offer guidance and support to help each member develop personal goals.
For more information on the exciting and challenging sport of freediving, please contact:
aucklandfreediving@gmail.com