Free diving is a form of underwater diving that relies on a diver’s breath instead of breathing apparatus.
Being without equipment allows you to explore and interact with marine life while strengthening your lungs and toning your muscles.
In 2019, Richard Collett, Cayman’s national free diving record holder, set two new national records in Roatan, Honduras. He first set a record of 196ft in the bi-fin constant weight category and then 213ft in the free immersions discipline category. In 2018, he also set three national records in Miami for holding his breath for 6 minutes, 17 seconds, swimming 166m with fins and 114m without. He has now set 18 national records.
Currently, free diving courses are only offered at Ambassador Divers (Tel: (345) 916 1064). Ambassador Divers offers a PFI 20m/66ft class. Both courses include basic classroom lessons, followed by shallow water/pool skills and then open water free diving.
For those wanting to pursue free diving more seriously, there is the AIDA Free Diver (two days), AIDA Advanced Free Diver (two days), Free Diving certifications. Level One teaches you the proper knowledge to participate in free diving depths of 60ft, as well as develop the skills necessary to train your body to be more efficient with breath-holding, respiration and muscle flexibility. Level Two will teach you the skills to participate in free diving to depths of 98ft. It will also teach you dynamic free diving to 180ft and a static breath-hold for two and a half minutes.
To connect with other free divers, visit the Cayman Free Diving Association website.