Reto En El Abismo 2003- On Saturday September 28th, in the warm Carribean waters of Mochima National Park, Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, Carlos Augusto Coste and Stig Aavall Severinsen achieved twin World record performances in the Freediving discipline of Constant Weight No Fins with consecutive dives to 61 meters.
The pending world records (awaiting the results of an IOC dope test and final AIDA ratification) shatter the memory of Wednesday's unsuccessful attempt by Coste and set the stage for the remaining two planned for the next week here in Venezauela. Still to come are Severinsen's attempt at Martin Stepanik's 8:06 World record in Static (breath hold at the surface), and Coste's attempt to break Stepanik's 93 meter World record in Free-Immersion (hands only pull-down) with a descent to an unbeleivable 101 meters.
While the opportunity to witness to these accomplishments is fantastic I find myself equally enthralled by the evolution of the event itself.
Thanks to impressive on-going promotional efforts by organizers and a front page feature article in the local daily on Carlos' unsuccessful attempt last Wednesday, the numbers of followers both on-site and on land are growing substancially.
Meanwhile it seems that the failed attempt not only helped to create more buzz but may have also created momentum for both athletes who responded very positivly to newly implemented proceedures and safety protocols necessary to accomodate a revised schedule for two attempts on the same day.
The new schedule in turn has given the organizers a chance to re-think a number of other proceedures including those that involve myself and Marcello de Matteis, the two international judges here to represent AIDA.
Good to hear from you. Delighted that you've had these experiences. Can't wait to see you home. Keep in Touch. Love Al amd Marilyn
Posted by: at October 3, 2003 03:12 PMPerry,
Sounds fantastic. See you when you get back.
Without doubt you are providing me with a vicarious sense of adventure with your news briefs in the current world of freediving. Realy wish I were there to participate....... Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Bob Croft at September 30, 2003 11:38 PMSounds fascinating - what a great experience. I hope you are not going to deep yourself. Don't succumb to the desire to dive.
Posted by: Patty at September 30, 2003 01:18 PMHi Perry,
am enjoying reading about your adventures. Hope your health is doing okay. We just got back from Tavy and had a good trip. Nice group of people. I fished the whole time. Take care, Beverly
Posted by: Beverly & Jeff at September 30, 2003 11:51 AMVery cool Perry! What a rush that would have been to witness! Can't wait to hear about the next attempts.
One correction: Saturday October 28th - should be September.
Posted by: Gord Lemon at September 30, 2003 10:09 AM