The A.I.D.A. 2004 World Team Championships of Freediving, right here in Vancouver no less. Which would explain why I am looking out over the UBC Aquatics building and outdoor Olympic pool from the 16th floor of the East tower at UBC's Walter Gage Residence a.k.a. Athletes Village, soon to be a circus centre-ring of the world's breath-holding elite.
This is the first time a World Championships has made it to North America so we are pretty proud to be hosting the thing. I gotta say its shaping up to be a damn good event though we're going nuts getting ready. Ah but to have the experience makes it all worthwhile.
I must be delirious. It is almost three in the morning and though long for sleep I just can't seem to get horizontal. Amazing considering just last week I woke up at first light on a wooden bench in downtown Toronto (wallet intact). Then again I am usually up all night before most events, packing, wracking, drinking or all three as the case may be. Fortunately for me official events start Thursday so I have two days to catch up before I fall back again.
Truth is I am really impressed with both my peers, who have stepped up to make this happen, and the international Freediving community who, by attending, make it real. Its something special to be part of such a unique sport in its early years. The camaraderie and general goodwill extended to all. There is a certain feeling, a kind of undercurrent brewing that reminds me of my early years in both the skateboarding and snowboarding industries. You just know that the thing is going to go.
Perry
Posted by pike at August 3, 2004 03:01 AMHy Perry,hope everything fine for you after leaving Costa Rica,the first one of us who comes in the other·s continent will tell OK? Hope to see you soon,Cyrille de la Ciudad
Posted by: Cyrille at August 15, 2004 01:06 PMHey Perry:
Missed you at world-wide Drowning Prevention Day on July 27th. Keep your stick on the ice, and your nose above water!
Posted by: Ian H. at August 9, 2004 07:26 PMAttaboy, Perry. congrats on where your committment to the sport and freediving community have led you. All my best to the Canadian Team members and safe dives for all participants.
Hey, Perry-
What's this waking up on a bench??? You haven't got a home??? We can always put a bench on the front lawn! Love, Mom
Perry,
I certanly enjoy your stories! Keep them coming! Maybe some day during one of my visits to Toronto we can hitch up.
You comments about the early days of the sports of skateboarding and snowboarding remind me of the formulative years of recreational diving-We considered ourselves the chosen few and indeed we were! Now look at the industry it has created!
You and yours in the freediving community are indeed a unique chosen few and indeed you are in the pioneering stages.
Warmest regards from CenCal,
Sam Miller
Posted by: SA M MILLER at August 3, 2004 09:19 AM