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Reto en el Abismo 2004

After ten days in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela the final tally for Reto en el Abismo 2004 is; five freediving world record attempts, four new international judges and one pending world record.

Starting on the 20th of October fellow international judge Grant Graves (USA) and I began preparations to oversee and officiate the two world record attempts that had been announced by Carlos Coste (VEN) and Stig Severinsen (DEN). As the officials it would be our job to make sure all A.I.D.A. International rules, regulations and safety protocols are followed and that each of the performances are properly documented to ensure current and future records are honoured.

To mitigate the numerous risks associated with the attempts we began with an overall safety and organizational meeting in which I reviewed primary and secondary rescue procedures and redundancies and established each of the roles required for the organization staff. Also, accompanying Stig Severinsen was a Danish television crew shooting a four part series on him for national broadcaster DR1. As active participants in the event it was essential that they too be included in the protocols and procedures. This continued throughout the week with briefings the night before each attempt. In addition to this a number of other tasks needed to be performed including stretching and marking the official lines, calibrating the depth gages and establishing the individual roles for Grant and myself as primary judge on game day.

The first attempts took place Saturday Oct. 23rd. First to go was Carlos Coste who rode a weighted sled down the official line to 135 meters (442 ft.). According to regulations a minimum of three official cameras must capture the entire performance. One mounted to the sled captured the incredible ride as Carlos flew past safety scuba divers at 35, 70 and 100 meters at speeds averaging 2 meters a second. A second camera secured to the bottom plate captured his arrival at depth. Meanwhile two surface cameras, the Danish television crew and a host of safeties, organizers and spectators anxiously awaited his arrival at the surface. For the Variable Weight category the diver is required to ascend under his own power, which Carlos did in a final time of 4:08. The dive was clean and Carlos maintained his control as he coughed up some of the remaining fluids due to the thoracic filling that takes place at extreme depths. [Thoracic filling is the critical mammlian diving reflex a.k.a Blood shift that shifts plasma from the bloodstream into the lung cavity to prevent compression damage. These fluids are reabsorbed during ascent/expansion].

Several minutes later Stig Severinsen left the surface for 67 meters (219 ft.) without the aid of fins (Constant No Fins) or weight. Though his initial descent was strong Stig turned at 61.2 meters due to equalization problems. Unfortunately later review of both official surface videos of Carlos' dive revealed the video documentation did not meet A.I.D.A. International standards having missed approximately 1:30 of the pre-dive time required so a second attempt became necessary for him as well.

With the athletes on rest days Grant and I began the Judge in Learning course, which upon completion would see the addition of four new level E judges to the A.I.D.A. roster. Carlos Coste, Gabriela Contreras (the head organizer) and our two safety freedivers, Luis Delgado and Giovanni Profeta registered for the course. Over the next five days a total of 16+ hours were spent reviewing rules, theory and regulations followed by practical application in water. Book ended by real world records attempts the course was both in context and highly relevant for each of the participants.

Stig's second attempt took place on the 26th. After successfully reaching the targeted depth Stig returned to the surface elated but hypoxic enough to forget to breathe. Looking around he gave a small cheer and briefly lost consciousness. The next day Carlos repeated his incredible 135-meter performance this time taking his sweet time to ascent for a total dive time of 4:36 seconds. It was tense as the safety team was instructed to drop the counter ballast at 4:30 however thanks to the clear water we were able to see the final fifteen seconds of his ascent. This time the video documentation was good and the performance has been recommended for final ratification and world record status.

The final dive took place on the 29th. Once again Stig made his targeted depth but blacked out at approx. 15 meters requiring Carlos, acting as the safety diver to bring him to the surface. Tense moments again as Stig was out for a good 30 seconds before coming around and coughing up fresh blood indicating some level of lung barotrauma. In no time we had him back on the boat breathing oxygen as the remaining fluid in his lungs reabsorbed. It's a set back for Stig but something he will surely overcome as his good spirits were restored almost immediately.

Though it was a disappointment for Stig and his crew everyone was glad to have come to the end of the event. It had been a long ten days with numerous ups and downs and tests of our abilities to judge and safely conduct world record performances. Congratulations to the athletes, hosts and organizers in Venezuela and thank you for the opportunity to be part of your successes.

Perry

Ghost in the machine?

The name of the bar was 'Goldlips', recently changed from Goldfinger which should have been our first clue. We had already seen most of what was to offer in the entertainment department here in Puerto La Cruz, namely casinos passed off as bingo halls, so it should have come as no surprise that the term 'American bar' would also refer to something other than the obvious. But I am jumping ahead...

At 11:25 am this morning Carlos Coste made a second attempt for the world freediving record in Variable Weight descending once again to the incredible depth of 135 meters by sled and returning to the surface under his own power. The total dive time was an extremely tense 4:36 as Carlos took his time during the ascent leaving no question of his incredible abilities.

Unlike the previous attempt video documentation on the sled, bottom plate and surface were all in order however a malfunction with the back up surface camera left no room for error. That makes three times we have experienced problems with the video documention. It makes you wonder.

With Carlos' record dive successful (pending final ratification and doping test results) we could all finally relax a little. Stig Severinsen's third and final attempt at Constant No Fins will be this Friday so, with day and half to recover, the gang headed out to the Bingo for a few drinks and a little roulette action.

The beer was free in the VIP section where Carlos promptly lost his minimum start of 20,000 Bolivares. Meanwhile Luiz Delgado, our primary safety diver and class clown raked in the chips for over an hour before giving it all back. As the boys played with marbles Danish cinematographer Jesper and I critiqued the shameless lounge music while tossing the complimentary ice cubes thoughtfully included in our beers.

With that done it was time to change venues. The American bar beckoned. Flanked by Luiz and scuba safety Guacharo, Jesper and I made our way to Goldlips, a seedy looking joint in the tenderlion of Puerta La Cruz. Though it was in Spanish the MC's voice through the hazy neon interior was unmistakeable, American bar means strip club.

Now if the girls were really exciting that might have changed things a little but the reality is that in Venezuela the women walking down the street are so beautiful that there really is no need for place like this. Mind you the pole work was impressive.

Drama continues in Venezuela

At approx. 11:34 am today Stig Severinsen made a second attempt to 67m Constant No Fins. The performance was disqualifed after a blackout on the
surface.

Stig successfully touched the plate at 67 meters giving it a spin for good measure before starting his ascent. He was met by safety diver Carlos Coste at approximately 30 meters and upon surfacing gave the crowd an enthusiastic cheer which likely contributed to the Blackout. The dive time was 2:28 seconds.

Unfortunately there was once again a problem with the video documentation only this time it was the bottom camera. Had the performance been clean it would have been a repeat of Saturday's heartbraker which saw Carlos Coste's Variable Weight dive to 136 meters deemed invalid for world record ratification.

Carlos`s second attempt will take place tomorrow Wed. the 27th at 11:00am while Stig's third attempt is tentatively scheduled for Friday.

Heartbreaker

At approximately 12:15 pm Oct 23, Carlos Coste achieved 136 meters in Variable Ballast, riding a weighted sled into the depths of the Carribean sea and returning to the surface under his own power in 4:08 seconds.

The performance was clean and beat the current record of 120 meters handily however unfortunately both of the offical surface cameras did not document the dive sufficiently for ratification. As a result the dive will not count as a world record. Carlos will reattempt the world record Wednesday.

The second performance of the day took place approximately ten minutes later. Danish freediver Stig Severinsen turned at 61.2 meters on his attempt to 67m due to difficulty equalizing. His decision to turn early ensures he will be healthy to retry this Tuesday.

Similar to last year the attempts are well attended and a little bit chaotic. For this reason I decided to hold individual briefings prior to the event for the athletes, camera operators and divers respectively to ensure all requirements would be met. It makes the video problem all the more unfortunate. The new attempts are being done seperately to reduce the risk of confusion and error.

Perry

Inner city lakes on the shores of the Caribbean sea

Caribbean storms come in fast. Ten to twelve inches of rain in as many minutes formed miniature lakes across low-lying roadways and parking lots in the coastal town of Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela. All of a sudden the driving across town went from an exercise in machismo to an adventure in watersports. Watching the urban swells lap up onto plaza shores I almost wished I had a wakeboard with me.

That was yesterday afternoon. Today its back to hot and sunny, perfect weather in anticipation of Carlos Coste and Stig Severinsen's freediving world record attempts in Variable Weight and Constant No Fins tomorow morning. Both Athletes have achieved their depth prerequisites and are in good spirits.

The lines are stretched and measured. Safety briefings have been held and all that remains are final athlete and organizer meetings to go over the schedule and proceedures one more time.

I can't wait.

Perry

Esperando

I was advised to stay in the airport during my five hour stop-over in Bogota. An eight hour delay in Guaquil, Ecuador however handily took care of that along with my connection to Caracas. Of course it was another eight hour wait for the next flight.

The good news is I have finally arrived, bags and all, in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela for the upcoming World Record Freediving attempts by native Carlos Coste and Stig Severinsen of Denmark. Carlos is going for the Variable weight record (riding a sled to depth and kicking back up) of 120 meters and Stig, the pending Static Apnea record (breathhold at the surface) of 8:46. It should be a fun week.

After exploring the pacific coast of Ecuador for the past week its also just good to be in familiar territory amongst friends. Stay tuned for more fun.

Perry

Quick trip to Ecuador

After a sleepless night packing and repacking my shiny new Sportube with spearguns and accessories, I made the long journey from Toronto to Miami to Caracas with little fanfare. The organizers of Reto en el Abismo 2004 (Challenge the depths), a week of freediving world record attempts in Venezuela seven days from now, had paid for this first part of the trip as I am to be the primary judge.

Having long been interested in exploring the Ecuadorian coast I tacked on an extra week ahead of time to scout for inexpensive winter-home opportunities. Unfortunately the only flights to Ecuador that matched my schedule included a five-hour stop-over in Bogota enroute from Caracas to Guayaquil. Needless to say I was a wreck when I checked into a small pension late that night.

I woke up anxious to see the ocean but there was at least another four hours to go. The packed bus from Guayaquil to the coastal town of Montanita was reminiscent of the many trips I had taken through Central America.

Traveling at incredible velocities the old Mercedes bus seemed to smooth out somewhere around 140 km/hr giving the illusion that the driver was in control. Counteracting this illusion was the random half-stops at populated crossroads where either more passengers or vendors of various types of food would board. Squeezing their way up and down the aisles the vendors would peddle their wares until the next crossroads where they would jump from the moving vehicle and wait for a bus going in the opposite direction.

Some offerings were more interesting than others, dripping grilled chicken skin on a stick for example, however my favorite was the guy who meticulously selected single miniature crackers for each passenger (served with a pair of tongs) before returning with bottles of soda pop and plantain chips. It is surely an impressive feat to board and disembark from a moving bus with a cooler full of soft drinks and sticks of dripping chicken skin.

My destination was Casa del Sol, a small surf hotel run by Californian Randy Hood. Randy is a pioneer of Montanita with beachfront property one kilometer from town where a nice little point break generates the best wave in south Ecuador. We had met via email and he had offered to show me around a little, an offer he made good on over the next few days.

In the meantime I sucked up as much of the atmosphere as I could. Making regular forays into town and setting out on little adventures I got a feel for the state of things, the strongest impression being one of hopeful, expectant opportunity to come by locals and gringos respectively.

In many ways this is exactly what I had hoped to find. A great location with basic infrastructure ten to twenty years behind places like Costa Rica where speculation by North Americans and Europeans had already changed the costs and rules of engagement. Of course signs that some had tried to do so were also here, semi-abandoned resorts and hotels, monuments to over anxious investors ahead of their time.

The geography was also very interesting. From here south the land was arid and dry while just to the north things became lush and even forest like. It reminded me of the drive from Flagstaff to Phoenix which goes from alpine to desert in much the same manner. The diversity seemed indicative of the opportunity.

Coastal Ecuador is farther and more expensive to get to than my familiar Central American stomping grounds. Hassle factor is higher and as for marketability, the place just doesn't have a sought-after travel reputation. As a result many of the tourists are back-packers looking for dirt-cheap fare and accommodation. Not ideal if one is going to rely on walk-in tourist trade for sustenance. On top of all that is the fact that the water is a little cooler (now I will admit to being a warm water wimp but you have to agree there is something special about surfing in trunks). I ponder all this as I consider my plans for the winter.

Randy too has been thinking this over, wondering how best to build the business without spinning his wheels. It doesn't take long before I am immersed in identifying key strategies and walking him through the process of creating a solid business plan. When the two of us finally come up for air I realize I have hardly done any fishing.

A warm breeze slips under the overcast skyline and along the beach. Flat light. Without the wind on your skin it would be hard to distinguish oneself from the panorama. I wade into the familiar Pacific Ocean greeting it with my thoughts and swim out to the end of the rocky point.

A few short dives reveal a series of tiny fjords, which while close together on the surface, open up below where the usual suspects congregate. Visibility in the ten-foot range offers little encouragement and so I hunker down into some rocky formations and wait for something edible. There is relatively little activity and after twenty or so dives I come to the conclusion that parrotfish is going to have to do.

With two bands loaded on my Riffe speargun I dive down and lock into a large iridescent blue parrot. The spear flies from the teak stock and catches the fish mid flank, knocking it sideways. It's a poor shot but secure. Then, reaching for my knife to dispatch the fish I suddenly realize its not there. I must have left the sheath open.

Angry with myself I come up for air and pull in the float line attached to my bright orange float and stringer. In the process of trying to brain the fish with the stringer I lose my grip on both it and the fish who, clearly as upset with the situation as I am, decides to make a prompt departure. The next few dives turn up nothing, surely my due. Continuing to dive and preoccupied with my funk I am oblivious to the arrival of a small fishing boat in the process of laying miles of netting along the reef. By the time I sense their presence one of the four fishermen aboard is curiously pulling my float from the water with a long steering pole.

Oi! I shout giving them a start in return. Shocked by my sudden my appearance from nowhere it takes them several beats to react. Slowly my float is lowered back and they resume their task. Sure enough on my next dive I see the long black netting snaking its way along the ocean floor. It's relatively easy to avoid but I have no knife to cut myself free should anything happen. I shudder at the thought of getting caught below.

Not too long ago I heard a story in which someone said they were not ready for the sea. Apparently this was one of those times.

The next several days reaped similar results, poor visibility and a lack of desire on my part as important factors as any. At one point a large spotted devil ray flew by just to remind me that in fact there was much more going on than I was able to manufacture.

I was not disappointed really, the purpose of my trip being fulfilled I could leave with a good understanding of the place and its opportunities. Something to ponder as I consider my plans for the coming winter.

Meanwhile I was amazed to learn that the bus back to Guayaquil was capable of greater speeds than the one out to the coast. It was the chicken skin man who helped check my fear, if he could go about the business of selling his skins then surely I could sit quietly and read my book.

Anticipating the World's

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

Rainforest Concert

The Event
A full house of over thirty residents and guests attended A Concert in the Rainforest, the first annual fundraiser for Costa Rica's Fundacion Matapalo. Recorded live for the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) the concert, featuring Canadian performance artist Daniel Hebert and local Marimba duo Hermanos Perez, was also covered by The Tico Times, Latin America's leading English Weekly. The Matapalo Foundation, headed by Belgian social entrepreneur Stijn de Witte, is dedicated to the exchange of culture and ideas while in direct contact with nature.

The Venue
The event took place at Java, Stijn's hand-built home/culture club high above Playa Matapalo in the primary forests of San Andreas. Surrounded by treetops and wildlife this shelter-cum nightclub is alive with the awesome diversity of the jungle. Toucan's, parrots, and white-faced monkeys are all regulars at Java and its candlelit jungle ambiance is like nowhere else in the world.

The Concert
The crowd grew steadily as small groups of guests arrived by 4X4 and dirt bike along the three kilometres of winding mountain road. Upon arrival each guest received a quantity of Java dollars, which could be redeemed for food and drinks, and was invited to settle in to tuna tartar appetizers and cold cerveza Imperial.

The evening started off with Marimba Marivel Hermanos Perez, a father and son team from nearby Quepos and their five-foot green and red marimba that, two months earlier, could have easily passed as a homemade Christmas tree. With mallets in both hands the two musicians created jaunty, tropical sounds by striking the marimba's narrow steel strips laid out from small to large over the length of the instrument.

Playing only the lower registers the larger, younger Perez kept rhythm by repeating a similar riff throughout the entire performance. To his right the elder Perez, sporting a large cowboy hat and handlebar moustache, led the duo through a series of five, strangely familiar merry-go-round melodies the way an old cowhand might take a group of toddlers on a pony ride.

Following the Hermanos Perez a brief overview of Fundacion Matapalo was given and guests were encouraged to think about how, in the spirit of the foundation, they could participate in the exchange by sharing ideas and discussion following the evening's performances.

Daniel Hebert kicked off the first of his two sets with Elvis Presley's That's Alright Mama, immediately capturing the attention of the crowd who happily hummed along to the chorus. For the next half hour Daniel performed a number of moving original songs including several new compositions. A short break followed during which healthy portions of delicious bouillabaisse and Imperial beer were doled out. Daniel then concluded the evening with three up-tempo songs Yellow Dog, Swoon Pleasure and Heart Thirsty.

As the concert ended conversations launched from every corner of the room, many of them lasting well into the night. Meanwhile Club Java locals took to the dance floor to shake and shimmy doing their best to entertain the wildlife.

Located in the primary forest jungles of San Andreas, Costa Rica, Fundacion Matapalo is dedicated to the exchange of culture and ideas while in direct contact with nature. Here one is encouraged to share and celebrate with others while the incredibly diverse rainforest setting provides a sense of responsibility towards each other and the environment. For more information please visit http://www.matapalo.com

A Concert in the Rainforest

On February 14th & 15th, 2004, in conjunction with Fundacion Matapalo, Costa Rica and the help of two very skilled Belgian Chef's, I will be hosting a two day musical and culinary adventure featuring the incredible singer/songwriter and performance artist Daniel Hebert.

Please consider this your invitation to join us for two days of great music, fine food and adventure in the lush mountains of Osa, Costa Rica.

Details and info at: http://www.matapalo.com/concert

Whack'n'Store

Carefully suppressing the urgency in her voice, Robin a.k.a. 'Lovegirl' called from her strategic perch atop one of the dining room chairs next door. "Per, there's a really big bug in here and I think it might be a scorpion!". Contemplating the risk of crushing it in my sandals I pour a sniff of single malt for Michelle and decide I'll have to pick up a pair of rubber boots, the locals footwear of choice, the next time I'm in town.

Sure enough the little critter was hanging out on the closet wall beside the girls' shoes. Although four-plus inches it looked rather malnourished. Not getting enough sole food I guess.

Rather than risk my tootsies I give it a whack and scoop it up with a Tupperware container from under the sink. Kill'n'Karry Perry. Hey now there's a idea... different sized Tupperware containers (for different sized critters) with long flyswatter-like handles. We'll call the line whack'n'store.

Then again you can't go wrong with a good pair of rubber boots.

Blackout 77

Screaming sound waves and strobes of light pierce through the hazy club, bouncing their way off polished studs and leather before being absorbed by tight, black fishnets and their pulsating cargo. Fists pump the air. Wild hair flies free.

Kiss Army, Detroit 1978? Nope, guess again. Its Halifax, 2003 and this is Blackout 77, Canada's in your face and over the top answer to Cock Rock, AC/DC and Spinal Tap. Hard rock is back boys and girls and these cats are here to play.

It was Greg Baller, the bass player and old chum of mine, who called to tell me about their gig with the travelling Edge Fest Tour. I flew out to see them play along side Big Sugar, Fishbone and various local acts and, along with hundreds of other unsuspecting concert goers, was immediately taken in by the strange mix of innocent charisma and hard rock attitude only a band Halifax from could combine.

I mean where else in the world could a band of really nice guys become the 'The Overlords of Rock'?

One year later I am back in Halifax to shoot their first video. As the Director I insist we shoot on 35mm film, there is just no other way to capture the magic that these four can create on stage. As the Producer I curse myself for not choosing a less demanding format but I know it will be worth it in the end.

I have been here a week now looking for crew, scouting locations, talent, and wardrobe. It seems that almost everyone in the film business (and all the gear) is booked. There is a lot more going on here than I realized. I also know now where to find the best studded collars, fishnets, PVC clothing and the hottest go-go dancers east of NYC.

Its already tomorrow. The driver is picking me up at 5:45 am and I can't sleep. Never can before a shoot, too many ideas buzzing through my head. And it won't matter because tomorrow the film will find its own way and take me with it.

http://www.blackout77.ca

Its not the heat...

As the rain intensifyed I suddenly became aware of the possibility that my camping hammock, my bed and sanctuary the last week, may be in the line of fire. Quickly excusing myself from the communal table I bound up the teak lumber steps to the second floor of the large octagonal hand-built rancho, a back-packers paradise high-up in the mountainside rainforest of Matapalo, Costa Rica.

Fortunately I was only half-right. The wind had given the bug netting cover of my enclosed hammock a good spraying but otherwise it had been spared. With my favorite little flashlight in mouth I managed to get the fly hung which did more to protect my bed from drool than the rain.

In making it waterproof it seems that the makers of my brilliant little flashlight have thought carefully about its practical use in the field.

I am here in Matapalo (not to be confused with Punta Matapalo) to visit Fundacion Matapalo (http://www.matapalo.com), a community-based ecological retreat that oversees several eco-tourist projects including Backpack2basics, where I am staying.

Although its the rainy season the retreat is well attended, currently by a group of young Belgians some of whom are here for as long as five months. I can understand the desire to stay, this place is incredible and the folks who run it are fantastic. Had I not plans to return as soon as this winter I would surely be extending my trip.

In the meantime I have two more days in which to enjoy this incredible country and its many gifts. I'm going surfing.

Perry

The Abyss

It is absolutely incredible to be part of such an amazing feat. To feel the focused energy and captivated attention of all in attendance.

I wait with the others, focused on the abyss below. And then I see the faint shadows emerging, gliding upwards. Releasing the rope I float back a few feet to make room. The Athlete cannot be touched by anyone. The bubbles that preceed him ripple the surface and trigger a wave of fear, hope and love from the crowd that pass through and over me. Following his tradjectory I focus on my job, to be directly in front of him and determine his condition on arrival. And then in a blink he is there holding firmly the rope that has been his companion for one hundred and one meters, determination in his eyes but not yet the desire to breathe.

RESPIRACION! A teammate cries out. Carlos' eyes are steel, he yells quietly under his breath, to himself, to the world.

RESPIRACION! Our eyes meet.

RESPIRACION! Carlos stays on me, taking measured, determined breaths, relinquishing control, re-establishing his dependence. He gives me the OK sign and turns towards his people.

WRX4

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.

Venezuela, World Record X4

Day two in Venezuela promises to be relaxed, a welcome day off after all that travel and yesterdays events. I am here as one of two international freedive judges officiating two world record attempts by Carlos Coste (VEN) and Stig Severinsen (DEN) over the next ten days.

As well as makign entries here as often as possible Deeper Blue (http:www.deeperblue.net ) will be posting more detailed reports on the actual attempts, the first of which should be up soon.

I am glad to be here. The organizers and surrounding well-wishers have made me very welcome and the hot, powerful sun seems to be burning off the fog that had taken up residency in my brain.

We are in Puerto la Cruz. Seen from above the area looks like the watermark at high tide, a thin strip of development between the Carribean Sea and the dark green sierra that lines the coast.

Although I have yet to see much of the area I am already taken with the compelling images that surround me. Waterfront shanty's built against the the fortified walls of our luxury resort, Massive oil tankers siloutted against a majestic sunset, pure hope in the eyes of children too young to be told otherwise.

Perry

Re-broadcast

I'm pleased to announce that this Friday evening, July 25, CBC Radio One will be re-broadcasting 'Buttons for Isha' as part of their best of series.

In addition 'Deep Breathing', an account of my (now former) national freediving record, will air once again at 11:45 am August 4th.

Love to hear your feedback. Meantime both pieces are accessible online in Real Audio via: http://www.perrygladstone.com/radio.html

Perry Gladstone
--

This Friday Night with Outfront @ 8:30 p.m. / 9:00 p.m. in Nfld.

The Typewriter King
Like his father, John Mathias is known as the typewriter king of Sherbrooke, Quebec. He owns the Mathias Typewriter Exchange - a couple of small rooms on Wellington Street that are crammed with typewriters, some made in the 1800's. For 50 years, John has been selling and repairing Royals, Olivers, IBM's and more. As Dan Cochrane discovered, John likes telling stories almost as much as caring for his collection of antique typewriters.

Buttons
The passion of Usher Herman for buttons and lace, manifest over five-generations. Narrators: his great-great granddaughter, five-year old Isha Pelrine and his great grandson, Perry Gladstone, aged 30-something.

Judging in BC

This weekend I once again had the honour of attending the Canadian Freedive Nationals in Vancouver, BC only this year I came as Judge not competitor.

I have written a series of four reports about the exciting and dramatic events that took place over the last several days and invite you to please read them over and, if interested, share your thoughts.

http://www.deeperblue.net/bio.php/44

48 Hours

Sunday night, May 19, 2003

Open fires burn from hilltops and parking lots and the air, thick with smoke, leaves a sharp film on my tongue and palate. Leaving Jerusalem we skirt the perimeter of the West Bank for a kilometre or two and then head west for Tel-Aviv, stopping for numerous roadblocks and security checks along the way. At each checkpoint young, well-armed Israeli men peer into our white Mercedes. Some are expressionless, some smile but like us all of them are thinking about the five terrorist attacks in the last 48 hours.

The smoke follows us through the quiet countryside maintaining its hold on my tongue until we are once again amongst the countless bonfires lit in celebration of Lag B'Omer, a semi-holiday on which people break from the seven-week semi-mourning period following Passover to celebrate and marry. (The mourning commemorates the many tragedies, massacres and pogroms experienced during this time over the centuries).

Bombings and holidays. I am simply unaccustomed to the daily contradictions of life in this incredible land.

We were not witness to any of the recent terror and destruction. Two days ago, the morning before a young couple was killed in Hebron, John, Brad and I spent our day visiting wonderful vistas of the city and many of Jerusalem's holy sites including Gethsemane, the garden where Judas betrayed Jesus, Mary's tomb, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Via Dolorosa -the 14 stations) and the Wailing Wall.

I had two very powerful moments during all of this. One when I entered the monument over what is believed to have been Jesus tomb, which consisted of an incredible sense of enormity and the other in anticipation of approaching the Western Wall. In this case it wasn't the landmark itself as much as it was about not knowing what it really meant to me and therefore what reaction I might have. Once touching the wall however I found myself very present, reminded that only I can make such a decision and, that when ready to, I would know.

Yesterday morning a suicide bomber boarded a bus in north Jerusalem during the morning rush and killed at least seven innocent people. Elsewhere another bomber blew himself up while riding a bicycle towards an army roadblock. Three hours later, as reporters broadcast live from the now cleaned-up scene, people are already lining up for their bus in to town.

By then we were into our first serious day of meetings in Jerusalem; Jerusalem Capitol Studios, home of foreign bureaus for CNN, ABC, FOX, SKY, BBC, CBC and just about every other major network, Channel 2 franchisee TelAd, Mr. Rubi Rivlin, Knesset (Parliament) Chairman and Speaker, and Mr. Gideon Meir, Deputy Director General for Public Affairs.

Dinner, sleep, and breakfast. Day three in Jerusalem (today). A suicide bomber blows himself up beside an army jeep in Gaza. The soldiers inside are lightly wounded. By the time three are killed and 48 wounded in Afula (north west of Jerusalem near Haifa), we had already met with the U.J.C, Mr. Yosef Barel, Director General of the Israel Broadcast Authority, The Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive, and Channel 10 Owner and Billionaire Mr. Yossi Miman. From there it was off to meet with Director General of Channel 2 News Company and dinner with Mr. Ehud Olmert, The Minister of Industry and Trade, Deputy Prime Minister and former Mayor of Jerusalem. (How many titles can a guy get?).

I am exhausted yet somehow still exhilarated. This whirlwind of excitement, progress, determination and acceptance is mixed with emotions I have yet to process. At this point I can't even say what they are and I wonder if and when they will unravel into consciousness.

Its now 1:28 am, in Tel-Aviv. In seven hours I will be having breakfast with former Israeli Prime Minister and Noble Peace Prize winner Shimon Perez. The rest of the day will be filled with more meetings with Ministers, heads of television networks and dinner with our Israeli advisor's family before what will surely be very thorough security inspections before boarding our flights home.

I never seem to get much rest on planes. Maybe this time.

Perry Gladstone

Aloha from Kailua-Kona, HI

Aloha!

After an eventful summer I have finally arrived in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii to attend the Pacific Cup of Freediving. Its been an exciting journey and the unexpected twists and turns along the way have kept me on my toes.

The most recent of these took place three weeks ago in Ottawa, just two days after my successful National record attempt. I was a competing in the first ever CAFA http://www.freedivecanada.com Eastern Regional Contest when, at a relatively modest depth of 80 ft., I experienced a severe lung squeeze resulting in the rupturing of capillaries in my lungs and consequent pulmonary edema.

Although at depth the feeling is mainly discomfort, the vacuum effect generated within the lungs by expansion on ascent almost filled them with blood and plasma making it nearly impossible to breathe upon surfacing. This lasted well over an hour making the threat of secondary drowning very real. Needless to say I was extremely relieved when enough re-absorption had occurred to enable somewhat easier breathing. After a sleepless night I struggled through the final day of competition and made my way home for extensive tests and evaluation.

Unfortunately no clear cause has been established (the squeeze came far above my theoretical depth threshold) and the resulting discomfort continued to this day has become cause for great concern. My doctors which include the world's foremost researcher in this area, Dr. Claes Lundgren, citing accumulated tissue damage and an unknown sensitivity to thoracic compression have insisted I cease depth diving immediately.

So here I am in Hawaii, official training sessions start Oct 28th and the contest runs from the 31rst to Nov.4th. Since competing is obviously out of the question I have decided to assist in coaching Team Canada and cover the event for Deeper Blue http://www.deeperblue.net, the premier online Freediving magazine, community and resource.

In some regards this situation is quite unfortunate however if today is any indication of my future ocean activities I will be nothing but grateful.

After finding myself a surfboard to use for the week I had lunch with legendary Freediver, Underwater Photographer and Author Carlos Eyles, (The Blue Edge, Secret Seas, Dolphin Borne) and his wife Margaret, a gifted Rolfer (structural bodywork) and accomplished freediver herself. Deeply inspired by Carlos' history with the ocean I had planned an early arrival in Hawaii in the hopes of spending some time together.

Towards the end of our discussion we were joined by an extremely attractive member of the US Women's team. (I am seriously thinking of volunteering myself as the Women's team masseuse). The conversation turned to the day's events and Carlos and Margaret invited me to join them in looking for Manta Rays along the deep blue waters edge just north of town.

We made a couple of quick stops to pick up gear and dropped by their place where Margaret did some work on my upper chest and lung region. Although only a short session, there was a marked difference in my ability to take in and hold a full breath.

The area we were to explore was actually known for dolphin sightings but food thrown out by nighttime charter boats had attracted plankton as well. As a result the incredibly graceful and intuitive Manta's were now coming there regularly too. From the shores of an ancient burial ground the three of us donned masks, fins and snorkels and began our lengthy swim.

Pockets of colorful fish danced beneath us as we made our way along the rocky coral shallows that separated the Islands lava cliffs from the great abyss. Carlos led setting a modest pace so not to aggravate my condition, which thanks to Margaret I had almost forgotten. We were about half way towards our intended distance when I noticed something below to my right and stopped. Within fifty feet of me was a beautiful Manta Ray slowly grazing. Calling to Carlos and Margaret I turned around and gently eased over to the slow moving Manta until I was swimming directly over it.

I imagined thoughts of goodwill radiating downward and, in what I can only deem to be in response, the Ray began to rise until it was at arms length. We stayed in this formation for several minutes me never once leaving the surface until a deck-hand onboard a nearby charter boat shattered the moment by calling to us to keep clear of their mooring maneuvers.

Excited and enriched by the experience I gladly continued on and witnessed two more encounters between Margaret, the Manta's and Carlos as he positioned himself to take photographs.

Sitting here now, breathing the humid Hawaiian night air and recalling this wonderful day I am grateful for the many people, opportunities and circumstances that have shaped my life, enabling me to be in this place at this time.

Mahalo to all of you.

Perry Gladstone

New Canadian Record!

Ottawa, ON- On Sept 26th, 2002 at the Dovercourt Recreation Association pool in Ottawa, Ontario Canadian National Freedive Team Member Perry Gladstone successfully completed an attempt on the current Canadian National Static Apnea record achieving a total breath-hold time of 6:01.

The successful attempt was sanctioned by the Canadian Association of Freediving and Apnea (CAFA) and was verified by CAFA National Judge Kirk Krack, along with CAFA Regional Judge Pat Shannon of the Ottawa Freedivers Club. Following final ratification 6:01 will stand as the new National Record for Static Apnea.

Kelly

On Saturday we nailed Kelly's performance footage for her first video. Thirteen hours of extraordinary effort by the crew, DOP Marc Laliberte-Else, Producer Kristine Klohk AD Rob Weber, and myself. I am super stoked about how the day went and I can feel the energy emanating from the cans of exposed film. Sunday I shot all video with a scaled down crew and talent, back story for the video and a chance for me to play DOP as well as Director. Good vibes.