What a great weekend for it . 5 divers joined Walter for this course which ended up running from Ocean Grove as there was a muck up with the accomodation. This was fine as the intention was to dive in 35m of water near the HMAS Canberra on Sunday so a launch from Ocean Grove made for a short boat trip.
Saturday consisted of a theory session at the motel where we discussed some of the science and technique used as well as our first static breath holds. I was very pleased to do a 4min 30 sec static as my best before had been 3min. Then off to Geelong for a pool session with more statics , some laps and a session on diver rescue. Once again very pleased with a 70 m swim. Best before was 55m. Its much better with someone watching over you. Sunday the RIB was launched from the ramp at the end of the street followed by a short trip to an area about 500m seaward of the HMAS Canberra in 34 + m with a sandy bottom. Float and drop line were set up with markings every 5m. Plenty of warm up dives were performed with each diver gradually increasing depth. A couple of guys had minor ear problems that limited them. I had a sinus problem that raised its head at 20m which cleared after some sudafed and a rest. Its surprising what each dive takes out of you over 20m. I think i did 5 20 dives trying to clear my sinus. Once cleared I felt able to try deaper so a 22m, 25m,28.7m followed .I was a bit disapointed that I had not pushed that extra to the 30m mark. I was really surprised how much weight was
not required as the depth increased. One last try for 30 m after removing a further 2 KG of weight resulted in 32m . Very happy . The last 15 m to the surface was quite a test of mental fortitude . Walter was there to great me at about 12m and I was happy to signal OK . The remaining m consisted of several I am OK i think I may be dying but under control signals. On reaching the surface all was fine but that was it for me as I was spent.
From there we dived the Canberra for only a short time as everyone was feeling weary. This was followed by more rescue training in 7 m.
Conditions were nearly perfect, Ocean was flat as with a disappointing 10m Vis.
Thanks Walter for a great experience and making a seemingly impossible goal reachable. Had a great weekend with great people.
Walter would like to run another freedive course in the next month . I can highly recommend it.
Contact him at
walter_steyn@yahoo.com.au
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. Was a great class to teach and all were very receptive and didn't once hesitate to try new things. I have found at times in the past it can be difficult for some to break out of existing habits. But anyway there were definitely 2 or 3 divers doubling their PB's, and all diving a lot deeper then they have been before. Both Andrew V and Jon Lazarus diving 32m - 33m. (Yes over 100ft if you are talking in the old language. ) 