No-limits apnea

No-limits apnea is a discipline of freediving where the diver descends and ascends with the method of his or her choice. The most common method is to use a weighted sled for descent and an inflatable bag for ascent. The diver can also choose to use fins or a monofin for both descent and ascent. The current world record is held by Herbert Nitsch: 214 meters (702 feet) set on June 14, 2007.

History

No-limits apnea has its roots in the ancient practice of sponge diving. Divers would descend to great depths on weighted sleds to collect sponges and then be pulled back to the surface by helpers on the boat. This practice evolved into the modern sport of no-limits apnea.

Technique

In no-limits apnea, the diver begins by taking a deep breath at the surface. The diver then descends using a weighted sled that is guided by a rope. The weight of the sled allows the diver to descend quickly without expending energy. At the desired depth, the diver releases the sled and inflates a lift bag for ascent. The lift bag is filled with air from a tank carried by the diver.

Safety

No-limits apnea is considered the most dangerous form of freediving due to the extreme depths reached and the risk of decompression sickness, lung overexpansion, and barotrauma. Safety divers are used during no-limits dives to assist the diver in case of emergency. The use of safety divers, surface support, and medical personnel is mandatory in all official competitions.

Records

The world record for no-limits apnea is held by Austrian freediver Herbert Nitsch, who reached a depth of 214 meters (702 feet) in 2007. This record is recognized by the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA).

See also

• Constant weight apnea
• Free immersion apnea
• Static apnea
• Dynamic apnea