Kiwi William Trubridge broke the free dive world record in the Bahamas – and he’s been giving Breakfast weather presenter Sam Wallace a few tips on the dangerous sport, too.
Sam reported live as William maked his second attempt at the record of diving 102m on just a single breath of air. He first tried in 2014, but failed when he passed out and needed assistance just a few metres from the surface.
The drama of the sport has not put Sam off however.
“I had a crack at a free dive today and managed 17m, which is solid,” Sam told the Weekly from the Bahamas. “From what I understand, the recreational scuba depth is around 18m, and remember, I have no air! It’s all done on just one breath.”
Sam Wallace on location in the Bahamas.
Sam says he managed to free dive just below the lip of the chasm William will be using to trying and break his world record tomorrow morning.
“I got into the blackness of the chasm, but oddly enough it’s wasn’t scary. It was very peaceful.
“Your lungs start to scream a little at that depth, but once you get in your head it’s not lack of oxygen but a build up of carbon dioxide that’s making your mind think it need air, you’re ok.
“Below about 14 meters you are no longer buoyant, instead you start free falling to the bottom. This sounds terrible but it was an incredible feeling.”
While the chipper presenter says he will definitely try free diving again, he admits he’s missed New Zealand’s recent weather drama.
“The Bahamas is the hottest place I’ve ever been – it’s sitting at about 37 degrees. But I do feel like I’m missing out though. I love weather and New Zealand weather is so active and active weather is interesting.”
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