On October 14, 2016, British freediver Harry Chamas rocketed down past 105 meters (344 feet) to set a new freediving sled record. While there are many methods of freediving, Chamas plunged into the waters of Kalamata, Greece, using the Variable Weight method in order to surpass the previous record of 80 meters (262 feet).
Chamas used a weighted sled to pull him down to the record mark and swim back up to the surface, all in a single breath. He began freediving seven years ago, getting his start in Australia. He is also a staff instructor for the Freediving Club in Greece.
The sled mode of freediving, also known as VWT, is one in which the diver is pulled down via artificial means and swims back to the surface under his own power. This is just one of many variations of this highly disciplined and challenging sport. VWT is considered one of the most extreme forms of freediving, but many others exist. Let’s take a look at some of them here.
Constant Weight
In CWT freediving, the diver descends using only fins and a small amount of weight to pull them down. They are not allowed to use guide ropes or any other object as an aid. CNF, Constant Weight Without Fins, is a variation in this discipline where the diver descends without wearing any fins, using only their own muscle power to propel themselves.
Free Immersion (FIM)
Similar to the Constant Weight methods of freediving, Free Immersion adds the element of allowing the diver to use a guide rope to pull themselves down. Without fins, this rope is their only means of propulsion. Divers can descend head first or feet first.
Dynamic with Fins (DYN)/Dynamic Without Fins (DNF)
Performed in a pool, this method of freediving has divers swimming underwater in a pool in an effort to cover as much distance as possible with one breath. With DYN, the diver wears fins, but swims without fins for DNF.
Static Apnea (STA)
A measure of stamina, STA has divers floating face down in a pool while holding their breath. Records are rated on duration rather than distance.
No Limit (NLT)
In NLT, the other extreme freediving pursuit after VWT, divers use a heavy weight to pull themselves down, then surface using a lift bag or counter-balance pulley system. Divers can reach tremendous depths using this risky method.
