Nick Mevoli: First American to Self Propel 100 Meters on One Breath of Air

Online, May 30, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras. United States Freediving Association (USFA)USFA is pleased to announce that Nick Mevoli of Brooklyn, NY set a new United States Men's Freediving National Record in the Constant Weight discipline, swimming with just one breath of air down to a depth of 100 meters (328 feet) with a monofin. His performance took place during the inaugural international freediving competition, the Caribbean CupCaribbean Cup hosted by Esteban Darhanpe of Argentina.

Nick tied the previous Constant Weight national record Saturday, May 25 to a depth of 96 meters (315 feet). The record was held by the International Association for the Development of ApneaAIDA (AIDA) Vice-President and veteran freediver, Rob King who held all the male American depth records. After a day of rest Sunday Nick came back even stronger on Monday, May 27 to seal his place in the record books at 100 meters. Constant Weight is one of the most respected freediving disciplines requiring the athlete to swim to depth with fins or a mono fin and return to the surface, all under their own power.

The record setting, 100.6 meter dive took two minutes and forty five seconds to complete. His ascent and surface protocol were strong. When asked about the dive Nick commented, "God is great! I thought a lot today about my Grandfather and how he must have been in the stands watching me. There were a lot of positive vibes coming from the spectators on the catamaran. I tried a new equalization technique today and I guess it worked. Now, back to the pool to train for Serbia."

Safety diver, Ren Chapman of Evolve Freediving has had a front row perspective on Nick's dives over the past year and a half. Ren reflected, "Nick told us that he's been working out in the pool and you could definitely tell these past few weeks. His monofin kick is one of the best ones I've seen."

Nick is new to the sport of freediving. He made a splash by securing a national record during his first ever competitive debut at Deja Blue III hosted by Performance Freediving International last May. Since then, he has competed as a USA Team Member in Nice, France, August 2012 and at the elite Suunto Vertical Blue Competition hosted by world record holder, William Trubridge.

The Caribbean island of Roatan boasts some of the best SCUBA diving in the world. This year's inaugural freediving competition, Caribbean Cup, has put it on the map as a freediving destination for newcomers and record setters alike.

Constant Weight (CWT) challenges the athlete to swim to depth and back with the use of fins or a mono fin under their own power while holding their breath. The athlete is not allowed to contact the competition line other than to recover their tag at depth while turning. Upon reaching the surface the athlete must perform a surface protocol within fifteen seconds of their return to the surface.

The USFA is a nonprofit association founded on the democratic representation of freediving within the United States and internationally. Founded in 2003, the USFA consists of an active membership dedicated to furthering freediving in the United States and abroad.

The International Association for the Development of Apnea, AIDA, is the international sanctioning body for freediving, individual and team competition, and freediving world record attempts.
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Images available upon request.