Variable weight world record holder, William Winram, was recently in Dahab, training with Rodolfo Robatti, from Switzerland, in no-limits freediving. William was kind enough to extend an invitation my way to join him on the sled for several of his ‘warm-up’ dives. I wore a mask (in lieu of the nose clip option) as I felt more relaxed with a mask on, plus I wanted to see the arch in all its glory! However, this would mean that during the dive I’d have to use some of my air to equalize the mask, in order to avoid getting a mask squeeze.
William wore a mask as well, in order to keep an eye on me and stop the sled if I had difficulty equalizing, so sweet! We reached 53 meters, deep enough to view the incredible arch, a magnificent view to be immediately followed by an exhilarating ride back to the surface!
After our warm-up dives, William took the sled to 90 meters, the bottom of the Blue Hole! A seemingly easy dive for him, being that his world record is at 145 meters!
Rodolfo Robatti, did several no-limits dives as well, reaching a maximum depth of 78 meters! Way to go Rodolfo!
Here are photos from our no-limits diving sessions. Enjoy!
Pim Vermeulen prepares the sled
Pim Vermeulen prepares the sled
Pim Vermeulen prepares the sled
Pim Vermeulen prepares the sled
William Winram and Renee Blundon get ready for the dive
William Winram, Renee Blundon and Pim Vermeulen
William Winram, Renee Blundon and Pim Vermeulen
William Winram, Renee Blundon and Pim Vermeulen on the surface
William Winram, Renee Blundon and Pim Vermeulen on the surface
Renee Blundon breathing-up
Renee Blundon and William Winram getting ready
Renee Blundon breathing-up
Renee Blundon and William Winram breathing-up
William Winram and Renee Blundon descending on the sled
William Winram and Renee Blundon descending
William Winram and Renee Blundon descending deeper
William Winram and Renee Blundon descending deeper
William Winram and Renee Blundon descending deeper
Pim Vermeulen waits for the divers at -20 meters
William Winram and Renee Blundon ascending
William Winram and Renee Blundon ascending
William Winram and Renee Blundon about to surface
Renee Blundon surfacing
Renee Blundon, a big smile, after a fantastic dive
William Winram breathes-up at the sled
William Winram descending, headed for 90 meters
William Winram descending
William Winram descending deeper
William Winram descending deeper
William Winram descending deeper
William Winram descending deeper
William Winram ascending with the lift bag
William Winram ascending with safety diver Pim Vermeulen
William Winram ascending with Pim Vermeulen
William Winram ascending with Pim Vermeulen
William Winram ascending with Pim Vermeulen
William Winram and Pim Vermeulen about to surface
Rodolfo Robatti breathes-up at the sled while William Winram helps to prepare
Rodolfo Robatti descending, headed for 78 meters
Rodolfo Robatti descending
Rodolfo Robatti descending deeper
Rodolfo Robatti descending deeper
Rodolfo Robatti descending deeper
Rodolfo Robatti descending deeper
Rodolfo Robatti ascends with the lift bag
Rodolfo Robatti ascending
Rodolfo Robatti ascending
Rodolfo Robatti ascending with safety diver Pim Vermeulen in the foreground
Rodolfo Robatti and Pim Vermeulen about to surface
Big thanks to William Winram for inviting me to tag along, and his kind attentiveness, as well as Pim Vermeulen from Immersion Dahab for providing the sled equipment and excellent safety.
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