Freediving is a discipline that combines physical prowess with mental fortitude, allowing humans to explore the depths of the ocean with just a breath of air. This sport, which challenges the limits of body and mind, has evolved impressively to become a competitive and recreational discipline thanks to major players such as the International Association for the Development of Freediving (AIDA), which since its founding has been playing a key role in its evolution and expansion. The success achieved at the recent World Championships in Kaunas (Lithuania), where numerous records and the great diversity of them (very different nationalities) perfectly explain the current development, is proof of this.
AIDA was created in 1992 with the aim of standardizing and promoting the sport of freediving worldwide. AIDA has been key in establishing safety standards, organizing competitions and certifying freedivers and coaches. This entity has been instrumental in professionalizing the sport, starting with international competitions and ensuring that freedivers can challenge their limits in a controlled and safe environment.
Today, freediving has reached new heights thanks to advances in scientific knowledge and the development of supporting technologies. Freedivers belonging to AIDA constantly participate in scientific studies on freediving to better understand human behavior, which helps to improve the regulations of this discipline. In addition, the studies also take care of the surrounding ecosystem because nowadays, environmental protection and research is fundamental for AIDA in order to achieve sustainable development and lay the foundations for a better future for the sport.
THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF FREEDIVING
Freediving is not just a demonstration of physical strength, it is an emotional and spiritual journey. Divers often describe a deep sense of peace and connection with the ocean. However, it is also a sport with significant risks. Hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and nitrogen narcosis are constant dangers that require meticulous preparation and a deep respect for the limits of one’s body.
As the sport continues to evolve, the freediving community continues to grow, driven by a shared desire to explore the underwater world and push human boundaries. Freediving is not only an extreme sport, but also a way of life that teaches the importance of conscious breathing, self-control and respect for the marine environment.
AIDA AND THE FUTURE
It took years of work for AIDA to create what today is the main entity that protects the interests of freedivers and that, despite its independence, maintains a permanent communication and dialogue with different national and international diving federations.
Freediving is a testimony to the human capacity to adapt and overcome challenges. This discipline continues to be a source of inspiration and amazement, showing that with each breath, we can delve a little deeper into the mysteries of the ocean and ourselves.
For the future, the International Freediving Development Association has a clear objective: the development of the sport in all areas, cooperating and discussing the future of the discipline with all organizations interested in making freediving a better sport.
