Competitive freediving competition hits Far North Queensland for the first time
FAR NORTH FIRST
Athletes from around the country will head to the Mossman Pool this weekend to take part in a freediving competition which will be the first of its kind in the Far North.
While Cairns has played host to freediving competitions in the past, the Tropics Pool Competition will see freedivers compete in a variety of freediving disciplines – an unusual set-up for the sport that normally sees athletes specialise in just one.
Run under the governance of the international freediving body, AIDA, it is local freediving school, Evolution Freediving that takes credit for bringing the event to the Shire. David Rogger-Amies, co-owner of Evolution underwent an intensive training course to become a certified freediving judge, demonstrating his commitment to securing the event for the region – a successful effort that paid off.
“Something we’ve been trying to do at Evolution is create an inclusive community of freedivers and holding this competition was a way to really foster that,” he said.
David will be joined by numerous other judges, as they, along with local spectators enjoy what is emerging as a new and engaging sport.
Bringing a nationwide event to a regional town is no mean feat with Mr Rogger-Amies saying it wouldn’t have been possible without the support from local businesses. “The big challenge with running a freediving competition is the amount of people required,” he explained. “We need a judge, a timekeeper, a cameraman and a safety, all just for one competitor to be in the water. That all adds up pretty quickly, so the support of the Douglas Shire Council and local businesses means the world, especially to a niche sport like freediving.”
The competition begins at 8am on both Saturday and Sunday at the Mossman Pool and Caravan Park with spectators encouraged to attend and learn more about the sport.