Passion for the blue

Herbert Nitsch is the current freediving world record champion and “the deepest man on earth”. This prestigious title was given to him, when he set the current world record for freediving at an incredible depth of 214 meters in 2007 (no limits). So far Herbert has set 31 world records in all of the 8 recognized disciplines and can hold his breath for more than 9 minutes – unrivalled achievements in the freediving history.

Within 2010 Herbert aims to become the first breath-hold athlete to break the 300-meter/1000 foot mark. This is far deeper, than anyone has gone so far and the magic number Herbert will break.

Unlike other elite freediver´s Herbert is self-taught. He is a pioneer in every way. The highest security level, detailed planning and analyzing always is ahead of every dive. As he is working as a part time pilot for Austrian Airlines Group, check-lists and worst case scenarios are on his daily schedule. This highly security related and risk avoiding attitude helps him and to achieve his ambitious goals within freediving. Furthermore he is keen about every technical detail of his equipment.

Together with his international technical team he designs and produces highly innovative gear with aerodynamic shapes and lighter materials. He also developed his own freediving techniques over the years, a methodology that largely differs from the common styles. And Herbert is the first freediving athlete, who cooperates with a scientific advisory board and medical doctors. Almost any scientific research has been done so far on the physiological effects of freediving, especially as deep as Herbert is diving.

But the paradox is: his unique freediving career started with a single coincidence. Within 1999, while Herbert was on the way to a scuba dive safari, his diving equipment got lost somewhere in transit. So Herbert resulted in snorkeling instead of scuba diving during the entire vacation. There Herbert discovered his natural talent for freediving very quickly. He was fascinated by the nature of this sport and was progressing fast. After freediving for two weeks only, he was two meters short of the Austrian National record.

Today Herbert´s motives are about the unknown, about crossing physiological borders, achieving goals that seem beyond the limits, overcoming mental blockings or exploring what your body is made for. So stay curious and watch him on his quest for the 1000feet, far beyond limits…