Honaunau Bay, Hawaii, 2/13 - 2/15/2021
It was a fitting weekend that Chris Funada chose Valentine’s weekend to show his love for the ocean and freediving by setting two national records for the Variable Weight discipline. After weeks of preparation and collaborating with Hendric Vogel of Vogel Dive Research, a sled was built that led Chris on his journey to new depths for the US Freediving Federation. The conditions were amazing in Honaunau Bay and there was an outpouring of support from the local community to support Chris in his endeavors.
The two records were verified as new national records for the US Freediving Federation under CMAS rules.
Variable Weight (VWT), MONO FIN, 75 METERS (2/15/2021) - 2 minutes, 9 seconds
Variable Weight (VWT), NO FINS, 70 METERS (2/14/2021) - 2 minutes, 28 seconds
We congratulate Chris in his accomplishments and the integrity in which he approaches the sport of freediving.
Local support team:
All photos by the lovely and talented Amanda Smerge
Annabel Edwards - judge and dive mom
Jennifer Brant - judge and jewish mom
Brian Kispert - judge
Brittany Adele - boat diver and safety
Jeremy Stephan - President, US Freediving Federation (CMAS), safety and sensei of paperwork
Hendric Vogel - engineer and lead safety
Ryan Brennan - safety and cameraman
Byron Kay - camera
Zoë Wilson - camera
Kurt Chambers - gear master
Ryan Myers - boatman
Sam Mase - boatman
Dr. Coco Haynes
Thank you everyone, and in the words of Chris, “No wo/man is an island!”
If you are interested in learning about how to organize or attempt a national record, please send an email.