01 July 2022
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
US Freediving Federation sees growth and has largest National Team since inception
If there was at least one positive outcome from the pandemic, it’s that freediving continues to experience tremendous growth as people look for more ways to be closer to and better connect to the marine environment around them. And those that have been in the sport for a while have taken their game to the next level. 2022 is proving to be the biggest year by far for the US Freediving Federation (USFF).
This year marks the 3rd time that the United States has Athletes participating in the CMAS World Championships of Freediving. The event which is held in the idyllic Mediterranean seaside town of Kas, Turkey from October 1 - 9th brings participants from more than 30 countries where athletes compete for depth records in four (4) freediving disciplines. “Not only will the USFF have 14 total athletes attending, but the team make-up is 8 athletes under the age of 50 in the senior category, and 6 athletes in the 50+ master category which is a 233% increase over 2021” said Jeremy Stephan, President of the US Freediving Federation. “This year’s team is made up of some of the best depth freedivers from across the United States.”
The US Freediving Federation is proud to announce the following Athletes that have been selected to represent the US at the CMAS World Championships of Freediving.
Seniors Team - Under 50
Daniel Koval, Team Captain - Hawaii
Kristin Kuba - Hawaii
Enchante Gallardo - Hawaii
Lance Lee Davis - California
Erik Donathan - Hawaii
Alice Simmons - Oregon
Tory George - Florida
Alex Llinas - North Carolina
Masters Team - Over 50
Annabel Edwards - Hawaii
Quinn Riordan - Hawaii
Matt Brown - Hawaii
Jennifer Brant - Hawaii
Avi Kleyman - California
Milton Drageset - Hawaii
With the majority of the team hailing from the State of Hawaii, one of the best locations in the United States for freediving, the Team uniform will be an Aloha shirt which is intended to pay tribute to the Hawaiian community, the Aloha culture and bring recognition to this amazing destination. Freediving and spearfishing have long been a part of the Hawaiian tradition and nearly every day throughout the year you will find people in the water doing freedive training, spearing and just enjoying the water environment. Given the year-round conditions, this is one of the top 10 locations in the World for freediving and many of the world’s best divers can be found training on the islands.
Supporting the 2022 National Team is Double K, South Korea’s first freediving brand specializing in premium Yamamoto neoprene wetsuits and other essentials for freedive training. Double K will be providing a custom US Freediving/ United States branded wetsuit for the athletes to wear while competing at the World Championships. With the Championships streamed live around the world with Diveye technology, you will be sure to identify each of the US athletes in their eye-catching wetsuits. “A special thanks to Dan Koval and Kristin Kuba for facilitating the opportunity for Double K’s support of the 2022 National Team” says Jeremy Stephan. “I am sure each athlete will perform their best in Double K.”
US FREEDIVING FEDERATION
As a member of the CMAS organization, started in 2018, the mission of the U.S. Freediving Federation is to bring awareness to freediving across the United States and support the efforts of all those that engage in the sport, whether it be for self-exploration and adventure, therapeutic benefits, or purely competition – in the safest manner possible.
For more information about the US Freediving Federation, please visit www.usfreedivingfederation.org or email Jeremy Stephan at president@usfreedivingfederation.org
CMAS (World Confederation of Underwater Activities)
Started in 1959 by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and recognized by the International Olympic Committee and UNESCO, CMAS comprises over 130 federations including the United States as one of the charter members. CMAS is a prestigious organization dedicated to the development of all underwater activities and sport disciplines on a worldwide basis.
DOUBLE K
South Korea’s first freediving brand specializing in premium Yamamoto neoprene wetsuits and other essentials for freediving and scuba.