For Gletwyn Rubidge, diving into the depths of the ocean is what keeps him calm and the world record holder is looking to take the plunge once more, this time in Egypt.
Rubidge, 54, from Gqeberha, is no stranger to the world of competitive free-diving, having broken a number of records for reaching depths as great as 90m using bi fins (a pair of long-bladed free-diving fins).
The father of three hopes to break more records when he competes against some of the best free divers in the world next week with the goal of reaching 90m in the free-immersion and bi-fin categories.
The chemistry lecturer at Nelson Mandela University said he was looking forward to taking part in the event and representing SA abroad.
“I am still making good progress and the prospects are bright for me.
“I’m hoping to still be breaking records in my mid-60s,” he said.
The former competitive spearfisherman with four national records behind his name began his free-diving career in the early 1990s.
“I became bored with spearfishing and focused more on free-diving,” Rubidge said.
In both 2007 and 2008 he took part in the SA national championships.
He also competed in the 2008 Euro-Africa championships, where he qualified for the World Championships.
In 2019, Rubidge was ranked 11th in the world by international ranking body Association Internationale pour le Développement de l’Apnée.
Rubidge said he was excited about the upcoming Freediving World Cup, which takes place in Sharm El Sheikh from May 15 to 22.
“Free-diving keeps you fit and healthy, it’s a nice lifestyle,” he said.
Rubidge said he was motivated to continue with the sport because it allowed him to explore the limit of his capabilities.
In June last year, he broke his own world record when he swam 172m with the help of bi fins. The swim lasted two minutes and 40 seconds.
“There is a lot of time and effort put in for training and a lot of focus is needed.”
Typically, Rubidge said, training cycles began with three months of building muscle before moving on to breath holding and diving.
Towards the end of the cycle the focus changes to breathing control.
“Evolving training techniques takes a lot of time and effort but is very enjoyable because it is creative and artistic in the approach.”
Rubidge said he believed he still had many years of free-diving ahead of him.
“Free-diving can be very nice and relaxing.
“After a dive you feel fantastic because the blood in your body shifts around your body and makes you feel good,” he said.
Rubidge will be diving for six days while in Egypt, with rest days in between, and hopes to break his own free-immersion and bi-fin records.
HeraldLIVE
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