As freediver William Trubridge embarks on his attempt to dive to 102m unassisted in a single breath, he speaks to us about the future of the sport and how deep human beings could go. Image (and feature image) Alex St Jean Freedivers are continually pushing their boundaries, reaching depths never thought possible. William, as ever is leading the way and will attempt to break his current world record of 101m for the CNF discipline (Constant Weight No Fins) when he dives in Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas on July 21,2016 as part of the Return To The Deep event produced by Steinlager Pure. But what are the limits, will the point come when freedivers just can’t go any deeper? William suspects the answer is yes, but it’s not so clear-cut. He says: “I think we’re starting to plateau now. I wouldn’t like to speak too soon, but based on how I feel in my training, and what I’ve seen of results and performances over the last 15 years I’ve been involved in the sport, the rate of increase has definitely slowed down dramatically in the last five to eight years.” "I think we're starting to plateu now." Image Daan Verhoeven The records have moved quickly as the sport progressed, from 81m at William’s first record, to 101m at his current standing. The chance of leaps like that being repeated could be slim he says: “I’ve added 20m and I don’t think, I can say pretty much for certain, that I’m not going to add another 20m on to that myself in that discipline and I would be really surprised if even in my lifetime we get to that kind of depth.” Fellow freedivers are also less inclined to make predictions that they will reach greater depths, suggesting the industry feels a “natural limit” is nearing. That’s not to say more records won’t be reached, just not with the same frequency as previous years. William says: “I don’t think anyone would disagree that we can add a few meters on all of the disciplines. The prospect of much greater depths has dried up to a large extent. It’s hard to imagine an innovation that could change things.” The motivation for William hasn’t abated, however, he still feels the drive to push himself further. “I definitely motivate myself and I feel like I have the same motivation now as I did 10 years ago,” he says. “I feel like it’s a sport where we peak a lot later in our lives than in other sports. It’s more comparable to marathon running or other endurance sports because it requires a lower metabolism, as well as a maturity and patience that comes with age,” he adds. "I definitely motivate myself and I feel like I have the same motivation now as I did 10 years ago." Image Daan Verhoeven All this means the sport is changing; it’s not the same steady pprogression that existed when William was first breaking records. It’s allowing younger competitors to progress quickly, William says: “Once someone does a 100m constant weight dive, shortly after that you will have five people doing it. Paving the way is happening a lot in freediving and it’s enabled a lot of younger competitors to improve a lot more quickly than when we were getting into the sport. Less feeling around and more concrete methodology.” There are some dangers with that too though, and William is keen for newer freedivers to remember it takes time to dive to greater depths. He says: “It means divers are getting to significant depths quite quickly and maybe they’re able to do the depth in terms of breath hold, but their lungs and thorax aren’t sufficiently adapted to accommodate the pressure so we’re running into more problems with injuries.” Increasing depth gradually is key here, he says: “We always put the emphasis on the process and having a methodical and conservative approach to increasing depth. Better to take your time, building up confidence and adaptation to pressure slowly. “ Follow the record attempt live with Steinlager. Find out more about Willaim Trubridge on his website.

Suunto ambassador Jill Heinerth has been named the first Explorer in Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, we’ve spoken to her to find out what’s involved in this new role. Jill speaking about her new role in Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto (Header image: ©Cas Dobbin 2016) Canadian cave diver Jill is well known for exploring little known places across the globe, and this makes her the perfect person to take up this new role. Read what she has to say about what she’ll be doing as Explorer in Residence. So, what does becoming Canada’s first Explorer in Residence mean for you? This appointment is a bit of a "girl's dream come true" story. The dream of a little girl who was told that nothing was impossible. The dream of a young Girl Guide who was taught how to live in balance with her world. The dream of a woman who discovered that doing what you love nets far greater gains than can be measured by a paycheck. It is certainly validation for a lifetime of hard work as well as an opportunity to reach out to more people with a message about exploration, discovery and conservation of our natural world. It must feel pretty great, right? I am incredibly honored to be recognised in my home country and given the vote of confidence that I can carry a great message, especially to young people pursuing new and interesting careers. Deck gun on the SS Lord Strathcona, Bell Island Newfoundland. Photo: Jill Heinerth, IntoThePlanet.com How did you end up being given this new role? In 2013, I was awarded the first ever gold medal for exploration given in Canada; The Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration, awarded by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, but this appointment was a complete surprise. I literally received a phone call while standing by the edge of spring in my drysuit. "Would I accept the appointment and help the society define the program for the future?" Needless to say, my waiting students were pretty surprised to see me jumping around in excitement on the cell phone in the middle of the woods. What does the role involve? I have two key goals. First, I want to reach deep into the educational system to inspire young people to explore…. both in person and through modern online outreach opportunities. I want today’s youth to understand that the world is at their fingertips through a connected global community. I want young people to recognise that they can make bold moves creating new careers and initiatives to solve emerging problems that are important to them. I want them to know that anything is made possible through diligence and teamwork. Secondly, I want to share my adventures to help nurture a better connection between Canadians and their water resources. I want us all to celebrate and protect the summer arrival of humpback whales feeding on swarms of capelin in Newfoundland. I want to inspire parents to take their kids to Lake Winnipeg to play, so they will want to keep safe the vast watershed it serves. I want our citizens to learn from our First Nations fore-bearers about how to live in better harmony with our natural resources. I want to help my fellow Canadians understand that everything we do to the surface of our land will be returned to us to drink. I want to us to fully embrace how water flows into and out of our lives. As a female explorer, do you think it’s important to inspire women and girls to get outside? As someone who was often searching for female role models in life, I realise that is a really important part of this appointment. I try to answer every email and take time with everyone that has a question. I recognise that even a single interaction and affirmation for a young woman can change her life and if I can help even one person find their direction, then that will be worth all the hard work! For women, or girls, nervous about getting into the water, or even out exploring on land, what would you tell them? I would like everyone to know that when we push the bounds of comfort, we will have great revelations in life. Being scared means that you still maintain a certain respect for your safety. That is important. But doing something a little outside your comfort zone will help you break barriers that might have contained your potential. Jill meeting with kids on Bell Island Newfoundland What will be your first adventure under your new title? I am currently working with the society on their Expedition of the Year uncovering the Hidden Geography of Bell Island, Newfoundland. I am documenting the shipwrecks and exploring the mine in order to create a visual archive that will be granted to the Bell Island Historical Society so that they can improve education and tourism outreach initiatives.   What projects have you got planned for the coming months? In the coming months, I will be shooting two National geographic projects in Mexico and the Bahamas. The first involves 3D capture of archaeological finds and the second involves documenting caves for a National Geographic TV special about the strange geological finds in underwater caves.

Underwater explorer Megan Cook is taking over the @suuntodive instagram for a week, starting today, August 1, 2016. Join her as she retraces the first US ocean exploration expedition. Who are you and where are you from? My name is Megan Cook and I am an underwater explorer! I work for a deep ocean exploration and education group called Ocean Exploration Trust and am proud to have fed my insatiable ocean curiosity as a reef fish researcher, marine debris mitigator, freediving instructor, science communicator, and Rolex Scholar. I currently live in Newport, Rhode Island but am inviting you, the SuuntoDive family and fans, along on an adventure with me in Washington State’s Salish Sea on the US west coast. I’m joining my friends to #retracethewake of the United States’ first ocean exploring expedition which travelled the world from 1838-1842. In 1841, the six ships of the US Exploring Expedition rowed and sailed their way around Puget Sound, British Columbia’s Salish Sea and the San Juan Islands pioneering the discipline of oceanography and gathering a rich scientific record to the region. The trouble is…they weren’t divers. We know now they were rowing over the top of some of the richest marine habitats and most productive ecosystems on the ocean planet. Come with me as I sail along the path of these 19th-century explorers diving at their study sites and introducing you to the fascinating life they missed underneath the waves. Where do you dive? I dive wherever I have the chance. I was originally certified in southern Idaho- my home state - hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean. I saw seven tires and one fish in that desert reservoir. Since that time I’ve been thrilled to dive in many beautiful pieces of water from Switzerland to South Africa, Australia to Antarctica! What inspires you in the underwater world? I am inspired by the vastness still waiting to be discovered in our oceans! Over 90% of the ocean remains unexplored. We have barely started reading the owner’s manual for the most important life support system on our planet. I love introducing new people to the ways the ocean touches their life, even if they have never touched the waves. I learn something new every time I put my face in the water and that wonder will never cease. Is there a story that you wish to tell with your images? Rather than highlight my greatest shots, I’m bringing followers live on an adventure as it unfolds. Together the crew share three decades of dive experience, but diving from the S/V Whistledown, a 35 foot, Spencer sloop will be a brand new adventure for everyone involved in this project. This trip has helped me remember that for every brand new possibility on a mile of ocean, there is also a rich history. Many of the creatures we’ll meet during this photography trip will be well-known aquatic neighbours, yet the possibility of discovering new views, and fresh perspective is constant. Moving at sailing speed, I’m looking forward to glimpsing views of the inland ocean that astounded the sailors over 170 years ago. Come along with us using #retracethewake or by following me at @missmegancook. #RetraceTheWake will continue for five weeks sailing around Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. How to follow along. You can follow Megan’s ocean adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The sailing expedition runs from late July - late August 2016 and will be posting using #retracethewake.

A dive computer makes freediving safer, more enjoyable and helps to improve performance. Ute Gessman began freediving before the first dive computers were on the market. The AIDA sport officer and competition freediving judge would instead in those days carry a manometer (a mechanical device for measuring pressure) down with her, which was often inaccurate. Since then, dive computers have become a must for every freediver, she says. “For freediving, you need a freediving computer,” she says. “Without one, you have no idea where you are.” Ute Gessman is competition freediving judge and works for AIDA. © Ute Gessman Here’s why a dive computer is essential kit. Safety first A dive computer can tell you how long you’ve been under the water, your depth, and when you must return to the surface. It also helps your buddy at the surface to keep track of how your dive is going. “I can see when he or she left the surface, how long they’ve been under and when he or she should reach the bottom,” says Suunto’s dive business line manager, and freediver Jyri Vehmaskoski. “A dive computer also tells me when I should go down to do the safety dive, about 10 or 15 m, to make sure they’re okay as they come up.” Jyri Saarikorpi is a freediver and spearfisherman. © DeeDee Flores Preparation “A freediving computer helps you prepare on the surface for a dive,” Ute says. You can use the dive computer to time different breathing exercises, to keep track of your warm up dives, and to tell you when you should commence the dive.” Suunto D4i Novo is a lightweight dive computer that has four diving modes, including freediving. Overcoming anxiety “When most people start freediving, they are a little bit afraid to use the free fall to go down the whole way,” says Ute. “Using a dive computer helps them to relax because it tells you how long you should descend before turning back. “Some people want to work by a time, so they put a dive time in, so they know when two minutes, for example, has passed then they need to go back.” © Ute Gessman To manage dive stages Jyri uses his dive computer to manage the difference stages of a dive. “There are four stages when I dive deep: the first stage is obviously on the surface. I make three stronger kicks to get the dive going with momentum and then I start to relax after that. The second stage involves kicking very slowly, focusing on relaxation. Third stage: I do mouth-fill at about 24 to 27 m (an equalization technique). I set an alarm in my dive computer to mark that. The fourth stage: I stop kicking between 30 and 40 m because my lungs are squeezed and I have negative buoyancy so I don’t need to kick. I use a sound on my computer to signal this. Then I just shut my eyes, relax and do the free fall. During free fall my dive computer notifies with sound at certain depths so I know where I am at.”   After the dive A dive computer records each and every dive in a session so once you’re back on land you can inspect the profile of each one. “The profile shows you if you had a good or bad start, if you took too long to go down, when you might have had equalization problems, whether you dived straight, down, or if you had problems,” Ute says. “You can make the profile really big so you can see every second. You can see exactly how you went down and back again. It gives a lot of information for improving performance.” Click to find out more about the Suunto D4i dive computer!

Passionate diver, photographer and Suunto’s own diving business line manager, Jukka Saarikorpi is hosting the @suuntodive Instagram account for a week, starting today. Make sure to follow to catch his inspiring images! USS Vanderberg, Florida Key West. © Jukka SaarikorpiWhere are you from, Jukka? I come from Finland. I was born in Tampere and now and live here in Helsinki. I work for Suunto as a diving business line manager. Where do you dive regularly? We tend to travel quite a bit for my vacations so most of my dives are in warm water. We also test diving products for Suunto in the Ojamo abandoned limestone mine, about 100 km from Helsinki in Lohja. There, and also in Baltic Sea, I occasionally do cold water diving. I enjoy warm water diving more and photographing marine animals. In Finland, you see a lot of wrecks, but wildlife is very rare to see while diving. © Jukka SaarikorpiWhat inspires you about the underwater world? I have always enjoyed being near the sea. I used to do a lot of competitive sailing, which I still do. Diving became something that I can enjoy in nice locations. It gives me something exciting to do in my free time. Nowadays, it has turned into work as well, but I still love it! How would you describe your photography style? I mostly use a wide-angle lens and like shooting big animals, wrecks and divers. I try to capture the moment underwater when the light conditions are changing. It makes diving more interesting when you have more challenges to get the “perfect” picture. Is there a story you wish to tell with your images? I love to inspire people to start diving and to appreciate the ocean more. The ocean is something I really value and I hope I can encourage other people to appreciate it too. Where to follow your adventures? You can see my underwater photography on my Facebook page, on Instagram and on my photography website. Main image: Moalboal, Philippines. © Jukka Saarikorpi

In 1979, Bo “Bosse” Lenander was hiking in the Bjurälven natural reserve. He was enjoying the northern Swedish landscape with its lush green beauty of the summer, making his way along the river running through the limestone valley. Bosse arrived at the river source. Being a curious individual, he was soon in the water, freediving to the bottom of the pool. There he found a 10-centimeters wide opening, water flowing through it. There was a cave behind. The Swedish word 'dolin' describes a formation where erosion causes the ground to collapse into a water-filled cave. The cave in Bjurälven Valley originates in the lake Bosse dived, Dolinsjön (Dolin lake), and was therefore given the name Dolinsjö cave. For many years, Bosse's discovery stayed as a footnote to the Swedish cave exploration. Attempts were made to enter the cave, but the hard flow denied access during the summer months, hurling water out at tremendous speeds up to 20 knots. Exploring the cave in winter In 2007, a group of Swedish cave divers decided to make an attempt during the low-flow winter season, even that it meant hauling gear through the deep snow and making a hole in the meter-thick ice. On the other hand, the snow would protect the fragile nature reserve from being damaged by the expedition. The idea proved right. After transporting the gear through the snow filled valleys and forests, divers managed to dig their way in and map 50 meters of the underwater passage. The cave kept going. So the divers returned every winter, to add a few meters of line and discover what's behind the next corner. Signal seeker joins Expedition Bjurälven In 2011, the expedition team invited Bosse to join. A glimmering blanket of snow covered the Bjurälven Valley when he arrived on-site. This time, he decided, there would be no freediving for him. But Bosse had another idea. As he was an active radiolocation hobbyist, he had built a device that could detect magnetic pulses from underground. These, he figured, could be used to pinpoint the exact location of the divers and features of the cave. This may all sound like an easy task until you consider that the cave is surrounded by a thick sheet of marble and layer of gravel originating from the ice age, blocking most signals from passing. Bosse's concept proved to be working and is now used by the expedition to record exact locations of the cave formations. 244 hours of diving in a week The cave was re-mapped during the 2016 expedition. A new generation of precision equipment had become available, and a new map of the cave was soon created, including a full 3-D rendering. Suunto EON Steel compasses were the tool of choice for the underwater mapping. Also, fixed points were placed inside the cave and located on the surface using radiolocation and advanced satellite positioning. In April 2016, the Expedition Bjurälven team managed to extend the mapped parts of the cave to well over 2 kilometers. They found a massive collapse after sump five, and another sump after that. Longest exploration dives to the end of the line took 7 hours to complete. Divers spent 244 hours in the cave during the expedition week. Today, 37 years since Bosse's discovery, Dolinsjö cave is one of the longest water-filled caves in Sweden. Bosse is still an active member of the expedition team, regardless of his age of 70. Well, you know what they say about rolling stones.