The DUC Cup was a triumph for all who participated and a particularly major feat for Shane Jansen van Vuuren who displayed an incredible record-breaking freedive.
Durban, South Africa (08 October 2024) – The Durban Undersea Club (DUC) is thrilled to share the amazing news of Cape Town’s own freediver, Shane Jansen van Vuuren, who has made waves by setting a new national freediving record!
Van Vuuren’s remarkable performance at the inaugural DUC Cup, hosted at the popular Kings Park Pool from 21-24 September, has truly left us in awe of his talent and dedication.
Freediving (the ancient art of diving underwater in one breath), is one of the fastest-growing underwater sports and there is a blossoming community of exceptional South African athletes smashing records locally and abroad.
In the Dynamic No Fins (DNF) discipline, Van Vuuren’s new record covered an impressive distance of 155 meters on one breath, earning him a well-deserved place in the rankings.
According to DUC, the competition also saw an outstanding 34 personal best (PB) records achieved by competitors, highlighting South Africa’s growing talent in the sport.
“We are so proud of Shane’s achievement, and that of all athletes who took part in this inaugural event,” said Alessandro Sacerdote, President of AIDA South Africa.
“For the vast majority, this event served as their introduction to competing in an official event registered under AIDA South Africa, the national division of AIDA International, a globally recognised rule- and record-keeping freediving certification agency.”
Beyond van Vuuren’s achievement, the event highlighted the vibrant and growing South African freediving community, while allowing athletes to test their limits in a safe, competitive environment.
Spanning four days, the DUC Cup brought together freedivers from the Western Cape, Gauteng, and Mozambique to showcase their skills in four pool disciplines: Dynamic Bi-fin (DYNB), Dynamic No Fins (DNF), DYN (Dynamic), and Static (STA).
The overall of the event winner was Shane Jansen van Vuuren. In the women’s category, Wendy Paarman, Arenea Becker, Ashton Deyzel secured first, second and third positions respectively.
In the men’s category Shane Jansen van Vuuren secured first place with Ryan Becker and Leigh Riley coming second and third.
“We want to express our deep gratitude to the DUC for their incredible support in hosting this competition, along with all our volunteers and safety team who worked together to make it possible,” said event organiser and DUC Committee Member, Angie van der Hoogen.
“We look forward to establishing the DUC Cup as an annual event and a key fixture for the local freediving community, furthering the sport’s growing development and recognition in South Africa.”
Sources: Durban Undersea Club
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