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THE INVISIBLE SPORT
STEVE WEINMAN, EDITOR
YOUNG TOM IN THE OFFICE can't understand why scuba diving isn't more competitive - like freediving. We've explained to him that there is nothing more competitive than a pubful of divers comparing their equipment, or technical divers trying to be first to a bell, but that doesn't seem to satisfy him.
People always seem to be trying to give diving more of an Olympian edge. Not long ago, I was approached by a PR executive seeking advice on mounting an underwater bicycle race to promote the coldwater island she represented.
I had to say that, even with SMBs attached to indicate the riders' tortuous progress through murky waters, and perhaps - with no care for expense - video footage relayed directly to a big screen, it was hard to see this epic struggle attracting massive crowds. In any case, working hard at any depth is rarely a great idea.
Perhaps I was too negative, but my feeling was, what's the point? Let cyclists pedal in air, as nature intended!
Diving is the invisible sport. It happens where the public can't see it, and they have to take our word for what goes on down there.
Competitive events do take place, usually for good causes - river races, pool sports days, Channel relays and so on - but that invisibility is a handicap when seeking sponsorship. Sitting in a tankful of water for as long as possible does at least cater for spectators, but watching a man wrinkling up slowly isn't the greatest entertainment (see News).
Every now and then, we hear that the deepest-ever mixed-gas dive has taken place. At once the detractors move in: how reliable was the verification? Was a current pushing the line off-vertical? Did the line stretch? Where is the computer evidence?
Let's face it, if conspiracy theorists can deny that we ever landed on the Moon, what chance do divers have of putting their solitary depth-record bids beyond doubt? Being a competitive diver is hard.
This month, in an issue with more of a technical edge than usual, we try out six scooters and a pair of propeller-powered boots to determine, among other things, their relative speeds.
That's what got Tom started on competition: could DPV-racing be the next big thing? Even if spectators found it resistible, at least the participants would have fun modifying their machines and pitting them against each other.
Scooter-racing is already happening in a small way. John Camm of Alpha Distribution has been organising "Aquajet" racing using Sea-Doo Seascooters for kids with snorkels. BSAC has just approved an Aquajet course, too, but John reckons the way ahead with DPVs for scuba-divers may be "free-styling" in the pool, with points awarded for skill in performing manoeuvres.
And if viewing conditions are right, who knows, spectators may be drawn into underwater sport. Let's see if that happens in Sheffield next year, when Britain hosts its first Octopush World Championships!
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