DATELINE: 6th November 2000
SCUBA RACE
Who says scuba diving isn't competitive?
It's not just any old sponsored underwater swim. The 10km Underwater Race, run by Portmarnock Sub-Aqua Club in north County Dublin, is 15 years old - and has now gone into the Guinness Book of Records.
Recently Portmarnock's team of six divers swam 400 lengths of a 25m pool in 1 hour 43.27 minutes to beat five other clubs and set the fastest time in the event's history. This now becomes the Guinness benchmark for future generations of divers.
The competition sounds serious. "In 1985, winners of the first race recorded a time of 3.5 hours - but then, they were in full scuba gear," explained Portmarnock's team leader, Sean Power. "Now, we slim down the scuba gear as much as possible - no suit or BC, just a cylinder strapped straight to your back. And, since this is a pretty major work-out, you need a regulator - for us it was the Scubapro S600 - which allows you comfortably to draw air fast."
Apparently, interest in the event means regional heats will be necessary in 2001. And the invitation to compete is being thrown open beyond Ireland to the whole of Britain.
The event can be used as an effective fund-raiser for causes of your choice; this year, by completing the 10km, Portmarnock raised £6000 for local charities.
Fancy tackling 2001's 10km Underwater Relay Race for a place in the Guinness Book of Records? Contact Sean on 00 353 87 23 83 441 or e-mail sean.power@irishlife.ie