The deepest current AIDA constant-weight freedive is 136 meters by Alexey Molchanov, set on September 29, 2023. Freediving records are discipline-specific, federation-specific, and only current after ratification, so verify AIDA discipline history and CMAS records/ranking files before citing any number.
The deepest current AIDA constant-weight freedive is 136 meters, set by Alexey Molchanov in CWT at the 31st AIDA Freediving World Championship on September 29, 2023. AIDA also lists long-running benchmark records such as Stephane Mifsud's 11:35 static apnea and Herbert Nitsch's 214m No Limits dive in its world-record history.
Freediving records change only when a performance is ratified by a governing body, so this guide separates official records from social clips, training dives, and unofficial claims. Use the records table below as a quick reference, then verify the discipline page on AIDA or the current CMAS records/ranking files before quoting a number.
How to read freediving records
A record only makes sense with its discipline attached. Constant Weight (CWT), Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWTB), Constant Weight No Fins (CNF), Free Immersion (FIM), Static Apnea (STA), Dynamic With Fins (DYN), Dynamic Bi-Fins (DYNB), and Dynamic No Fins (DNF) test different skills and should not be compared as if they were one event.
For readers comparing personal goals, the useful question is not whether a number is impressive. It is what skill the discipline rewards: equalization and streamlining in CWT, line technique in FIM, swimming efficiency in DNF, and tolerance plus relaxation in STA. The same logic applies when choosing a freediving course or a depth-focused destination.
Selected AIDA records to verify first
The local table highlights selected AIDA records that readers most often search for: men's and women's CWT, men's STA, men's CNF, and men's No Limits. It is intentionally labelled as selected, not exhaustive, because official discipline pages remain the source of truth.
When updating this article, check the official AIDA discipline history and the current CMAS records/ranking page on the same day. If AIDA and CMAS list different records, name the federation instead of presenting a single universal number.
Depth records: CWT, CWTB, CNF, and FIM
Constant Weight with fins (CWT) is the flagship depth discipline. Alexey Molchanov holds the men's AIDA CWT record at 136m, set in Limassol, Cyprus in September 2023. Alessia Zecchini holds the women's CWT record at 123m. CWT allows a monofin or bi-fins, and the diver must descend and ascend under their own power without pulling on the line.
Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWTB), Constant Weight No Fins (CNF), and Free Immersion (FIM) are separate records because equipment and movement rules change the difficulty. CNF removes fins entirely. FIM allows the diver to pull on the line. CWTB restricts propulsion to bi-fins, which changes technique even when the headline depth looks close to CWT.
Pool records: STA, DYN, DYNB, and DNF
Pool disciplines measure breath-hold performance without open-water depth. Static Apnea (STA) measures time while floating face-down. Dynamic records measure horizontal distance, with separate categories for monofin, bi-fins, and no fins.
Pool records are easier to misunderstand because a longer breath-hold or distance does not automatically translate to safer open-water diving. If you are training breath-hold, use structured practice and a qualified buddy; start with CO2 tables and conservative supervision rather than record-style attempts.
Where records are set
Competition locations matter because calm, deep, accessible water is rare. Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas hosts Vertical Blue, one of the sport's most visible elite events. Limassol, Soufriere Bay, Kalamata, and Sharm El Sheikh also appear frequently in elite depth results.
For non-elite divers, record venues are useful because they show what good training logistics look like: reliable depth, safety teams, line systems, warm-up zones, and nearby coaching. Use that lens when comparing freediving schools, not as a reason to chase elite depth early.
Common questions
What is the deepest freedive ever recorded?
The deepest competitive freedive is 136m in CWT by Alexey Molchanov. The deepest dive of any kind is 214m in No Limits by Herbert Nitsch in 2007.
How long can a freediver hold their breath?
The AIDA world record for static apnea is 11 minutes 35 seconds, held by Stephane Mifsud. Most trained freedivers hold between 3 and 6 minutes.
Where are freediving world records set?
Major records are set at competition sites with deep, calm water. Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas), Limassol (Cyprus), and Dominica are current top venues.
