By Kisean Joseph
Atlantic rower Christal Clashing has achieved another momentous aquatic feat – this time by setting two national freediving records for Antigua and Barbuda.
Clashing made history in the Deep Dominica Freediving competition by achieving a depth of 40 metres in the constant weight (mono-fin) category and 31 metres in the constant weight no fins category.
“I had five white cards, meaning there were five clean dives, and they accepted that I did the correct surface protocol and got the tag at the bottom of the line.
“But I had one early turn on day four and I was happy I was able to bounce back from that and complete and go deeper on days five and six,” said Clashing.
The event was held from July 28 to August 4, showcasing the prowess of freedivers from across the Caribbean region.
Freediving relies on breath-holding rather than the use of breathing apparatus like scuba gear.
Clashing, known as one of the historic Team Antigua Island Girls who became the first all-Black team to row across the Atlantic in 2019, demonstrated her exceptional aquatic skills on the world stage yet again.
“I’ve always been a water baby,” she said. “I have a background as a swimmer, a national swimmer and an Olympic swimmer, and of course have rowed both the Atlantic and Pacific with Team Antigua Island Girls.
“And I think for the free diving, what took me there, what got me into it was the fact that it was so meditative. It’s a bit of a healing activity for me.”
Her involvement in the Deep Dominica competition was made possible through public support and sponsorship, including from Budget Marine, the largest chandlery in the Caribbean, which previously backed her during the Pacific row.
Her journey to the freediving records involved rigorous training and significant dedication, emphasising the potential and determination of Caribbean athletes.
Clashing excelled on the first day, reaching the 28-metre mark, her first national record of the event.
“It feels very satisfying. I’m very pleased with how this Deep Dominica edition has been. I had six dives in total,” she explained.
“Preparing for this competition has not been a straightforward phase of preparation. I feel like I’ve wanted to do a competition since before Covid. Then Covid happened, which made that logistically almost impossible.
“I have still, you know, six more records to go for. Right now, I’ve accomplished two and I’m happy with the depth of those two for where I am right now,” Clashing added.
