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EXCLUSIVE: Scubaverse interviews Mike Benke, Hungarian Freediving record holder

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Mike Benke

For those of you who don’t know you Mike, can you please tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Mike Benke, I am a Hungarian Freediver living in Manchester, UK. I am 49 years old. I’ve been training with my Coach Steve Millard of Apneists UK for many years now.

How did you get into Freediving in the first place?

I was a Scuba instructor, so when I came to the UK I joined a Scuba school in Manchester where Steve was the Manager. I did some Scuba trips but really was intrigued by what the Freedivers were doing in the club. It looked like a real sport rather than a hobby. It interested me as I have participated in sport to a high level before, being the National Hungarian Champion in Modern Pentathlon many years ago, and I still felt up for a challenge.

Who is your hero in the sport and why?

William Trubridge. As well as enjoying the no fins disciplines, and he leads the way in depth, I am also impressed with the way he portrays the sport of Freediving in his videos and article releases. They are truly impressive, and help to get many more people into the sport. He is an inspiration to me.

What is your greatest personal achievement in the sport of Freediving?

My four Hungarian records, and also the second place I achieved in the Great Northern International Competition in Liverpool.

What is your favourite discipline, or type of Freediving?

I really enjoy the no fins diving. It is a pure way of diving.

What do you think about, and how does it feel on a big performance dive?

I try and empty my mind, and relax. Focus on good sensations, when negative sensations come, try and relax and think of positive thoughts, and forget any negative thoughts. It’s all about relaxing throughout every part of the dive, and enjoying the really good bits.

Outside of Freediving itself, what discipline / sport / activity do you do that that helps your Freediving the most?

If I have to pick one type of training only, then swimming helps me the most. It gives you a feel for the water, and makes you feel at home and really works the muscles in the right way.

Where is the most beautiful place you have dived or your most memorable dive?

Dahab. I love the warm clear water, I love the relaxed atmosphere. It is a true joy diving there.

For success in Freediving competitions and records, what do you think are the most important things for an aspiring diver to do to be successful?

Consistent training. That is the main key to success. And other things obviously but if I had to pick one. Pick a club and Coach that allow this progression as I have done. Red letter day experiences and quick holiday courses cannot provide the opportunities to improve to high levels or even enjoy the sport properly. Can you Freedive and then find a club? Or is it better to learn to Freedive and then find a holiday? The second one is true.

Do you have any solid goals in 2014 / 2015? 

I want to continue to improve in the pool. I am competing in the Manchester competition on the 29th November at Grand Central pool ( http://www.freedivingcompetition.com/stockport-2014.html ) but I have an eye on really improving my depth disciplines. Training in the UK can be difficult when based so far from deep water. But I will fit depth training in any time I can, and hopefully do a couple of Apneists UK trips and clinics abroad to help me.

What equipment do you use for training?

I have an Aqua Sphere mask, and an Aqua Sphere winter Aqua Skin suit – it is by far the best suit I have ever worn. It helped me to my recent Hungarian Dynamic National record. I have owned a Leaderfin Hyper and an old waterway mono fin. But the record was done in a Starfin. I’m looking to invest in a new fin in 2015.

Here is a video of Mike’s Dynamic record:

[youtube id=”stdcZvn4HTk” width=”100%” height=”400px”]

To find out more about Apneists UK, visit www.freedivers.co.uk.

Steve Millard is a leading UK based AIDA and PADI Freediving Instructor Trainer who is the owner of Apneists UK freediving group - www.freedivers.co.uk. Currently Press officer to the British Freediving Association and Performance mermaids lead coach.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

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Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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