French freediver says PH can be freediving capital of Asia

French freediver Guillaume Néry speaks at a press conference at the Shangri-la’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.
CDN photo/Lito Tecson

RENOWNED French freediver Guillaume Néry believes the Philippines has the potential to be the freediving capital of Asia.

In a press conference Wednesday at the Shangri-la’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City, the world record holder said the Philippines has what it takes to shine in the sport.

“We need warm waters,” said the 35-year-old Néry , a native from the City of Nice in France. “Here, the water is warm all-year long.”

Freediving is a form of underwater diving that relies on divers’ ability to hold their breath until resurfacing.

In 2002, Néry became the youngest freedive record holder by diving 87m deep using only fins. He beat the world record thrice, becoming the world team champion in 2008, individual world champion in Greece in 2011, and set the New France record at 125m in 2013.

Néry is in the country with his partner Julie Gauitier, also a freediver, for his Philippine Expedition in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Freediving Planet. It started July 12 and will last until August 15.

He will be promoting the sport by exploring the seas of Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and Davao, where an expanded community of badjaos can be found.

From July 22 to August 3, Néry will be traveling around Bohol, and Coron and El Nido in Palawan. He will then be conducting a second workshop on August 4 to 6 in Moalboal, Cebu. His first workshop in Cebu was held last Monday on Mactan Island. His last trip will be in Davao to shoot a short documentary film featuring badjaos. This will be an opportunity for the group to create more global awareness about freediving in the country.