Sponsoring Deep Record Attempts

[gxdoyle]

Recently we were approached by a local diver in Asia for sponsorship of an attempt at a scuba depth record. He had heard that we might have a boat going out regularly during the season. Based on what he showed us, he had lots of deep mixed gas experience (more than any of us).

We invited him to dive with us on the boat if he wished, but we declined to sponsor or otherwise support him (insurance liability and bad PR when he smoked himself being just two good reasons).

Afterwards I wondered what regular tech divers think about this - should shops / instructors / boats be supporting and sponsoring record attempts - even if there is a better than even chance people will not even make it through the warm-ups?

 

[Diver0001]

gxdoyle once bubbled...
Recently we were approached by a local diver in Asia for sponsorship of an attempt at a scuba depth record. He had heard that we might have a boat going out regularly during the season. Based on what he showed us, he had lots of deep mixed gas experience (more than any of us).

We invited him to dive with us on the boat if he wished, but we declined to sponsor or otherwise support him (insurance liability and bad PR when he smoked himself being just two good reasons).

Afterwards I wondered what regular tech divers think about this - should shops / instructors / boats be supporting and sponsoring record attempts - even if there is a better than even chance people will not even make it through the warm-ups?

Personally I think the whole idea of setting depth records as a sport is a little daft. If withholding sponsorship will stop the Darwin candidates from becoming Darwin winners then I say don't encourage them.

R..

<edit> P.S. Also, sponsorship comes with an implicit responsibility. Sponsorship is a form of advertising and the advertiser will want to get his money's worth, which can put the diver under pressure to perform at a level that might be slightly beyond his capability. Bad vibes....bad vibes......

R..

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

I'm looking for a sponsor on the Horizontal Apnea attempt (Free Diving). Beijing 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm there!!!!

 

[gxdoyle]

..hotizontal apnea..now that I can sponsor ..whaddya need?

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

gxdoyle once bubbled...
..hotizontal apnea..now that I can sponsor ..whaddya need?

LMAO, It's an actual event, but I like the way you think! It's distance you can kick or swim just under the surface using fins. I think the world record is close to 1000 ft. I'm going to break it.