Tara Rawson, a 31-year-old dietician and yoga teacher, has set a new Australian record for the deepest free dive by a female, reaching an astounding 82 meters on a single breath. The dive took place during a competition in Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning free diving career.
Rawson’s journey into the depths began at the Rowley Shoals, 260 kilometers west of Broome, off Western Australia’s northern coast. Captivated by the grace and serenity of a free diver she observed there, Rawson was inspired to pursue the sport herself. Now, she travels the world, training at various dive sites while working remotely from a temporary base in Egypt.
The Allure of the Ocean Depths
Rawson’s record-breaking dive lasted two minutes and 45 seconds, showcasing not just her physical prowess but also her mental fortitude. “You need to be able to relax to dive at such depths,” she explained. “If you’re holding tension, you’re using more oxygen and you’re more likely to have issues.”
Free diving, she notes, has allowed her to connect deeply with the ocean. “It’s such a cool experience,” she said, describing the tranquility and extended time she can now spend underwater, observing marine life.
From Inspiration to Achievement
Rawson’s fascination with free diving began during a scuba diving trip to the Rowley Shoals, where she was mesmerized by a staff member’s peaceful and graceful movements underwater. Determined to learn, she quickly immersed herself in the sport, trusting in her physical abilities and the safety of her training environments.
In 2022, Rawson co-founded the Kimberley Free Diving Club with Broome dive enthusiast Graham Makereth. The club has since attracted around 140 members, including spearfishers and snorkelers, eager to explore the unique underwater landscapes off Broome.
Training and Technique
Makereth, a seasoned free-diving instructor, emphasizes the importance of slow, deliberate training. “You have to acclimatize very slowly… you’ve got to own a depth,” he explained. The club’s sessions, often held at the local swimming pool, focus on mastering techniques like the “dive response,” which slows the heart and increases blood flow to the brain.
According to Makereth, understanding and managing the body’s response to pressure and oxygen deprivation is crucial. “You learn techniques to keep the air in the mouth and then use that air to equalize with,” he said.
A Record-Setting Journey
Rawson’s achievements extend beyond her recent dive. She holds three Australian national records in different free diving disciplines. Her 82-meter dive in the Constant Weight with fins (CWT) category is complemented by an 81-meter dive in Constant Weight with bi-fins (CWTB) and a 79-meter dive in the Free Immersion (FIM) category.
“I love the world free diving has opened up for me,” Rawson shared, reflecting on her accomplishments and future aspirations.
Following her record-setting performances, Rawson plans to rest in Bali before returning to Egypt, a favored destination among free divers, to prepare for her next attempt at breaking records.
As Rawson continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in free diving, her story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring divers and highlights the growing interest in this challenging yet rewarding sport.
