Russian freediver Alexey Molchanov has claimed a new under-ice depth world record in Earth’s deepest inland body of water, Lake Baikal, after descending to 91m on a single breath in the Constant Weight (CWT) discipline using a monofin.
The dive took less than three minutes. Molchanov already held the Guinness World Record (GWR) in the category for an 80m under‑ice dive in Lake Baikal in 2021. That feat was verified by a judge from world governing body AIDA at the event but at this stage GWR has not confirmed the new record, which would represent a depth increase of almost 14%.
“Under ice” is not an official AIDA or CMAS competitive discipline but, if confirmed, this would be Molchanov’s fourth under-ice and 42nd overall world record.
Lake Baikal presents one of the most extreme environments for freediving. Surface temperature was -23°C on the day, while the water below the ice measured only 2°C.
Molchanov, one of a number of freedivers who attended the 3rd International Ice Freediving Festival at Listvyanka in Irkusk in early March, was relying on a single entry and exit hole cut into the ice.
“Preparation for under-ice records starts even before coming to the lake,” said Molchanov. “It’s breath-hold training, a lot of pool-work and practising with a monofin to be as efficient as possible.”
The need for a thicker wetsuit, gloves and additional gear in the unforgiving environment increase resistance and demand greater energy expenditure, as he pointed out, though he chose a 5mm rather than 7mm suit, in order to cut drag and require only 2kg of weights to be carried.
“It’s really hard to equalise in cold water,” went on Molchanov. “The lips and muscles don’t work the same way, and it’s harder to create pressure.” For this reason he used a nose-clip and half-mask to reduce air use.
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