The curtain rises, the depths call, and Vertical Blue returns to make freediving history
Filippo Carletti
From day one, the show is guaranteed: it’s French diver Arnaud Jerald who breaks the silence of the blue with a new CMAS world record in bi-fins, reaching 125 meters in constant weight with a flawless 3-minute and 54-second dive.
All competing athletes post a white card — a clear sign of the technical level and preparation defining the 2025 edition. Among them shine Italy’s Davide Carrera and Tunisia’s Walid Boudhiaf, both achieving national records: 114 meters in bi-fins for Carrera and 118 meters in monofin for Boudhiaf.
The high level continues in the following days. Jerald surpasses himself again, diving to 126 meters and once more raising the world record in bi-fins. On the same day, Claire Paris (USA) emerges as one of the top performers in the Master 2 category, setting two world records: 60 meters in CWT-BF (bi-fins) and 50 meters in CNF (no fins).
Carrera, unstoppable, improves again and raises the Italian bi-fins record to 117 meters, marking his second national record in just a few days.
Unfortunately, this edition of Vertical Blue takes place without live coverage or streaming: the absence of major sponsors has prevented the use of the Dive Eye system and real-time broadcasting, leaving social media – particularly the official Facebook page – the task of keeping fans updated.
Day seven marks another historic moment: Alenka Artnik (SLO) sets a new world record in constant weight (CWT) with a 123-meter dive. Paris, tireless, goes on to reach 62 meters in CWT, setting yet another Master 2 world record.
The competition ends on the ninth day with two final successful attempts: Paris reaches 57 meters in CNF, while Spain’s Alfredo Roen hits 101 meters in CWT, granting the Master 1 category a new world record.
Competition in Numbers
17 athletes representing 16 nations
3 absolute world records: Artnik (123 meters in CWT), Jerald (125 and 126 meters in CWT-BF)
21 national records
5 Master 2 world records by Paris
1 Master 1 world record by Roen