Research and record breaking can co-exist, but many times research that can help diving doesn't get publicity. Record-breaking attempts many times are based not on improving diving for people, but on personal glory. Over the years, I've seen both.
Hans Keller's work to prove mixed-gas decompression was not only record-breaking, but also research-based. It proved some theories that the Swiss mathematician had postulated. Unfortunately, it also claimed a life.
Internationally-known photographer Jerry Greenberg documented in the 1950's the untimely death of Hope Root, who died trying to break a record of 400 feet. He used compressed air in twin 72s (apparently) with a double-hose regulator (no backup), no BC or even a wet suit (just swim trunks, a mask socks and fins). He apparently made 450 feet conscious, then plunged to 600 feet where he was lost from sonar and never seen again.* This, for publicity, was tragic, and misplaced in my opinion.
What will future generations of divers think of any current record-breaking attempts?
SeaRat
*Greenberg, Jerry, Manfish with a Camera, Seahawk Press, 1971, pages 13-14.
Hans Keller's work to prove mixed-gas decompression was not only record-breaking, but also research-based. It proved some theories that the Swiss mathematician had postulated. Unfortunately, it also claimed a life.
Internationally-known photographer Jerry Greenberg documented in the 1950's the untimely death of Hope Root, who died trying to break a record of 400 feet. He used compressed air in twin 72s (apparently) with a double-hose regulator (no backup), no BC or even a wet suit (just swim trunks, a mask socks and fins). He apparently made 450 feet conscious, then plunged to 600 feet where he was lost from sonar and never seen again.* This, for publicity, was tragic, and misplaced in my opinion.
What will future generations of divers think of any current record-breaking attempts?
SeaRat
*Greenberg, Jerry, Manfish with a Camera, Seahawk Press, 1971, pages 13-14.
