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Death-defying free dives push boundaries

January 13, 2013 5:00 PM

In an extreme sport in which divers reach great depths on one breath, records are being broken and doctors are surprised by feats never thought possible. Bob Simon reports.

Death-defying free dives push boundaries

60 Minutes OverTimeExploring the depths of Dean's Blue Hole

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by Patti_Aben January 17, 2013 8:56 AM EST
Deans Blue Hole is fabulous and a great place to stay while visiting is the Long Island Breeze - accomodations, full restaurant and bar. Long Island is unspoiled and beautiful... I highly recommend it for those that can make it - free divers or not. The place is beautiful, waters are sky blue and you can see straight down at least 25 feet in the water so it looks like you can just reach down onto the white sand and pick up that orange starfish!
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by enzoblue January 16, 2013 1:55 AM EST
you can't do a story on freediving and not mention French diver Jacque Mayol, if you like this check out the BIG BLUE
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by merekb January 15, 2013 7:51 PM EST
My husband and I just returned from an amazing week on Long Island, and it was a perfect vacation destination. We chose a beautiful resort (The Long Island Breeze Resort) out of several options. We hiked, swam, kayaked (didn't dive, will definitely look into it next go round) and chatted with amazing Bahamians. I am recommending this island to everyone I know because there is something for everyone to do here; it was truly the best vacation we've ever taken.
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by blackphlame January 15, 2013 7:13 PM EST
Long Island is not a remote part of The Bahamas as suggested. Furthermore, just because major commercial airlines from the US or Europe do not fly directly to the island doesn't make it any less important than the other major islands. It makes it THAT more special! Less pollution, less foreign influence, a place for relaxation - ideal for getaways from big city life.
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by deepinsideme January 15, 2013 2:22 PM EST
Check our short segment that aired on CNN International Sept last year. It 's available here below now. The long print version is available as well.

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-839140

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicolas-rossier/the-last-breath-meeting-w_b_1837353.html

http://www.revolve-magazine.com/home/2012/08/30/one-breath-only/
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by MAPASSOC January 14, 2013 7:09 PM EST
CBS - 60 Minutes incorrectly reported that there no hotels on Long Island, Bahamas ... in fact there 16 Bed & Breakfast resorts on Long Island, ... you may not be able to find a 'margarita', but there hundreds of Bahamian drinks too. 60 MINUTES WELCOME TO THE REAL [LONG ISLAND] BAHAMAS http://youtu.be/W2b9Wucif3E

(NB: A correction would be in order for the Real Long Island)
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by NicolaStepanek January 14, 2013 6:02 PM EST
It is absolutely wonderful to see the sport of competitive freediving land some airtime here in the US. This feature is certainly highlighting the very extreme end of freediving (Competitive & 'No Limits' events). On the other hand recreational freediving is a highly accessible, relaxing, fun, safe & healthy sport.
Before attempting any breath-hold activities it is paramount to seek professional, certified, insured instructors for proper safety training & freediving information.
Niki Stepanek - Freediving Instructors International
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by Cebaztian January 14, 2013 1:05 PM EST
Why do media insist on calling freediving dangerous and death defying.
Zero (0) persons has died in freediving competitons.
(Sled diving, is another thing, an extremely dangerous stunt).
And how much research does it take to understand that there are several disciplines (6) and not only one champion.
Otherwise an excellent display och top level freediving.
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by kurtchambers January 14, 2013 12:30 PM EST
Anyone in Hawai'i interested? -> http://www.hawaiifreedivinginstructors.com
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by 1dizzydaizy January 14, 2013 3:01 AM EST
This is amazing and so very interesting.
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