The Australian Freediving Association and the Sydney Seals Freediving Club will host the 2026 Australian AIDA National Pool Championship from Fri 27 to Mon 30 March, 2026 at Knox Grammar School Aquatic Centre in Sydney. This competition is conducted under AIDA rules and is open to all AFA members regardless of their nationality. There is a capacity of approximately 60 athletes for the event, and the inlist will be set on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sponsoring companies

TBA

Competition format

This year’s Nationals will include all AIDA disciplines: STA, DNF, DYN, DYNB.

While AIDA rules do not currently provide for para-freediving, if there are interested para-athletes we will ensure they can either compete or in any event record their performance in a dedicated ranking.

Overall rankings and the title of National Champion will be determined by the top aggregate points across all four disciplines (STA-DYN-DYNB-DNF).

Consistent with previous years, the overall competition prizes and national title will be based on the best aggregate points across all four disciplines. This means that an athlete must do one dive in each discipline to be competitive in the overall rankings. Point will be awarded as follows:

  • DYN and DYNB: 1 pt per metre
  • DNF: 1.25 pts per metre
  • STA: 1 pt per 5 sec

There will be an overall ranking with awards for the top 3 places in both the Men’s and Women’s events, which is open to all nationalities. The competition will also have an Australian overall ranking to determine the national champions, which is only open to Australian citizens.

Event schedule

Thu 26 Mar 2026: Registration

Fri 27 Mar 2026: TBA

Sat 28 Mar 2026: TBA

Sun 29 Mar 2026: TBA

Mon 30 Mar 2026: TBA

Athlete fees

Fees are designed to be as low as possible and promote wide participation.

  • Early Bird registration: $290 (until 30 Nov 0025, 23.59 AEST)
  • Ordinary registration: $350 (until 28 Feb 2026, 23.59 AEST)
  • Late registration: $420 (starting 1 Mar 2026)

Cancellation policy

  • Before 20 Dec 2025, 23.59 AEST: refund of all but $75
  • Until 28 Feb 2026, 23.59 AEST: 50% refund
  • Starting 1 Mar 2026: no refund

Registration

To register, please complete the Registration form and pay your fee via PayPal below. If you prefer to pay via bank transfer, get in touch.

AU$290: Early bird fee

AU$25: Competition membership fee (only for athletes who are not Australian, and do not reside in Australia).