Frederic Swierczynski

Cave Diver, Multimedia Author, Photojournalist, Web Designer.
From +5870 m to -308 m: Frédéric Swierczynski, the amphibious explorer.

Caving explorer. Lives in Marseille - France. Age 50. Mechanical engineer.

Trimix, Cave and Rebreather instructor. Diving since the age of 12. First solo Trimix dive to -120 m at the age of 18. Started using rebreather in 2000.

October 1994, Font Del Truffe (Lot - France). Longest multi-siphon dive: 21 hours.

August 2016 , Grotte de la Mescla (Gorges du Var - Alpes Maritimes). Exploration of siphon no. 3 down to -267 m.

May 2019, Lake Ojos del Salado (Argentina). World altitude diving record at 5870 m.

November 2023, World depth record at Font Estramar in France: -308 m.

Interview:

What (or who) convinced you to become a professional diver?
I was born on the Atlantic coast and started spearfishing at age 7, then diving at age 12, and cave and deep diving at age 18...so for over 40 years now.

What is the biggest challenge you face when diving?
The biggest challenge is coming home and seeing my loved ones again, even though diving draws me further and further away from the real world.

What diving achievement are you most proud of?
La Mescla, north of Nice, remains the most memorable, with an exploration stop at almost -270 meters in siphon no. 3.

How did your first dive go?
My first dive was “natural” after already spending more than 5 years freediving.

Why do you prefer rebreather diving?
Rebreather diving is like stopping time and opening yourself up to infinite exploration.

What is your favorite equipment?
My double Liberty Sidemount... no more tanks... just lightness.

Your favorite dive site?
Our planet is full of surprises, both underwater and above water.