Team Vertical Blue proposes to host the 2009 AIDA World Freediving Championships depth events in Dean's Blue Hole, the world's deepest blue hole (203 meters), and possibly also the world's best venue for freediving training and competitions.

Since 2004 every AIDA championship event has taken place in Europe or Egypt. This has helped contribute to the massive growth of competitive apnea in European nations, however it has meant that the rest of the world, and in particular the Americas, have been somewhat neglected.

While expenses for Europeans to travel to the Caribbean are not much more than for Egypt, there is a very significant difference for American nations, and by hosting this event in the Bahamas AIDA can promote a similar growth in the south and central American nations as that enjoyed in Europe.

The 2009 World Championship in the Bahamas will be an elite and refined event that diffuses an image of the sport as safe, exciting and performance-intensive to a new and large audience, both broadcasted and live – with for the first time ever a large spectator base, just meters away from the action!

By collaborating with local Bahamians, Canadian safety freedivers, and American media channels we are confident that we can produce a seamless and professional event that will raise the profile of the sport on an international level.

The Bahamian people are amongst the warmest of the Caribbean, and the island of Long Island is a relatively untouched jewel, with miles of white powder beaches, mysterious cave systems and seas teaming with coral and marine life. Not only will athletes compete in the best conditions for performance freediving on the planet, but they will also be able to enjoy their free time and benefit from the warm, clean climate.