Alexey Molchanov Sets New Under-Ice Freediving World Record at Lake Baikal

Alexey Molchanov dives to 91 meters beneath the ice of Lake Baikal, setting a new under-ice freediving world record. 

By Deena Lynch

Alexey Molchanov prepares to dive beneath the frozen surface of Lake Baikal, with snow-covered mountains stretching across the horizon. Photo © @nepokolebim

On March 3, 2026, freediver Alexey Molchanov set a new under-ice world record, descending to 91 meters (299 ft) on a single breath beneath the frozen surface of Lake Baikal, the deepest lake on Earth.

The dive was performed in Constant Weight (CWT) using a monofin, under one of the most extreme environments in freediving. Temperatures on the surface reached -23°C (-9°F), while the water below the ice measured just 2°C (35.6°F). With the lake sealed beneath a solid sheet of ice, freedivers relied on a single entry and exit hole cut through the frozen surface.

The entire dive lasted just under three minutes, with Molchanov wearing a Molchanovs PRO 5mm wetsuit and using the Molchanovs PRO Monofin 4X Carbon.

The record dive took place during the Third International Ice Freediving Festival ‘Under the Ice of Baikal’, held from March 1–6, 2026, in Listvyanka, Irkutsk Region, Russia.

The under-ice dive site at Lake Baikal, marked by a single cut entry point and  Molchanovs PRO buoys on the surface. © @nepokolebim.

Preparation Before the Ice

While the environment itself is unforgiving, the foundation for a dive like this is built long before arriving at the lake.
For Molchanov, preparation begins with core freediving principles — breath-hold training, efficiency, and refined technique developed in controlled conditions.

“Preparation for under-ice records starts even before coming to the lake. It’s breath-hold training, a lot of pool work, and practicing with a monofin to be as efficient as possible.”

Rather than relying solely on exposure to cold, the focus remains on building a strong baseline in warm water. Technique, streamlining, and depth adaptation are established first — the adaptation to cold is layered on later.

Equally important is adjusting to equipment. Under-ice diving requires thicker wetsuits, gloves, and additional gear, all of which increase resistance and demand greater energy expenditure.

Molchanov approached this year’s dive with a deliberate shift toward efficiency, choosing a 5mm wetsuit instead of 7mm, reducing drag and allowing for improved hydrodynamics. Combined with a lighter setup of just 2 kilograms of weight, this enabled a more streamlined body position and smoother movement through the water.

Alexey Molchanov descended to 91 meters under ice on a single breath, setting a new under-ice world record. © @evsychev

Navigating Extreme Conditions

On the day of the dive, conditions were harsh but stable. It was cold, clear, and manageable with careful planning.

Sunlight provided some relief against the -20°C air temperature, while moderate wind kept logistics within control. In such environments, even small details become critical. The distance between the warming tent and the dive site, for example, can significantly affect thermal regulation and readiness.

Molchanov minimized exposure by carefully timing his transition from warmth to water, entering the lake fully prepared to execute the dive efficiently.

Below the surface, the environment shifts into silence and cold. Water temperatures hover near freezing, dropping slightly with depth, while physiological responses become more difficult to manage.

“It’s really hard to equalize in cold water. The lips and muscles don’t work the same way, and it’s harder to create pressure.”

To counter this, Molchanov refined his setup, using a nose clip and half mask to reduce air use for mask equalization, a small but significant adjustment in such demanding conditions.

Alexey Molchanov submerged at the ice entry point, confronting near-freezing water and the stark, confined conditions of under-ice freediving. © @nepokolebim

Effort Beyond the Number

Although the official depth reached was 91 meters, the effort required for an under-ice dive extends far beyond the number itself.

The combined effects of cold, restricted movement, and environmental stress significantly increase the physical and mental load compared to warm water dives.

In relative terms, Molchanov describes the dive as comparable to a much deeper effort.

Despite this, the execution remained controlled and efficient, a reflection of both his preparation and experience.

Alexey Molchanov with the safety team, volunteers, and organizers whose collective effort made the world record dive possible. © @evsychev

A Collective Achievement

Dives in such extreme conditions are never individual efforts. Safety divers, volunteers, and organizers work for hours in near-freezing water to prepare the site, manage safety protocols, and support the athlete.

Their role is critical, not only in execution but in enabling the possibility of the attempt itself.

Molchanov acknowledged the team behind the record, emphasizing the level of commitment required to operate in such an environment.

Walking between the tent and dive site, Alexey Molchanov carries his monofin as he prepares to push the limits of under-ice freediving.  © @nepokolebim

Continuing to Push the Limits

This dive marks Alexey Molchanov’s 42nd world record and his fourth under-ice depth record, further extending the boundaries of what is possible in freediving.

At Lake Baikal, beneath a solid sheet of ice, in near-freezing water, with only one way in and out, the achievement represents more than depth. It reflects a combination of precision, adaptability, and control in one of the most demanding environments. Congratulations Alexey!

Learn directly from the 42x World Champion through his Foundational Breathwork course, or continue your progression with the Monofin Fundamentals training program. New to freediving? Start from home with the Beginner Online Freediving Course.