Alexey Molchanov Sets New 127m Bifins World Record Using Fiberglass Fins

PRO Hyper Fiberglass Bifins takes Molchanovs CEO to a new world record at Deep Dominica.

By Deena Lynch

Alexey Molchanov ascends from 127m in Dominica, setting a new CWTB World Record with PRO Hyper Fiberglass Bifins © @alexeymolchanov.

Soufriere, Dominica — December 2, 2025

Molchanovs CEO and world-renowned freediving champion Alexey Molchanov has set his 42nd and a new 127m (416 ft) Constant Weight Bifins (CWTB) World Record at the Deep Dominica competition for both CMAS and AIDA. The dive not only advances the competitive landscape of the CWTB discipline in freediving but also highlights the evolution of technique, equipment innovation, and athlete consistency at the highest level.

A 20-Year Love Story With Fiberglass

From the beginning of his freediving journey, Alexey’s relationship with fiberglass has been both technical and deeply personal. “I have loved fiberglass since the very beginning of my freediving career.”

When he started in 2005, most of the fins available, especially monofins, were made from fiberglass, so he spent years learning and experimenting with the material which led to building his own models. “It’s incredibly reliable and durable, and with the right setup, fiberglass can be just as effective as carbon in performance,” he said.

While he had both the PRO Hyper Carbon Bifins and PRO Hyper Fiberglass Bifins available in Dominica, Alexey chose fiberglass for the new world record attempt simply because it aligned with his signature style of calm, measured, and energy-efficient. His dive was performed using the new Molchanovs PRO Hyper Fiberglass Bifins (soft) paired with the newly released 0.8mm Molchanovs PRO wetsuit.

Depth is never just about the diver. It’s the synergy of technique, body, and the fins that carry you there.

Technique First: The Key Adjustment

The record was not defined by material alone, but by a deliberate technical adjustment. For the AIDA World Championships in Limassol earlier this year, Alexey relied on medium-stiffness PRO Hyper Carbon Bifins for his 126m matched World Record dive with Arnauld Jerald. For this record, however, he adapted to a softer fiberglass setup.

“The biggest adjustment for this competition wasn’t the material, it was in stiffness,” he explained. “I switched to a softer blade… That meant a slightly higher kicking frequency and less effort per kick. It was simply adapting the technique to suit the equipment I chose to dive with. I like both fiberglass and carbon blades.”

This subtle adaptation, combined with decades of training and refinement in his technique, created the exact rhythm and energy profile he needed to break both the AIDA and CMAS CWTB World Record at Deep Dominica. 

Calm, composed, and closing the 2025 season with a new world benchmark.© @daanverhoevenfreediver.

From No Fins Fatigue to Bifins Strength

What makes this record even more compelling is that Alexey didn’t arrive at the Deep Dominica competition planning to target Constant Weight Bifins (CWTB). For weeks leading up to the event, he had been training intensely for Constant Weight No Fins (CNF), completing a clean 96m CNF white card dive, a discipline that demands a lot more from the nervous system and muscles.

After such a heavy training load, he realised his body needed a temporary shift away from CNF demands. So he pivoted to bifins, relying on his foundation of technique and year-round preparation in one of his specialty fin disciplines. The change, unexpectedly, set the stage for his world record.

Even more surprisingly, Alexey entered the competition after recovering from a bout of food poisoning in Egypt, which had affected his energy levels for several weeks. Though not a central factor, it underscores the resilience and adaptability behind his performance.

A Milestone Close to End the Season

This 42nd world record marks the third incremental rise in bifins depth for Alexey this year of 125m, 126m, and now 127m—a progression he describes as both meaningful and motivating. His friendly rivalry with fellow athlete Arnaud Jerald continues to push the discipline forward, meter by meter, season after season.

Far from a single moment, this record reflects a year of strategic decision-making, deep athletic maturity, and unwavering commitment to efficiency in the water. It closes the season on a strong note and reinforces the message Alexey consistently gives to the global Molchanovs community. “Progress comes from continuous training and being part of a community that encourages you. That’s what we’re building with the Molchanovs Movement platform, and I’d love to see more freedivers join in.”

Congratulations to Alexey on yet another extraordinary achievement to wrap up 2025.

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