Become the Water. The Essence of Freediving.

In my experience, there are three levels of freediving training.

Most divers spend their entire journey moving between the first two.

But the third level…

That’s where freediving becomes something else entirely.

Not just performance.
Not just numbers.
Not just ego.

Of course — numbers matter. Ego motivates us. Performance challenges us to grow as a freediver.

But what truly stays with us isn’t the number on the board.

It’s the lived experience.

And the depth of that experience?
That’s something we can choose.

Today, I’m speaking about the pool disciplines — especially No Fins — where everything is exposed. No equipment to hide behind. Just you, your body, and the water.

Level 1: Technique

This is where it begins.

Body position.
Buoyancy.
Arm stroke.
Kick timing.
Glide.
Turns.

We refine. We analyse. We adjust.

Technique is beautiful. It gives structure. It gives feedback. It gives measurable progress.

And in No Fins — every millimetre matters.

But technique alone won’t set you free.

Level 2: Breath Hold & Tables

This is where we train capacity.

CO₂ tolerance.
O₂ efficiency.
Mental discipline.

We learn to stay calm as the urge to breathe rises.
We strengthen the nervous system.
We build resilience.

But here lies a subtle trap.

If we stay too long in technique and tables, we can start believing progress only comes from doing more.

More metres.
More contractions.
More effort.

And that belief quietly creates tension and exhaustion.

This is where many divers feel stuck.

Level 3: Awareness

Very few talk about this stage.

It’s the moment you stop thinking about your stroke.
You stop analysing contractions.
You stop counting tiles.

You stop “doing" freediving.

Your movements soften.
Your mind widens.
The water no longer feels like something you move through.

You are the water.

There is no rush.
No resistance.
No battle to win.

Only presence.
Only acceptance.

And paradoxically — this is where performance flows most naturally.

Not because you pushed.
But because you surrendered.

When we filmed and narrated Become the Water, this is the space I was in.

Not chasing metres.
Not proving anything.

Just fully there.

My question to you: Have you ever touched that state underwater — even for a moment?

If you feel ready to explore this third level — whether you’re preparing for competition or simply want freediving to feel lighter, deeper, more meaningful — I’d love to guide you.

Book a free 30-minute discovery call with me

Let’s move beyond doing.
Let’s start feeling.
Let’s start.