Into the Blue in Tenerife: Freediving as a Path to Ocean Connection
- Mehran Azali
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
Imagine slipping beneath the surface, pausing for a moment, and surrendering to silence. Freediving or breath-hold diving is more than a sport — it is a way to relate to the sea with minimal equipment, maximum respect and in the most natural way.
In a world crowded with engines, gadgets, and constant movement, freediving invites us to slow down, to tune into our own bodies and minds and thereby rediscover what it is to be human in the ocean.
Why Freediving? The fascinating world of our Breath
Freediving offers something that very few other aquatic activities can deliver:
Intimacy with the underwater world. Without the noise and bulk of scuba gear, you glide very gently through blue water, closer to fish, coral, and the subtle currents.
Mind–body exploration. Holding your breath is as much a mental practice as a physical one. You learn relaxation, presence, focusing on sensations, and transcending discomfort boundaries.
Sustainability and simplicity. Freediving uses only your body. It’s beautifully aligned with Breathingwater’s philosophy: less is more.
Physical and physiological growth. With training you can improve lung function, carbon dioxide tolerance, equalization skills, and deepen your relationship to your own body.
In other words, freediving is an invitation to explore not just the deeper sea, but also to plunge deeper into your own mental state and consciousness.
A Short History & Cultural Roots
While freediving as a sport is relatively modern, its origins reach far back:
In Mediterranean cultures, sponge divers and shellfish gatherers used breath hold diving centuries ago.
In Japan, Ama diver culture still continues, where women free dive for seaweed, shellfish, and pearls, often without modern gear.
Ethnographic studies of the Bajau people (a maritime nomadic culture in Southeast Asia) even suggest physiological adaptations to extended breath hold diving.
In modern times, freediving evolved into both recreational practice and a competitive sport, with organizations like AIDA and CMAS standardizing disciplines (static apnea, constant weight, dynamic, free immersion, etc.).
This dual legacy — practical, cultural, spiritual — is part of freediving’s deep appeal.
What It Feels Like: The Experience of Descent
Here is a what happens during a dive:
Surface preparation. You breathe mindfully: gentle diaphragmatic breathing. You feel calm, at peace and focus on the moment only.
Entry. You duck-dive, swim down and streamline underwater, equalizing early when feeling the ambient pressure starting to slowly press on your ears.
Descent. The heart rate slows. You become quieter, more introspective. The blue deepens and shapes blur. You glide, using minimal effort, conserving oxygen.
Bottom moment. You reach your target depth. In that moment of stillness, weightlessness, time seems to stretch — senses sharpen, inner calm surfaces.
Return. Swim back against the negative buoyancy and feel how every meter gets easier until you start floating up without effort. You breathe again, feel lungs re-expand, integrate the dive’s impressions.
Many freedivers speak of a “flow state” in which mind and body synchronize. Others talk of euphoria, clarity, a return to a kind of primordial awareness.
Safety, Ethics & Respect
Because freediving engages with your personal limits and in an environment that's not naturally ours, safety is an absolute priority. Here are key principles:
Never dive alone. Always have a trained buddy and safety protocol.
Know and respect your limits. Pushing too far too fast leads to blackout risk, barotrauma, or worse.
Progress gradually. Build technique, equalization, breath control step by step.
Respect the marine environment. Do no harm to reef, corals, or marine life. Don't touch any marine life.
Mind your health. Proper physical condition, medical screening, and rest matter.
For any doubts don't hesitate asking breathingwater for further tips for safe freediving practices.
How to Begin Freediving — a Starter’s Path
Here is a suggested roadmap for someone inspired to try freediving:
Intro / Discovery Session. If you are not sure if freediving is the right thing for you, book a half day introduction experience called (usually called Try Freediving). You will learn basic theoretical principles as well as practical skills before doing a first open water session to a shallow depth. A great way to get a real idea of what freediving is and feels like! For more information click here.
Courses & Certification. Enroll in a standard course such as PADI Freediver or AIDA Freediver to get structured training, theory, rescue training, and progression. (Breathingwater offers different levels of PADI Freediving education – use the contact form in the footer requesting further information or read more about the different courses here). Also you can go visit PADI's website directly.
Foundational Skills. Practice static apnea (holding breath on surface), dynamic apnea in a pool, equalization drills, relaxation.
Open Water Practice. Gradually descend along a line, increase comfort, master buoyancy and safety protocols.
Personal Growth & Exploration. Let your dives evolve naturally, explore underwater landscapes, meditative practice, breathwork cross-training etc.
If you are looking for a very personalized way of learning how to freedive, enjoy the groups at breathingwater with maximum 2 students at courses.
Freediving Around Tenerife & Why Your Next Dive Could Be Here
Tenerife’s volcanic coastline, underwater caves, reefs, and clear Atlantic waters offer a beautiful natural playground for freedivers. The climate couldn't be better with year-round sunshine and spring-like weather. Alcalá in the south west is great to escape crowds, dive in relatively pristine zones, and here you even have the chance to combine your freediving with snorkeling and kayak days — a holistic ocean experience.
Freediving as a Philosophy: Breath, Depth, Respect
More than technique or depth, freediving points toward a subtle philosophy:
Slow, deliberate presence. Freediving encourages slowing down, aligning breath, sensation, and attention.
Humility toward nature. You are not conquering the sea — you are entering into a relationship with it.
Lessable equipment. Freediving reminds us: sometimes less gear, less complexity, allows deeper connection.
Inner dimension. Freediving is an inward journey, not just downward motion.
Invitation
If you are curious to try freediving — or want to deepen your underwater practice — come join Mehran here in Tenerife. Book a freediving discovery session, explore how breath, body, and a deep connection to the ocean . Dive slowly, dive respectfully, dive deeper — and awaken new perspectives beneath the blue. Send me a message today and together we will create the perfect experience for you!
