Meet the Camotes Freediving Team: The People Behind Your Experience
When people book a freediving course, they often spend a lot of time looking at the facilities. The pool. The dive platforms. The equipment. The accommodation. All of those things matter. But after teaching thousands of students over the years, I’ve realised something. The thing people remember most isn’t the building. It’s the people. The instructor who helped them overcome their fear. The buddy who celebrated their first 20-metre dive. The conversations over lunch. The laughs on the boat. The friends they made from the other side of the world. At Camotes Freediving, we don’t just want you to leave with a certification. We want you to leave feeling like you’ve been part of something.
An International Team
One of the things I enjoy most about our school is how international it has become. On any given week, you might find instructors from Europe, Asia or North America working together. Students from ten different countries may be sharing the same boat. Different languages. Different cultures. One shared passion. Freediving has an incredible way of bringing people together.
More Than Instructors
Our instructors are, of course, there to teach. But their role goes far beyond explaining technique. They become coaches. Safety divers. Problem solvers. Encouragers. Sometimes psychologists. Sometimes photographers. Sometimes simply someone to share a coffee with after training. The best instructors don’t just teach freediving. They help people believe in themselves.
From My Experience: Skills matter, but kindness, patience and enthusiasm are what students remember years later.
Coaching, Not Just Teaching
Every instructor has their own personality. Some explain things with incredible technical precision. Others rely on demonstrations. Some use humour. Others ask questions that help students discover the answer themselves. There isn’t one perfect teaching style. That’s why having a diverse team is such a strength. It allows every student to connect with someone in their own way.
A Culture of Continuous Learning
One thing I’m particularly proud of is that our instructors continue learning themselves. Even experienced professionals regularly train together. Discuss coaching techniques. Exchange ideas. Review videos. Ask each other questions. The moment we believe we’ve stopped learning… We’ve probably stopped becoming better instructors.
Safety Is a Team Effort
When people think about safety, they often imagine a single safety diver. The reality is very different. Good safety is built by an entire team. From preparing equipment before the session… To checking conditions… To communication on the platform… To rescue practice… Everyone plays a role. It’s something we work on continuously. Because safety isn’t one person’s responsibility. It’s part of our culture.
Is Freediving Dangerous? Myths and Reality
Everyone Was Once a Beginner
One thing I remind our instructors regularly is this: Never forget your first course. Never forget what it felt like to equalize for the first time. Or to feel nervous before your first open-water dive. Empathy makes better instructors. Because when we remember where we started… We become better at helping others begin their own journey.
Lunch Is Part of the Experience
One of my favourite moments each day isn’t actually underwater. It’s lunchtime. After the morning session, people naturally gather around the table. Students. Instructors. Sometimes competitive athletes. Sometimes complete beginners. Everyone eats together. Stories are shared. Questions continue Friendships begin. Those lunches were never part of the business plan. They simply became part of who we are.
Learning Continues After the Dive
The best conversations often happen after everyone has taken off their wetsuits. Someone asks about equalization. Another wants advice on buying fins. Someone else is curious about competitions. Those informal discussions often become some of the most valuable learning moments of the week. That’s one of the advantages of spending time in a dedicated freediving centre rather than simply attending a course and leaving immediately afterwards.
Meet Some of the Team
Every instructor brings something unique.
Thibault
Founder of Camotes Freediving, former Head of Education at Molchanovs, Board of Education member, Instructor Trainer Developer and one of the deepest Free Immersion athletes in the world. What I enjoy most isn’t helping someone dive deeper. It’s watching them discover they’re capable of far more than they believed.
Chris
Chris has a calm and reassuring coaching style that immediately puts students at ease. His patience, attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm for teaching make him particularly appreciated by both beginners and advanced students. He has a remarkable ability to explain complex concepts in a simple, practical way.
David
David combines technical precision with an easy-going personality. Students often appreciate his clear demonstrations, practical coaching and ability to create a relaxed atmosphere where learning feels enjoyable rather than stressful. Whether you’re refining your technique or taking your first course, David is always happy to help.
One Team, Many Different Goals
During the same week we might coach: Someone completing their first Wave 1 course. Someone preparing for Wave 3. An instructor candidate. A competitive athlete. A recreational diver who simply wants to feel more relaxed underwater. Different goals. Same level of attention. Same enthusiasm. Same respect.
Coach’s Tip: The people you train with often become one of the most valuable parts of your freediving journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I always have the same instructor?
For most courses, yes. Depending on scheduling, you may also have the opportunity to learn from different instructors during workshops or coaching sessions, giving you the benefit of multiple perspectives.
Are all instructors certified?
Absolutely. Every instructor teaching at Camotes Freediving holds internationally recognised certifications appropriate to the courses they teach.
Can beginners learn from elite athletes?
Of course. In fact, one of the most rewarding parts of our school is that beginners and experienced divers often share the same environment, learning from each other while progressing at their own pace.
Is the atmosphere intimidating?
Not at all. Although we coach athletes preparing for competitions, most of our students are recreational freedivers. The atmosphere is welcoming, supportive and relaxed.
Can I ask instructors questions outside the course?
Absolutely. Some of the best conversations happen over lunch, after training or while watching the sunset. We enjoy sharing our passion for freediving well beyond the formal lessons.
Final Thoughts
Buildings can be beautiful. Equipment can be impressive. Platforms can be perfectly designed. But none of those things create unforgettable experiences on their own. People do. That’s why, when you join us in Camotes, you’re not just choosing a freediving course. You’re choosing to spend several days surrounded by people who genuinely love what they do. People who care about your progress. Who celebrate your achievements. Who answer your questions. Who make you laugh. Who help you become a better freediver. And hopefully… People you’ll be happy to dive with again somewhere else in the world.
Further Reading:
How to Choose the Best Freediving School in the Philippines
What Happens During Your First Freediving Course
Everything You Need to Know Before Taking Your First Freediving Course
