Israel Gil

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Israel grew up immersed in water sports, starting as a swimmer at a very young age. Always connected to the ocean, his passion deepened when, at age 12, his stepfather Carlos Coste became the first man to dive beyond 100 meters in freediving. That moment left a lasting impression and pushed him to excel as both a surfer and water polo athlete.

By 19, Israel discovered a strong desire to combine his love for water with visual storytelling. He began creating extreme sports videos while also diving into the world of freediving. Not long after, he earned second place in a national dynamic/static competition.

At 20, he moved to the Netherlands to study Media and Entertainment Management, which fueled his passion for cameras and storytelling. After earning his degree at 24, he returned to freediving and joined Deepsea Freediving School in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. There, he helped grow the brand by teaching courses, assisting in AIDA and PADI certifications, and producing compelling underwater visuals. At the same time, he worked on freelance film projects in the Netherlands, pursuing his goal of becoming a Director of Photography.

By age 27, Israel led the full media coverage of the 2017 Bonaire Deepsea Challenge while also competing. With consistent performances across all disciplines, he placed first in the male category, setting the stage for a promising career in both freediving and underwater cinematography.

Today, Israel produces high-end video content and commercials for water sports brands, travel agencies, and hotels. He also works as a freelance fashion photographer, blending creativity with a deep love for the sea.