Olivia Møller
Freediver - Activist - Explorer
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Olivia Møller
Freediver - Activist - Explorer
For those of us who travel abroad to practice and train, it’s important to remember that freediving isn't just about understanding the ocean; it’s also about understanding the cultures and environments we immerse ourselves in above the water. As freedivers, we might focus heavily on breathwork, equalization, and perfecting our finning techniques, but when traveling to a new country, it is equally essential to prepare by researching and respecting the local culture. In doing so, we not only enrich our overall experience but also build stronger connections with the people and the environment of the place we’re visiting.
Freediving is inherently tied to nature, but nature is often part of a broader cultural ecosystem. Every country, region, or island has its own way of interacting with the ocean, and freediving isn’t always viewed in the same light everywhere. For example, in some coastal communities, the sea is revered as a source of life and sustenance, while in others, it may hold more spiritual or mythical significance.
Imagine heading to Southeast Asia or the Pacific Islands to train, where the ocean has been a provider for generations of fishermen. In these communities, people might view your diving not only as a sport but as a way to interact with their living heritage. By understanding and respecting this connection, you’ll find that locals are often more willing to share their wisdom, offer guidance on the best spots, and even help you navigate potential hazards in the water. When you approach the ocean the way they do, you’re more likely to earn their trust and respect.
Freedivers are often drawn to places where the underwater world is pristine and relatively untouched by the masses, which often means venturing to more remote areas. In these destinations, building a good relationship with locals can make or break your experience. In some countries, communities may be wary of foreigners coming in, especially if they’ve seen outsiders behave disrespectfully toward their land or customs.
In many parts of the world, such as Latin America or Africa, the concept of hospitality is deeply ingrained. For example, in places like Mexico or the Philippines, local communities might go out of their way to be helpful. But this is a two-way street. If you arrive with little awareness or respect for their traditions, you can easily come across as ignorant or arrogant, creating tension rather than camaraderie.
Understanding a region’s social norms, etiquette, and even a few basic phrases in the local language goes a long way. Small gestures like greeting someone in their native tongue or following their dining etiquette show that you respect their culture, which helps foster trust and friendship. And these relationships can be invaluable — from learning about secret dive spots to getting advice on the best local equipment shops, the locals often know more than any guidebook or website ever could.
Freediving, like any other extreme sport, carries its risks. But one aspect often overlooked by many divers is how cultural misunderstandings can affect your safety. Consider traveling to a place like Egypt, where freediving in the Red Sea is world-renowned. Here, you’ll find a culture that values honor, hospitality, and tradition, but also one where personal space, body language, and religious customs are very different from those in Western societies. Being unaware of these differences could lead to unnecessary friction with local operators, guides, or even other divers.
For example, in more conservative countries, it’s important to be mindful of dress codes, especially near the coastlines. Wearing inappropriate attire might offend the locals, potentially causing misunderstandings that can escalate into larger problems. Similarly, something as simple as how you greet a dive instructor or boat captain might be perceived differently depending on local customs. In some cultures, direct eye contact is a sign of respect; in others, it may come across as confrontational.
Traveling to train as a freediver offers an opportunity not only to enhance your skills but also to contribute to the local economy in meaningful ways. However, to do so responsibly requires understanding the local economic landscape and the impact your presence has on the community.
Many freediving destinations, like the Maldives, Fiji, or the Philippines, are heavily reliant on tourism. But tourism can be a double-edged sword. In some places, the rapid growth of dive tourism has led to environmental degradation, as well as the exploitation of local workers who are often paid poorly by international operators.
By researching the local culture and economy before you go, you can make informed decisions about where your money goes. Choosing to book your dives through local operators, stay in locally-owned accommodations, and dine at local restaurants helps ensure that your financial contribution stays within the community. Moreover, you’ll often find that local dive centers have a deeper commitment to preserving their marine environments because they rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods.
In some regions, certain operators might engage in harmful practices, like anchoring boats on coral reefs or overfishing the waters near popular dive spots. By supporting operators who prioritize sustainability and have a strong connection to their local culture, you help protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations of divers.
While freediving itself can be a deeply meditative and spiritual experience, it becomes even more profound when paired with cultural immersion. When you take the time to learn about the local way of life, your trip becomes more than just a freediving training mission — it becomes an exploration of a new world, both underwater and above it.
For example, traveling to Japan for freediving might offer an opportunity to learn about the centuries-old tradition of ama, the female divers who have been practicing breath-hold diving for over 2,000 years. By immersing yourself in this cultural heritage, you’re not just learning more about freediving as a skill but also deepening your connection to the broader history of the sport.
In Greece, freediving holds a special place in history, with stories of sponge divers and the legendary divers of Kalymnos. Understanding these historical ties adds a layer of meaning to your dives, transforming a simple training session into a journey through time.
Freediving is more than just a sport — it’s a way to connect with the ocean and the world around us. But that connection doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. As freedivers, we have the unique privilege of exploring not just the depths of the sea but also the rich and varied cultures that call these places home. By taking the time to research and understand the culture of the place you’re visiting, you create a more holistic and meaningful freediving experience. You’ll forge deeper relationships with the people you meet, ensure your safety by navigating cultural nuances, and support local economies and ecosystems in responsible ways. In the end, this cultural awareness not only makes you a better traveler but also a more thoughtful and respectful ambassador of freediving — one who understands that, no matter where you dive, the ocean is part of a larger world worth protecting and honoring.