I’ve always wanted to study abroad, and I finally got the opportunity when I left for France as a Spanish teaching assistant. I spent 15 years living by the Mediterranean Sea in Nice, in the South of France. While Nice is beautiful, it didn’t have the waves I grew up with in El Salvador, and I missed surfing deeply. So, I searched for a new water sport and found freediving, also known as apnea.

I became a member of the CIPA club at the University of Nice (https://www.cipapnea.fr/) and balanced my law studies with the practice of apnea while working in tourism. Before France, I had been surfing since I was a kid in Conchalío and later in El Zonte. Without realizing it, I was already practicing apnea, enjoying the silence underwater and spending countless hours playing in the ocean and pools.

Becoming a freediving instructor for both adults and kids was a thrilling adventure. I often miss going out on the boat to practice deep diving in the Bay of Villefranche with my colleagues. I had the privilege of learning apnea with an incredible group of people, many of whom have since become athletes and champions in the sport—or simply individuals who find joy and connection in the water.

Apnea teaches you how to breathe, how to prepare yourself for a journey of silence, and how to adapt to a different element. Understanding and training your breathing system can help you recover more effectively after a wipeout. Apnea opens the door to confidence and comfort in the water, allowing you to focus on your surfing technique and goals. You don’t have to become a freediver, but basic and advanced techniques can be incredibly useful in extreme situations.

My basic apnea course is rooted in my experience as both a freediver and a freesurfer. It’s designed for anyone who wants to enjoy surfing in any condition or simply learn to meditate through breathwork. Breathing is often the only thing we can control, helping us stay present and leave our ego behind. Fear often hides behind trauma or bad experiences, but with knowledge, understanding, and acceptance, we can face what once seemed uncontrollable.

You can learn more about my freediving journey on the AIDA website: Walter's Profile on AIDA.