Q. What is your background and how did you get into freediving?
a. I’m an island girl, I was born in Azores, Portugal, and grew up immersed in the ocean and water sports. I started as a competitive swimmer and later became a professional diver. Discovering freediving in Mexico felt like a natural fit for me. It’s not just a sport; it’s a unique way of connecting with your breath, your body and with nature. As a visual artist, this world has also opened up new shapes for creativity. The movement, colors, and light underwater, inspire me everyday.
Q. What does a typical freediving session look like for you?
a. I train in the Mexican cenotes, which are incredible natural places - sinkholes created where a cave ceiling collapsed.
A freediving session usually lasts about 2 hours and begins with stretching and warming up on land before entering the water. Once in the water, I do a few warm-up dives to 10 meters to help my body acclimate to the environment. The rest of the session depends on the day's training focus, which may include technical dives or deeper dives. It typically ends with a "thank you" dive, where everyone involved descends together and frees their minds as a way of showing gratitude to the cenote for welcoming us.
Q. Can you share one of your most memorable freediving experiences?
a. Last May I set up a new Portuguese National Record for Freediving without fins. There are so many memorable experiences but this one stands out as truly special. It’s amoment I’ll cherish forever!
Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in starting freediving?
a. Be gentle with yourself and enjoy the journey.
Q. What are some of the biggest challenges you face while freediving?
a. The biggest challenges are typically managing your breath hold and dealing with the darkness at depth. I’d say that mastering your mind is the real challenge.
