About

Freediving is my passion... Is it yours?

My name is Cliff Etzel.  I'm an underwater photographer, visual storyteller, PFI Certified Intermediate Freediver and certified DAN Dive Emergency Management Provider (DEMP).

My history and experience in freediving:

I created and published the first online specific informational website called Freediving-mag.com which was the first freediving specific website of its kind back in December of 1998.  After publishing it for over a year by myself, I was approached by publisher Stephan Whelan of Deeperblue.com to integrate my writings and became the founding Freediving editor for the website. I initially received my freediving education from what resources were available at the time off the internet and eventually trained with Kirk Krack, the founder of Performance Freediving International where I earned my Intermediate Freediver certification. I continued to expand my knowledge and training with world renowned freediving trainer Aharon Solomons and former freediving world champion Francisco "Pipin" Ferreras where I received my first freedive instructor certification with the now defunct IAFD.

I live and train in the Pacific Northwest.