What if diving were, above all, a journey of self-discovery? Welcome to Beneath The Waves.
This partnership stems from a shared commitment to promoting a challenging, social and safe approach to freediving. It reflects our shared values: quality, transmitting on knowledge and respect for every participant. Together, we aim to offer an ever more enriching and authentic experience.
A life-changing experience gave rise to a deep passion: discover the inspiring story behind Beneath the Waves Freediving Lanzarote.
Beneath the Waves Freediving Lanzarote:
a passion born of adversity, dedicated to excellence
Beneath the Waves Freediving Lanzarote was founded, above all, a human story, one of resilience, passion and passing on knowledge.
Nico originally worked as a scuba diving instructor. Following a decompression accident, he was forced to give up this activity. He then returned to the food service, but the onset of COVID and the lockdowns quickly put his financial situation under strain.
Faced with these difficult times, he turned to the sea in a different way: spearfishing became a means of supporting himself. Equipped with his diving gear and a speargun he’d kept from his days as an instructor, he practised daily. But he soon realised the limitations and risks of a solitary and largely self-taught pursuit.
At this moment he met Franck Daoubens and Christian Vogler, two instructors based on the island.
This encounter marked a turning point. Working alongside them, he learnt, made progress and, above all, discovered a new, safer and more structured approach to freediving. Over time, a relationship built on trust and friendship developed.
Enthusiast about deep freediving, Nico fully involved to the sport and even began helping to lead groups. Encouraged by his mentors, he undertook further training up to FFESSM IE2 level, receiving exceptional support based on trust and the sharing of knowledge. A few months later, a new opportunity emerged: an AIDA4 course and AIDA instructor training. Despite limited financial resources, his instructors generously enabled him to take part. Nico then became an AIDA instructor.
In the meantime, a medical operation confirmed the probable cause of his decompression accident: a PFO (patent foramen ovale). Once treated and recovered, a new chapter could begin.
With the support of Moya, her companion, he founded Beneath the Waves Freediving Lanzarote.
Together, they made a strong choice: to devote themselves exclusively to freediving and to give up scuba diving for good.
Moya, originally from Ireland and now based in Lanzarote, discovered freediving thanks to Nico. What began as a simple shared experience quickly became a true calling. Three and a half years ago, they decided together to leave everything behind to set up Beneath the Waves Freediving Lanzarote. Since then, she has obtained her AIDA 4 certification as well as becoming an AIDA judge. Both are also proud to be the first suppliers of Air Fins in Lanzarote, enabling the most experienced students to benefit from high-range equipment throughout their stay. At Beneath the Waves, her commitment is clear: to place comfort, safety and the joy of learning at the heart of every experience, while always having a positive influence on the participants.
A people-centred philosophy
Beneath the Waves is based on a simple belief: every student is unique.
Too often, beginners receive inadequate support, are not listened to properly or are subjected to standardised and sometimes patronising teaching. Here, it’s the opposite: the approach is entirely personalised. The team adapts to each student, taking into account their level, needs and concerns. The aim is to create a reassuring, progressive and motivating environment. This commitment is also reflected in the equipment: high-range equipment, replaced two or three times a year, ensures optimal conditions from the very first dives, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver.
Lanzarote,
the perfect playground
Thanks to its stable and pleasant climate all year round, Lanzarote offers perfect conditions for freediving. Whether you’re looking to discover the sport or hone your skills, the island provides the ideal setting to train and make steady progress.
Beneath The Waves therefore offers courses tailored to all levels, from beginners to experienced freedivers. The school also has advanced expertise, particularly in the roles of equalisation instructor and competition safety diver, enabling it to support divers throughout their development.
Controlled growth, with a focus on quality
Three years after it was founded, the school continues to grow, just like its founders and their skills.
Collaborations are gradually developing, particularly with partners such as AIR-FINS. However, this growth remains deliberately measured. The aim is clear: never compromise on the quality of teaching, the time devoted to each student, or the high standards of safety.
Beneath the Waves Freediving Lanzarote is not just a freediving school. It is a place for learning, sharing and pushing one’s limits, where every dive becomes a unique experience.
Want to find out more?
Listen to Nico’s story on Audrey’s podcast “La Tête en Mer”, where he talks about his journey, the challenges he has faced and his passion.
