I wanted to share this yesterday, but did not get around to doing it. This was what I was up to over the weekend; volunteering as a Safety Diver in a mock freediving competition organized by my freediving school, Freediving Adventure Malaysia.

This is my third time volunteering in a freediving competition since I started freediving. My first and second was back in Nov 2023 as an emcee and Dec 2023 as a Safety Diver.

Some of my buddies asked me; why do I still want to volunteer as a crew or a Safety Diver when I can participate in the competition as an athlete instead? Enough is enough. I’ve done this twice. Why should I do this for the third time?

Well, each and every one of these competitions offers me a great learning experience beyond what a classroom could ever offer me. Just because I chose not to walk the athlete path does not mean I don’t get to grow as a freediver. There are many aspects of freediving that you can participate in and competing is not the only way to grow.

In all honesty, I’ve learned to handle real life scenarios in real setting and not just a make-believe one. Besides, if everyone wants to be an athlete and shine, who’s going to take up the role as safety?

While being a Safety Diver is not always appreciated and is always under people’s scrutinization, it still gives me the sense of fulfillment that I am able to give back to the community. Knowing that I have done the best I can to serve when others only knows how to talk is really satisfying.

For those who would like to give back to the community, regardless of what community it is, just remember this, there will always be Negative Nancy and Downer Dan around who would always find faults in you when we are involved in volunteer works, there will always be people who will discourage you. People aren’t always thankful either and it’s a really difficult path to walk on, but don’t let that stop you from being the passionate and good person you are. Whatever they say is a projection of their own lack of empathy and competency.

That said, I’d like to thank Freediving Adventure Malaysia for the opportunity to grow as a freediver in a unique way. And to all the athletes, it doesn’t matter if you received a white card , yellow card or even a red card. You are already a winner in your own rights. Thank you for the great display of sportsmanship 😉

How to choose a freediving instructor? Easy. Just choose a cute one and you’re good to go. Really? Just pick a cute one? Yes, yes. Just pick a cute one. I did that and I think I did pretty well.

Okay, that’s a joke, guys. Don’t do that. Don’t. Just don’t. Instead, try to get to know your future instructor well before you sign up for your freediving course, or any diving related courses for that matter. What makes a difference in your learning curve is not the certifying agency or the cheapest freediving package around, but the instructor.

Freediving is a sport that requires alot of training and guidance. You’ll be doing a lot of scary skills for the first time. You would want someone you can trust your life with to be with you during your course.You’ll need someone who can not only be your teacher, but also a buddy who can assure you and guide you well.

If you’re serious about learning to freedive, then you will need someone patient, and someone who can also be a lifelong friend and a mentor instead of someone who will ditch you the moment you’ve completed your course. If you’re anything like me and ended up with a money-making ‘touch&go’  instructors like that, you’ll find it extremely frustrating because you’re stuck there instead of continuing your education and improving your skills.

I have friends who are interested in freediving and they’re always asking me for recommendations for an instructor that offers cheap fees and stuff. They’re always asking me, which agency would be better, AIDA, Molchanovs, PADI, SSI etc.

And I always say the same thing. Don’t look at the fees. Don’t look at the agency. Look at the instructor. Pick an instructor that can be your buddy and your lifelong mentor and someone you’re comfortable with.

An instructor who is right for me doesn’t mean will be right for you. So, do abit of homework first before you commit yourselves to the course. Go with someone who can match your energy.

Say hi to Swen . He’s my freediving instructor whom I also see as a mentor. I kinda struck a lottery with this one. He’s a gem. I go from not really into freediving to loving it to bits.

Dear readers, it’s been awhile since I’ve last shared things with you, isn’t it? Well, things have been really busy on my side, but today I’m excited to share my enthralling journey as a Safety Diver with you.

If you have been following my social media; say…my Facebook, you would notice that I’ve recently volunteered in Onshore Pool Freediving Competition as a Safety Diver and I’ve shared tiny tidbits of my journey there, but here’s a lengthier version of it, so come and join me as share with you the empowering nature of this event that brings together freedivers from all walks of life, while ensuring their safety throughout the captivating competition.

One day before the competition; briefing, safety team’s scenario training and judges training. The training was to ensure we are well prepared for all possible scenarios and to prevent any preventable mishaps throughout the competition day.

As I arrived at the Arena Sukan indoor pool in the morning during the competition day, a wave of anticipation washed over me. Surrounded by a hubbub of energetic athletes, I couldn’t wait to begin my role as a Safety Diver. The atmosphere was electric, with each breath seemingly charged with excitement, fueling the participants’ determination to showcase their prowess.

Here’s Team FAM in action; the Safety Divers and the athletes. Yup. Freediving Adventure Malaysia sent representatives in the form of athletes and safety divers too this round.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Safety Diver is knowing that my teammates and I played a crucial role in the competition’s success.

We underwent extensive training, equipping us with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the athletes’ well-being, both physically and mentally.

As athletes prepared to perform, my heart raced in sync with theirs. Meticulously positioned at strategic points within the pool, my fellow Safety Divers and I remained vigilant, ready to assist in any situation. Our presence acted as a reassuring lifeline, instilling a sense of confidence and encouraging the competitors to push their boundaries.

The sheer diversity of freedivers participating instantly captivated me. From seasoned veterans to those dipping their toes into this captivating sport for the first time, every individual exuded incredible courage and resilience. Witnessing these incredible humans, empowered by their unwavering determination, was awe-inspiring.

With one of the freediving athletes that I was assigned to do safety for today; Azua Shafii , during STA discipline.

Adam Lau on the other hand, was assigned to take care of her during her DYN performance. She’s very well known in the FD community as a very prolific athlete in Malaysia. Her achievements are really inspiring, and I look forward to seeing her perform in competition again. I’m not sure what the future will bring , but maybe we will cross paths again some day, since I’ve decided that I’ll still volunteer as a safety diver in freediving competitions in the future.

As a Safety Diver, I had the privilege of giving moral support to competitors prior to their session, offering words of encouragement as they showcased their breath-holding prowess. Here’s a picture of yours truly with Team FAM’s athlete, Mabel Lee.

Mable Lee is the most positive, easygoing and the most cheerful athlete ever. Super friendly and the best to cuddle with. I was assigned to be her safety diver during the STA discipline session at the Onshore Pool Freediving Competition. She did really well for this discipline and I am super happy and proud of her.

Not only she did well in STA discipline, but she managed to break her personal best record as well for the DYN discipline as well. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing her in more competitions in the near future.

The enthusiasm was contagious, uniting us all in a shared celebration of personal growth and achievement. Here’s yours truly with her freediving schoolmates, Team FAM at Onshore Pool Freediving Competition; the athletes, the safety team and our emotional support buddies.

There was no greater joy than witnessing the adrenaline-fueled smiles on their faces, knowing we played a part in their triumphant experience.

The Onshore Pool Freediving Competition not only serves as a platform for participants to challenge themselves physically but also offers valuable opportunities to connect with like-minded adventurers. The camaraderie that bloomed between athletes, Safety Divers, and the audience was truly heartwarming.

Whether mingling by the poolside or swapping tales of underwater conquests, the shared passion for freediving united us all. Countless friendships were forged, forming an invaluable support network that will undoubtedly continue to empower each individual in their future freediving endeavors.

As the competition drew to a close, my heart swelled with pride and happiness. Here’s Ms.Amy Cheng from Onshore Mermaid presenting me a certificate of participation as a token of appreciation for volunteering. A moment that truly warms my heart. Again, I never expected anything in return for volunteering, not even acknowledgments. All I wanted was just to give back to the freediving community while gaining precious experiences along the way. But it is certainly nice to be appreciated this way. The freediving community is definitely on another level.

The memories created, the bonds formed, and the unwavering spirit of those who took part left an indelible mark on my soul. Being a part of this exhilarating event has not only empowered the freedivers, but it has also empowered me to embrace my own personal obstacles, fostering a newfound belief in my abilities.

The Onshore Pool Freediving Competition held at Kuala Lumpur’s Arena Sukan pool is a celebration of empowerment, bringing together individuals from all walks of life and unleashing their true potential. As a Safety Diver, I couldn’t be prouder to have played a role in this empowering journey.

One for the album. As we continue to dive headfirst into life’s challenges, let us always remember the empowering spirit that comes with pushing our boundaries and supporting one another along the way. Let us be inspired by the remarkable triumphs witnessed amidst the thrilling competition.

For those who are interested in the competition’s official result may have a look HERE

I know that choosing the right gear is essential to achieving my best performance in the water. That’s why I’ve been thrilled with my recent purchase: the Cetma Composites Dynamitech fins. These fins have been a game changer, providing me with top-notch performance and reliability.

First and foremost, the Cetma Composites Dynamitech fins have an outstanding level of power and propulsion. The  blade design allows for incredible thrust in the water, making it easy for me to glide through the depths with minimal effort. This increased power also translates to greater distance, which is essential for personal best attempts; both dynamic and depth.

Another fantastic feature of the Cetma Composites Dynamitech fins is their amazing responsiveness. These fins are incredibly agile, allowing me to make quick movements in the water.  

Another significant selling point for the Cetma Composites Dynamitech fins is their durability and reliability. Made from high-quality carbon fibre materials, these fins are exceptionally strong and designed to last for years. 

Overall, I am thrilled with my decision to invest in the Cetma Composites Dynamitech long fins. These fins have completely transformed my experience as a freediver, offering me unparalleled performance, responsiveness, and durability. The only downside that I can think of is that the fin’s footpocket is on the hard side, instead of the soft comfy rubber that I’m used to. Any Cetma Composites Dynamitech’s S Wing Footpocket would definitely need some breaking in, as in, a real breaking in, and those who bruised easily and have low tolerance towards stiff material against the feet would want to wear thick socks with these fins to avoid rubbings and blisters, but other than that, I have no complaints. I would also advise you to try it on first before buying, as the footpocket can be quite a tight fit and terribly squeezy, and some of you would want to purchase it in a size bigger, especially if you prefer to wear socks with your fins so that the footpocket won’t compress your feet too much.

If you’re looking for a high-quality set of long fins, I can’t recommend the Cetma Composites Dynamitech enough. It’s no wonder they’re one of the most popular fins among experienced freedivers worldwide.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. The honest review is all of my own opinions.

Why do I always make a point to celebrate small successes or little achievements? Some may see such things as not important but I think it is. Celebrating little achievements helps us track our progress. By acknowledging these smaller milestones, we get a clearer perspective on how far we have come in our journey. It allows us to evaluate our strategies and make necessary adjustments to achieve our larger goals and helps cultivate a positive mindset. Personally speaking, celebrating small achievements helps me focus on the positive aspects of my efforts and fosters a sense of gratitude and contentment.

Here’s celebrating mine and my instructor’s achievements and milestone in freediving. PB for me and AIDA Competition Judge for him. I just broke my PB last weekend while Swen has just passed his AIDA Judge’s course. A small milestone for me while a big one for him.

Congratulations, Swen Becht for being an AIDA Judge. I’m so proud and happy for you. I can now let my imaginations run wild all the way to Panglao or Vertical Blue and feel like a real athlete when I train with you. 😂😂😂

My current PB
FIM- 23.2m
CWTB- 20.3m
DYN- 30m
STA- 2 mins 6 sec

Let’s not talk about my pool skill. My DYN and STA are sorely stagnant. I haven’t been doing anything about that so it still sucks big time. But I did move up a little bit for FIM on my school’s leaderboard, so yay to that! 😂😂😂😂

Although there’s still much to improve but I’m pretty happy with my depth attempts progress. I’m still doing the 1m at a time thingie, so it will take a very long time if I were to attempt deeper depth…say…25m below. I hope I can hit 20m below consistently through both FIM and CWTB one fine day. That’s my goal for now.

There’s so much to improve, and I noticed that I need some skills upgrade when it comes to relaxation. My focus tends to break when my body feels the changes in temperature and when my awareness of surroundings becomes really hyper and really intensified.

I think it’s time for me to go back to my Saturday’s meditation session with my Reiki Grandmaster and focus on all the inner energy works so that I can go on a somewhat meditative state while freediving. The reason why I kinda stop meditating so much these days is because I tend to go into astral travel mode and I’m not grounded and need to be called back. 🤧🤧🤧