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About Us

FII is the first and only recreational freediving education agency headquartered in the United States. It has an international reputation for upholding the highest safety standards in the industry.

FII’s goal has always been to improve the safety and education of freediving in order to foster its growth and popularity across the globe. Based on years of experience in freediving and an understanding of the latest scientific findings in the sport, FII has identified and standardized core competencies needed for effective, safe and enjoyable freediving.

FII instructors know what to teach, and how to teach it. We’ve created an education system that has set standards in the industry and ensures that students receive the safest training guaranteed.

FII instructors know what to teach, and how to teach it. We’ve created an education system that has set standards in the industry and ensures that students receive the safest training guaranteed.

diver teaches a beginner in the pool
two smiling divers over water
a team of novice divers in the pool
three smiling divers on the water
boat diver
diving team underwater
diving team at the bottom
diver keeps fins underwater
the diver is swimming

Our Founder

Martin Stepanek

Martin Stepanek in pool

Martin Stepanek is a 13-time World Record freediver and one of the top freedivers in the history of the sport, having gone to depths of over 400 feet on a single breath of air.

Martin is passionate about the physiology behind freediving, and has worked closely with top researchers from Harvard University and the Karolynska Institutet of Sweden to uncover some of the physiological mysteries behind this sport. His participation in this ongoing research has helped scientists better understand the impact that depth and pressure have on freedivers.

Martin Stepanek

Our Core Values

1

Quality Training and Safety

Freediving safety is always our top priority. Our instructors follow a strict Code of Ethics and Conduct, and always put the safety of our students and the ocean environment first.

2

Community and Team Learning

FII was built from a strong community of freedivers and spearfishers. We aim to foster the growth of this community by creating support networks for students, such as buddy teams and local diving groups.

3

Conservation and Sustainability

We have a special responsibility to safeguard our oceans. We provide essential feedback to conservation groups and fisheries offices worldwide, promote sustainable fishing practices as part of our spearfishing training.