Today is UAE National Day – a country that unexpectedly became part of my story 🇦🇪 When I first moved to Dubai in 2021, I didn’t really live in the city – I lived at Deep Dive Dubai. My entire life revolved around work, and I barely had time to notice anything else. Only now, in my fourth year here, I feel like I’m finally starting to live in Dubai. I’m finding my own rhythm, building friendships, and seeing the city beyond just “home and work.” I never planned to move to Dubai; it wasn’t even on my radar. But life has a way of surprising you. This city called me, and I answered. And while it hasn’t always been easy, I’m grateful for how my life has unfolded here. There were so many “first time” things: my first employment, first car, first ballroom classes and even competition, first time furnishing a home together with my husband, first EXPO I’ve ever visited, first karting race, and even my first Rolls-Royce driven (and last so far 😅). First students reaching 60 meters depth, first international true friendships, and so many more “firsts.” There’s a lot of criticism about the UAE, and I don’t ignore these issues, but I also think we need to step off our high horses for a moment and reflect. The UAE is celebrating just 53 years of independence. That’s a young age for any nation, and it’s worth reflecting on what other countries were like at a similar stage in their history. I believe in focusing on support, education, and positive change🙌 For me, Dubai is a place of growth – for itself and for those who live here. And you can watch me on this journey 😉

Throughout the years, l’ve often called freediving „yoga on steroids”. Why?🤔 Anyone who’s taken even a single yoga session knows that breathwork is integral, or at least the control and awareness of breath. While some practices emphasize physical postures, yoga inherently intertwines with a state of mind. At the end of each session lies the beloved Savasana, where you simply lay down and do nothing😴 In freediving, we begin with our version of Savasana, minimizing both physical and mental activity. The goal is to calm and slow our train of thoughts. With practice, we learn to halt this internal dialogue, a high-level skill influenced by our neurotype. When we enter the water, it triggers the mammalian dive response, a complex reflex that redistributes blood flow from our limbs towards our core. This response aids in transitioning us into a parasympathetic state, promoting relaxation. The mere touch of water redirects our blood flow, helping us shift from an active state to a restorative mode, similar to what happens during deep sleep or Savasana. Freediving combines the calming effects of breathwork with the restorative power of water. It’s not just about holding your breath; it’s about entering a profound state of relaxation and focus. Every dive is an opportunity to connect with your body, mind, and the natural elements around you🧠 Feel ready to explore how mastering your breath and diving in the water could transform your body, mind, and life? Contact me and we’ll choose a proper type of workshop for you! Those, who’ve already tried - please, share your experience in the comments⬇️

When I’m teaching, I’m not just standing on the sidelines observing - I’m right there with them, trying to feel what they feel. It’s almost like I step into their experience, imagining their emotions, their fears, their challenges. This connection is what makes freediving more than just a skill or a sport; it’s a shared journey into something much deeper🧠 After dives, the conversations we have on the buoy are some of my favorite moments. That’s when everything comes together - the physical effort, the emotions, the mental focus. It’s in these reflections that I see how freediving strengthens not just the body, but also the mind. And for me, as an instructor, it’s a reminder of why I do this. Freediving has taught me to be fully present - in my dives, in my teaching, in my life. My purpose is to guide my students toward that same feeling, to help them connect with themselves in a way that carries far beyond the water. How do you connect with yourself? What brings you that sense of balance and clarity?🤔 PH: @eslampiko #freediving #freedivingdubai #freedive #freediver

For me there’s no greater reward than watching someone discover their own potential underwater and feel that powerful connection to the ocean😍 This camp was special in so many ways. Not only did we dive at some of the most iconic locations like the Lighthouse, Gabr el Bint, and the famous Blue Hole, but we also shared unforgettable experiences together. We watched stars at the desert, enjoyed breathtaking sunsets, had dinners around campfires, and dove along lively reefs. One of the most exciting highlights was seeing our first students dive using the more advanced technique—without fins! This not only speaks to their growth but to our development as instructors. It’s such a privilege to witness our students’ progress and be part of their journey, step by step. As we reflect on this camp, the energy and passion from our students have left us feeling fulfilled, even though we’re physically exhausted. There’s a unique kind of magic of beautiful teamwork that shows how far we’ve all come. Their passion has been a source of strength and inspiration for us every single day. Looking ahead, we’re already preparing for our next adventure in April. We’ll be returning to Dahab for another week of freediving, followed by a special week in Marsa Alam, where we’ll train and dive alongside dolphins at the incredible Sataya Reef🐬 How would you like joining us?⬇️