For this AIDA Spotlight, we introduce Hiroshi Ryu - AIDA Education Officer, AIDA Taiwan Vice President, AIDA Instructor Trainer, and Judge. With a deep passion for freediving education and a commitment to making the sport accessible, Hiroshi has played a key role in developing and expanding freediving in Taiwan.

How long have you been freediving?

I am one of the most experienced freedivers in Taiwan, having started breath-hold diving in 2003. Before formal freediving certifications existed in Taiwan, I learned from veteran breath-hold fishermen on Green Island, absorbing their traditional techniques. Over time, I adapted these skills for recreational freediving, focusing on safety and enjoyment.

Through years of dedication to introducing and developing freediving in Taiwan, and am proud to be known by majority of freedivers there. I’ve not only witnessed but actively shaped the growth of freediving here, helping build a foundation that allows more people to safely explore and connect with the ocean.

How did you discover freediving, and why do you freedive?

Freediving was never just a discovery for me. It was a path I was meant to follow. Growing up by the sea, I was naturally drawn to the water. When I first saw these veteran fishermen on Green Island diving deep on breath-hold to catch lobsters, I was captivated by their grace and ease.

In that moment, I realized freediving wasn’t just about technique - it was about connection. A pure sense of freedom. I was completely drawn in, and my journey began.

What is your favorite discipline and why?

Constant Weight (CWT) is my favorite discipline because it closely mirrors traditional Asian apnea fishing techniques. Using only my own strength and minimal equipment to descend and ascend, I experience freediving in its purest form, one with the ocean.

While I had the honor of winning Taiwan’s first freediving competition, my passion has never been about competing. I’m not particularly drawn to spearfishing either; instead, I focus on recreational and artistic freediving, fostering a deeper connection with the ocean so more people can experience its beauty in a safe and fulfilling way.

Which discipline do you find most challenging and why?

Static apnea (STA) is the most difficult for me because it relies entirely on mental strength rather than physical ability.

What freediving goals do you hope to achieve this year?

At this stage, my goals are less about personal achievements and more about helping others truly understand freediving, especially in Asia. As freediving has grown into an industry here, challenges have emerged. I believe now is the time to address these issues and help improve the future of the sport.

How has freediving influenced other areas of your life?

Freediving has taught me to stay calm under pressure and strengthened my confidence in mind, body, and spirit. It has shaped my approach to life. When faced with challenges, I adapt, adjust, and find solutions instead of avoiding them. I truly believe freediving is a powerful tool for building resilience and confidence.

Your ability to freedive with only one hand is truly inspiring. How have you adapted your techniques, and what would you say to others with physical impairments who are considering freediving?

I lost my left hand in an accident as a child, but that never stopped me from exploring the world. Instead, it gave me the drive to challenge what others see as “impossible.”

I haven’t developed any special freediving techniques. Instead, I follow traditional philosophies: moving with minimal resistance, using softness to overcome force, and becoming one with the water.

I often tell my students, “If I can do it with one hand, surely you can too?” This isn’t just motivation - it’s a reminder that our biggest barriers are in our minds. To those with physical limitations, I’d say: The ocean doesn’t care if you’re perfect. The water accepts you as you are, and in it, you’ll find confidence like never before.

When did you decide to start teaching, and what led you to that decision?

I started apnea diving near the city, where many people naturally gravitated toward learning from me on weekends. By 2006, I had built a large following, but I knew that without a systematic and scientific approach, freediving could be dangerous.

In 2012, I discovered AIDA and fully dedicated myself to it. I introduced my followers to AIDA and pursued higher levels of training. In 2015, I traveled to the Philippines to earn my AIDA Instructor certification. Later, I opened a diving center and hostel, making freediving education an inseparable part of my life.

My goal has always been to help more people experience the freedom of freediving and to make it more widely recognized and accepted in Asia. I believe freediving isn’t just about competition - it’s about fostering a safe and joyful connection with the ocean.

You’ve been AIDA EC Officer since 2023. Why did you apply, and what is your role about?

In 2018, I first connected with AIDA headquarters by actively seeking clarification on educational materials and proper teaching methods. This led to valuable interactions with former Education Officers, for which I am deeply grateful to Jean-Pol and Brian.

In 2020, I became an AIDA administrator, handling customer support for Asia, which deepened my understanding of AIDA International’s operations. In October 2023, I was honored to be elected as the AIDA Education Officer - a recognition of Asia’s growing influence in the freediving world.

As an AIDA International Education Committee (EC) Officer, I focus on developing and improving the freediving education system. My role includes:

• Enhancing educational materials
• Creating new courses
• Ensuring instructor quality
• Supporting AIDA national branches in promoting freediving education

My mission is to bring more resources to the Asian freediving community and improve the learning environment for both instructors and students.

Why do you love being part of AIDA?

AIDA is more than an organization, it’s a guiding force in freediving. I appreciate its structured education system and the way it brings together people from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared love for the ocean.

Do you do any other sports?

Freediving is my primary sport, but I also enjoy swimming, yoga, and spiritual practices, all of which benefit my training. To me, freediving is about achieving a balance between mind and body. It benefits health, relaxes the mind, and promotes overall well-being.

Any fun or interesting things we should know about you?

People often think I’m serious at first, but they soon realize I love to joke around!
I’m also a workaholic - I spend almost 12 hours a day dedicated to AIDA and my students. I believe learning freediving should be enjoyable, so my teaching style is relaxed, helping students naturally fall in love with the sport rather than feeling pressured.

How can people reach you?

I welcome anyone to reach out. I’m always open to collaboration and willing to travel anywhere in the world to share my passion for freediving education and promotion.

For further communication, you can contact me through:

📌 Instagram: h_freediving
📌 Facebook: hiroshi_ryu
📌 Email: ocean.yonaguni (@) gmail.com