The team bringing
world-class freediving to New York
Freediving NYC was founded to give New Yorkers access to the same training standard used by the world's best freedivers — without leaving the city. Led by Molchanovs Lap/Wave 2 certified instructors and backed by the Molchanovs Movement.
About Molchanovs Freediving
Freediving NYC trains under Molchanovs, the freediving education system founded by the sport's most decorated family and used by freedivers worldwide. The system's pool and open-water certifications set the curriculum, safety standards, and instructor qualifications. The school's first certification course, Molchanovs Lap 1, opens at St. Bart's Church Pool this December — dates are on the courses page.
See every certification option on the courses page, or book a private or group lesson directly in our booking system.
Our direction is guided by Alexey Molchanov — see Our partners below.
Our Team
Alex Seneco
Alex is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu — and the coaching standard-bearer of the school.
Danila Novikov
Dan is a world-class open water swimmer with several world records and the founder of DanSwim, a New York swim school.
Matt Heyner
Matt is a rock bass guitarist and an avid freediver with open water experience all over the country.
Megan Hooley
Megan works in TV and film, specializing in seaweed and cardboard fish creation. She coaches across Freediving NYC's programs — pool sessions, master classes, and certification courses.
Joanna Lee-Brown
Joanna is a yoga and meditation teacher and a PhD student — her sessions pair Molchanovs technique with deep relaxation practice.
Oleg Papazov
Oleg is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Freediving NYC.
Max Stein
Max is still young, but already an experienced and highly trained freediver.
Our partners
Oliver Christen-Drew
Oliver oversees the qualifications and ongoing training of our instructors. He comes to New York to lead master classes for advanced freedivers and to certify Wave 3 and Instructor Training candidates.
freediveflow.com →Alexey Molchanov
46-time world record holder and multiple-time world champion. Alexey guides our school's direction and visits New York to give master classes in freediving and breathwork.
@alexeymolchanov →Our philosophy
Freediving is about training the body and calming the mind. We teach the physiology — how equalization works, what your body actually does underwater — alongside the feeling of it: the calm, the inward journey, and the reason people fall in love with this sport. You don't need to be an athlete or a thrill-seeker to belong here. Just curious about new experiences.
Come meet us in the water
The easiest hello is a trial session or a free open-house masterclass. No commitment — just water, breath, and a coach.
Join