Introducing the 2024 PFI Ambassadors

INTRODUCING OUR 2024 PFI AMBASSADORS

After careful consideration, we are thrilled to unveil our selected PFI Ambassadors for the year 2024!

In navigating the vast landscape of freediving, we cast a wide net to discover these extraordinary divers. Our ambassadors, carefully chosen, offer a captivating insight into the intricate world of free diving.

Their shared love and devotion to the sport align seamlessly with the ethos of PFI. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to introduce each of them to you throughout the upcoming year.

Ted Harty

PFI Freedive Instructor Trainer

Ted Harty is the founder of Immersion Freediving and his new project FreediveUniversity.com. He became a PFI Freediving Instructor in 2008. He was the first PFI independent instructor to receive the PFI Intermediate, Advanced and Instructor Trainer rating. His deepest dive is 279ft and longest breath hold is 7 minutes. Ted creates DAILY freediving advice videos on all the social platforms!

Valerie Bautista

Freedive instructor

VAL, a versatile explorer, filmmaker, and ocean advocate, is on a quest to capture the enchantment of both ocean depths and lofty adventures. Since 2015, she has fearlessly delved into freediving, using her filmmaking and photography skills to unveil the underwater world’s beauty and mystery.

Beyond the ocean, VAL‘s adventurous spirit has led her to conquer iconic peaks like Mt. Fuji and Mt. Everest Base Camp, while also embracing the Philippine terrain, summiting Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak.

As a certified freediving instructor, VAL founded "Azul Freediving," earning international recognition for exceptional services. She conducts breathtaking Freediving Retreats in the Philippines and internationally, partnering with renowned resorts for world-class experiences.

VAL collaborates with the Department of Tourism, ensuring safe freediving practices and certifying local guides. Her philanthropic initiative, "Project Silay," provides snorkeling equipment to coastal children, fostering marine awareness and preservation.

A mixed media artist, VAL transforms underwater photographs into captivating masterpieces, radiating the sea’s beauty. With an indomitable spirit, she continues to explore, document wonders, and advocate for marine conservation, leaving an extraordinary legacy beneath the waves.

Rachel Novak

PFI Freedive and Mermaid Instructor

Rachel Novak is a multifaceted diver based in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she flourishes as a freediving instructor, divemaster, stunt performer, and performance artist. As the owner of Aquanauts Freediving LLC, Rachel provides freediving education, mermaid courses, and captivating mermaid entertainment in Las Vegas and surrounding areas. Career highlights include appearances on Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever, appearances as Miss Mermaid Nevada in the Netflix documentary MerPeople, and as an athlete on Season 15, Episode 6 of American Ninja Warrior. Rachel enjoys competitive freediving and was grateful for the opportunity to represent the US National Team at the 2023 CMAS Freediving Depth World Championships. Beyond her ventures, Rachel enjoys hiking to alpine lakes with freediving buddies to explore them on one breath. She is the founder of the Hike and Dive Community, an online resource dedicated to connecting freedivers nationwide and curating resources for those engaging in remote freediving adventures.

Jason Washington

PFI Freediver

Jason Washington, AKA CaymanJason is a world-renowned underwater photographer, celebrated for his stunning aquatic imagery. His deep passion for marine advocacy is evident in his work, which has been featured in many prominent publications including the prestigious National Geographic. Washington‘s talent has attracted collaborations with iconic brands such as Adidas, Inter Miami, Apple TV, Cressi, and Yema Watches. His photography is showcased in art exhibitions globally, captivating audiences with the beauty of the underwater world. In 2017, he was honored in the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions in combating the invasive Indo-Pacific red lionfish, highlighting his commitment to marine conservation. Washington’s blend of artistic talent and environmental activism continues to inspire and make a profound impact in both the art and marine conservation communities.