ECHO | ECHO is a global community of freedivers.
Brought together by our shared passion for self-knowledge, travel and wellbeing, our aim is to foster human connection through freediving retreats and events.
We introduce people to practices and places that excite us, so that together we can reach new depths. Join the tribe…
The EC|HO Team
Lydia Gard
TRAVEL WRITER, AIDA Instructor
Lydia is a freelance travel & wellness writer. She regularly writes about the mental and emotional benefits of freediving.
Most at home in the sea, Lydia won best newcomer at the Aida UK Pool Championships in 2023, and runs London Freediving club with UK Champion Beci Ryan .
David Mellor
WORLD CHAMPION, AIDA Master Instructor
A self-taught spearfisherman, Dave has coached many people to national records and is himself a 100m diver, bringing home 7 World Records so far.
David is known for solving the most stubborn EQ issues and nicknamed Medals, for obvious reasons.
Workshops, retreats, events, coaching…
We travel extensively to train in beautiful conditions with brilliant people. We invite you to join us.
We run events ranging from one-day workshops in the UK, to weekend workshops at Deepspot, Poland and week long masterclasses in Kas, Turkey and Kalamata, Greece.
We also teach wherever we are training so send us a message if you’re heading to deep water. From Dahab to Dominica, if we can’t coach we will do our best to connect you with trusted teachers.
In May 2026, Kalamata Freediving Academy will open its doors and will become the spiritual home of ECHO. Check them out!
Keep an eye on our social for retreat updates.
What People Are Saying…
“What an amazing and memorable trip with Echo, thank you! In my experience, I have never seen so many new freedivers make so much progress in such a short time, totally due to the expert tuition and coaching provided by the Echo team, not only in freediving skills but excellent yogic stretching and mind blowing breathwork sessions. The whole week has been enjoyable, encouraging and fun, with some fantastic people, set in an idyllic location .”
— C.K.
“As a new diver, I wasn’t sure what to expect of freediving as a sport, or myself as a person. Not only did I fall in love with freediving, but also the community of people that make it possible. David, Lydia, and Martin each have a gift for teaching, and they all brought something uniquely valuable to my introduction to freediving. There was a priority on creating a calm and welcoming environment, while providing expert knowledge and safety support that made me both physically and mentally confident. What’s more, is that I feel like I have carried that confidence out of the water and back home with me. Truly an experience that has changed me for the better..”
— R.B.
“David and Martin and Lydia, the amount of helpful knowledge/sharing leading up to the event and throughout, with kit and drills, no question was a silly one and a grateful thank you to you all. The dynamic between the three of you is just phenomenal and something that is very rare to find. The attention to detail daily on our schedule and routine, the amazing accommodation and just everything. I have truly found new friends and a ‘forever family’ that humbles and excites me beyond words.
— N.F.
Freedive into your future
