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
David Mellor
WORLD CHAMPION, British Team member, AIDA Instructor
A self-taught spearfisherman, David discovered sport freediving 12 years ago.
A competition diver for many years, David has coached many people to national records and ended last season with 100m dive at the World Championships, bringing home four gold medals and 4 World Records.
David is known among the community as the godfather of EQ, and nicknamed Medals, for obvious reasons.
Martin Petrus
BREATHWORK TEACHER, Molchanovs Instructor
With extensive experience as a breathwork coach, Martin divides his water-time between training, teaching, and competing.
Martin combines scientific and spiritual approaches, using a broad range of methods, from Integrative Breathwork and visualization techniques to cold exposure. He regularly coaches athletes in modern hypoxic training methods and traditional Pranayama techniques. Martin is currently based in the Philippines
Lydia Gard
WELLNESS 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 recently won best newcomer at the Aida UK Pool Championships in 2023. Since the 2024 UK Championships she ranks 4th in DYNB, 8th in STA and 11th for DNF.
Workshops, retreats, events, gear.
We travel extensively to train in deep water with great conditions, amazing visibility and 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: currently Dominica, UK and the Philippines.
Keep an eye on our social for updates. Next masterclass Kalamata, October 2024.
What People Are Saying…
“What an amazing and memorable trip with Echo Echo projects, 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 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.
Want to be part of our tribe?
