About Us
Ricardo Montans
Instructor Trainer & Competitive Freediver
From Buenos Aires to the Caribbean: A Journey Through the Deep
Ricardo Montans discovered freediving over 27 years ago while scuba diving in Buenos Aires Argentina. Watching freedivers descend to 20 meters with nothing but the air in their lungs changed everything—that moment sparked a passion that would define his life.
Founder & Visionary
In 2012, Ricardo founded Freediving Argentina in Buenos Aires with a clear mission: to create a safe space for training apnea and grow the sport in Argentina. What started as a dream became one of South America’s most respected freediving schools, having classes and trained hundreds of students.
Today, Ricardo leads the Freediving Caribbean School in Roatán, Honduras, bringing his expertise to one of the world’s most pristine freediving destinations.
Competitive Excellence
Ricardo has represented Argentina in 16 international competitions across the Americas, consistently bringing home podium finishes:
National Records: X25
– Free Immersion (FIM): -102m (breaking the 100m barrier for Argentina)
– Constant Weight (CWT): -96m
– Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWT-B): 105m
– Constant Weight No Fins (CNF): -80m
– Dynamic with Fins (DYN): 179m
– Dynamic No Fins (DNF): 125.25m
Career Highlights:
– Mexico Panamerican 2014 3°puesto
– Caribbean Cup 2020: 2nd Overall,
– Caribbean Cup 2023: 1° Overall,
– Caribbean Cup 2021: 2nd Overall, 2nd CWT
– Caribbean Cup 2017: 3rd Overall
– Pan-American Championship Chile 2019: Multiple Podium Finishes
– Nirvana Oceanquest 2016 & 2018: Podium Finishes
– World Ranking #17 (2017)
– First place in AIDA ranking South America 2026
Master Instructor & Coach
Ricardo’s teaching credentials are exceptional:
– AIDA Instructor Trainer ⭐⭐⭐
– CMAS Instructor Trainer
– Molchanovs Instructor Trainer
– AIDA Competition Judge
– Competition Safety Freediver Trainer
His students consistently praise his ability to break through mental and physical barriers, particularly with equalization techniques and hands-free and Frenzel methods. Ricardo specializes in helping students overcome fear and develop confidence underwater, whether they’re complete beginners or experienced divers seeking to push their limits.
Teaching Philosophy
“Freediving isn’t just about depth—it’s about relaxation, introspection, and discovering what your body and mind can achieve together. I don’t just teach techniques; I help people understand themselves underwater.”
Ricardo’s approach combines:
– Deep technical knowledge from years of competition
– Patient, supportive coaching style
– Focus on safety and proper progression
– Emphasis on mental preparation and relaxation
– Personalized training programs
Experience That Matters
With over 11 years of competitive experience at the highest levels, Ricardo brings real-world expertise to every course. He’s worked as a competition safety diver at major international events and knows firsthand what it takes to perform under pressure—and how to keep athletes safe.
Whether you’re taking your first breath-hold or training for competition, you’ll benefit from Ricardo’s extensive experience in:
– Deep water training protocols
– Competition preparation
– Advanced equalization techniques
– Mental training and anxiety management
– Safety procedures and rescue
Training in Paradise
At Freediving Caribbean School in Roatán, Ricardo offers:
– AIDA certification courses (1-4)
– Molchanovs W1-W3 and instructor levels
– CMAS L1-L3 instructor levels
– Instructor development programs
– Performance coaching for competitive freedivers
– Specialized equalization courses
– Online apnea training
Train with a world-class athlete who knows what it takes to reach your potential—safely and confidently.
