Freediving means people! Meet LOBSTER AMBASSADORS - Matthieu Duvault!
It's a new week and you know what that means...
We continue to introduce our followers to the people that helped make Lobster what it is today. Please give it up for Matthieu Duvault!
We are sure, you already know him as a great freediver, and one of the best underwater photographers, but you might not know that his best accomplishments are being an amazing husband to his beautiful wife Kiki and a great father to his Jedi son Kylo.
We had a little conversation with Matt and we invite you to take a little trip with us in the world of Matthieu Duvault, enjoy!
How did you get into freediving?
I used to do a lot of deep snorkeling and scuba diving, at some point I discovered that Freediving was actually a thing, a sport, and I jumped right into it! I have never stopped since.
Describe a funny or extraordinary case you had in your practice?
Two years ago, in one of the Cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) we generally train, we had a baby crocodile living around. He used to be very curious with us, and always tried to climb on our float, to get the best spot in the sun. Some of my students were a bit uncomfortable, haha. Now he disappeared, but maybe someday he will come back.
Who inspired you to start freediving?
One of my strongest influences to actually start my first freediving course was @guillaumenery - Guillaume Nery. I have a lot of respect for the freediver he is and also how much he contributed to the sport through records and videos.
Nowadays, my biggest inspiration is @alexeymolchanov - Alexey Molchanov, on top of being the best, the ways he dives and breaks records are absolutely beautiful. He makes it look so easy. What an inspiration he is for the new freedivers! This is the way.
What motivates you to self-develop in freediving?
Self-growth is something important for me, as well as finding and pushing boundaries. It’s very rewarding to see progress and a good point of motivation to keep training.
What are the most important record/s for you?
I did a couple of AIDA CWT Bifins national records first, 78m, then 81m, then 83m. Last year during VB I did a couple of CMAS records in CWTB and CWT, topping at -94m. But those are not absolute records since the deepest dive was still held by Eric Fatah, CWT -104m on AIDA, many years ago. That is what I am working to pass someday, it would be an honor, I have a lot of respect for this legend of Canadian freediver!
What are your best achievements as a coach, performer in your career?
Nowadays I am very pleased with the development of my freediving career as an instructor. I reached a very good level of knowledge and experience, teaching beginners, to coaching pretty advanced freedivers. I think the combination of my own practice, and the years of teaching, are working together really well.
I am now a 2022 Wave 4 Instructor Trainer and owner of @cenotefreediving Cenote Freediving, as well as a Base training contributor for Molchanovs Freediving.
Now the challenge is to mix all of that with proper training for competition. I don’t take enough time off to keep a good base training. I also now have a little son of 10 months old. One of the solutions I found is to use pool base training preparation more, as it is easier to schedule than deep sessions. For that, I have to say that using Lobster products made my life easier, and way more comfortable. It became my most important piece of gear for pool training, and I recommend it for anyone that follows a consistent pool training routine, even at a low level, and can of course afford it.
I have to say that using Lobster products made my life easier, and way more comfortable. It became my most important piece of gear for pool training
This is just a little part of a lifeof a freediver, a little taste you might say. And this is the fun part, because a lot more is in the works, and a lot more there is to tell...
Leave your comments below, what did you think of the interview? What more do you want to see from us? And maybe, have a guess who is the next Lobster Ambassador we are going to talk to!
