Freediving means people! Meet LOBSTER AMBASSADORS - Rafal Baran
From year to year freediving becomes more and more popular, new records are set, new courses and specialized pools appear, where everyone can try - what does it mean to be alone with yourself, meditate and plunge totally into the underwater world of freediving. A huge role in the popularization of this sport belongs to athletes who regularly train and teach, show the workouts routine and the life of a freediver as it is.
During 2021 we have been talking a lot with athletes around the world to improve our product, understand freedivers better and take the first steps in building Lobsterweight community. Now we try to unite the best athletes, consult with them and now we are ready to introduce you to our Lobster Ambassadors – people we really love collaborating with and most importantly, the ones who truly represent the concept and purpose behind our brand.
Today we start with Rafal Baran - who has moved from professional competitive swimmer to freediving and is already preparing for his first records
About Raf
Raf is an inspiring guy from Poland who keeps doing what he loves telling his story to thousands of followers. Cybersecurity professional with a huge love for the ocean and underwater photography. Raf has been a competitive swimmer for about 15 years representing Poland and competing in the US (where he got his higher education) NCAA collegiate league. He ended up moving to the middle of the ocean, to the tiny island of Bermuda about four years ago and got connected to the underwater world ever since.
From swimming to freediving
“Following my long swimming career and the eventual move to the island, freediving/spearfishing was a natural progression for me. I've been successively transitioning towards freediving and spearfishing over the past couple years”.
Free Dives through the shipwrecks, whales and dolphins in Bermuda
Just imagine, that you can dive in a Bermuda Triangle - isn’t it mesmerizing?!
Raf is practicing freediving in the shipwreck capital of the world: “we have over 300 shipwrecks in Bermuda so every dive is super interesting”. His most extraordinary dive had place last year, when during the freediving session he encountered two humpback whales and an hour later a pod of 7 dolphins came around to hang out with them for about an hour. Insane experience!
About motivation and dates in the water
I don't really look for external motivators. Observing my own progress serves as the best driving force. Being better today than at any point in the past is my way to go.
The fact that my girlfriend is my freediving buddy and our dates and holidays are mainly in the water, definitely allows us both to progress quicker. Shared passion is definitely a recipe for a great relationship.
Additionally, watching the best in the world is always super inspiring - the favorite being Magdalena Solich-Talanda who holds a couple world records DNF191m/ DYN 265m/DYNb 236m.
From swimmer to freediver
I am in the process of transitioning from a swimming career where I had the most successes (National Team of Poland, multiple medals in Polish Championships, NCAA American league) to freediving.
For me it is always a big achievement to have fun underwater first and foremost and have the desire to connect with the ocean. By the way, Lobster also had an important input in my freedive experience. I've used a fair number or neck weight systems in the practice of dynamic disciplines but there is a reason why Lobster dominates the market. Love the product's agility, usability, and quality. I will definitely keep using it and recommending it to my friends.
Follow Raf and Lobster Weight and become a part of the Lobster Weight Commynuty!
