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ABOUT
Paolo Valenti is a PADI-certified freediving instructor with a strong background in freediving education through Apnea Academy. Driven by a deep passion for the underwater world, he has dedicated his life to exploring the ocean and sharing this experience with others. He has been part of the Vertical Blue team, where he had the unique opportunity to assist multiple world champion William Trubridge during record-setting performances. This experience allowed him to deepen his understanding of high-level freediving and refine both his technical and mental approach to the discipline. Paolo is also the founder of Apnea et Anima Association, the first research-based association in Croatia focused on the relationship between mental practices and physical relaxation in freediving. His work explores how consciousness, breathing, and inner awareness influence performance and well-being underwater. Beyond freediving, Paolo has a background as an industrial photographer in Padua, Italy. His artistic sensitivity enhances his ability to guide students in perceiving the underwater environment in a deeper, more intuitive way. With over 20 years of experience as a freediver, he integrates various mental and physical practices into his teaching. These include autogenic training, adapted Yoga Nidra, Watsu (water-based relaxation), and "mothering" techniques. His approach combines mindfulness, breath control, and body awareness to create a holistic freediving experience. Paolo has also conducted personal research on the effects of sound and vibration on the human body and mind. He works with ancient instruments such as gongs and the didgeridoo, using circular breathing techniques and low-frequency sound (60–85 Hz) to promote deep relaxation and facilitate theta and delta brainwave states. In addition, he explores the use of binaural beats as a tool for enhancing mental and physical recovery. Through his teaching, Paolo aims to guide individuals not only to improve their performance, but to reconnect deeply with themselves and with nature.