We’re here talking with the Hellas Freediving center.  
 
Hi, can we ask you the origin of the name? 

«The freediving center is called "Hellas Freedivers and is located in Athens, in Greece. Hellas is the name that Hellenes (Héllēnes, Greeks) use when referring to their country. In simpler terms, Hellas means Greece in Hellenika (Greek language)». 

Who’s the main staff member? can you tell us something about him? 
«Konstantinos (Kostas) Madouros has been involved in spearfishing since 1998 and freediving since 2003, while from 2003-2018 he has been a member and president of the historical spearfishing association Glafkos and a member of Aida Hellas. Since 2019 he is also a member of Aida Usa and Board member (PR & Media Officer) of Aida International. He has organized and participated in over 130 seminars and spearfishing and underwater shooting competitions. From 2007 until today he has collaborated with the magazines Vithos, Fish, Skafos and Boat & Fishing . He is a graduate of the Hellenic Lifeguard Academy, and a full time freediving Master Instructor of Aida international with by far the most Aida certifications in Greece (Number 1 in Europe in Aida 1 certifications). He is also the only Aida instructor in Greece who is able to teach children aged 6 and over. 

What are your main activities today? 

The main activities are freediving courses around Greece,  training sessions, spearfishing sessions and trips and creating the "Personalized Apnea Improvement Programs". We also have 2 high quality underwater drones for various purposes. 

Quality over quantity is one of our mottos…  
«Most of our students are spearfishermen, but in the last couple of years there is a noticeable increase in women who want to try freediving». 

Why did freediving students decide to address you? 

«One of the reasons that many people choose us is because we offer them one year free unlimited training sessions in the sea after they finish the course so they can improve their performances even more. Our prices being very reasonable and the huge teaching experience of the instructor make us the 1st choice. We treat everyone the best way possible and in the end we offer much more than they can wish for». 

What do you think is the right way to understand freediving today? 

«Freediving shouldn't be just numbers and ego-performances. Freediving should be fun done with safety. As more and more people are getting involved in freediving as a hobby, a sport or a way to become better at spearfishing, the educational organizations worldwide should synchronize their knowledge so they're up to date».  

Are there any aspects of today's freediving that you would change? 

«It's too bad (and dangerous) that there are organizations who still teach hyperventilation or obsolete rescue techniques or mainly focus on having the maximum number of students while teaching the minimum amount of days. Another issue are the requirements for someone to become a freediving instructor. In some agencies it's very easy while in others it is really challenging and requires years of experience». 
 

What would you say to someone who is planning a freediving trip? What advice would you give him/ her? 

«For those  who are planning a freediving trip you should make the reservations as soon as possible (especially in popular destinations or during high season) and try to bring your own equipment (except the weights).  Ask for total costs and know exactly what is included in the price and what not. Don't assume anything!».