Federico Bellone is a freediving athlete, capable of holding his breath for over six minutes and diving beyond 50 meters (165 ft). But his greatest contribution to the sport extends beyond athletic performance. A Professional Captain licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, Recreational Master certified by the Brazilian Navy, American Sailing Association sailing instructor, International FGC Instructor, environmental scientist, and avid spearfisherman, he has devoted his life to one purpose: reconnecting people with the ocean.
Born in Italy and raised in Latin America, Federico discovered the sea as a child through fishing and breath-hold diving in the Mediterranean. That passion led him to study Environmental Sciences in Madrid, Oceanography in Marseille, Environmental Technology at Imperial College London, and International Relations at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston.
Beyond teaching in the water, Federico has spent more than twenty-five years leading international conservation initiatives for global philanthropy, the United Nations, and environmental organizations across the Americas and Europe. Today, he serves on the boards of marine and environmental organizations, bringing a lifetime of scientific knowledge, exploration, and conservation experience to every course—and to his mission of reconnecting people with the ocean.
At Freedive Gravedad Cero, Federico specializes in spearfishing education, sharing not only technique and safety, but also the respect, discipline, and philosophy that define the school. He believes freediving is far more than a sport—it is a path to confidence, awareness, and a deeper relationship to oneself that extends beyond the water of the sea.
Whether introducing someone to their first breath-hold dive or helping experienced divers refine their skills, his goal is always the same: to build confident, capable, and responsible watermen and waterwomen who understand that performance begins with relaxed concentration, and that we only protect what we learn to connect with.
