Jillian was a marine mammal trainer for 12 years and learned to breathe and dive like dolphins. For several years she crewed on a live-aboard boat in the Bahamas specializing in freediving and interacted respectfully with dolphins.  She has trained with some of the world’s top athletes such as Umberto Pelizzari, Sara Campbell, Emma Farrell, Mike Maric and William Trubridge.  In 2012, she became an instructor with Apnea Academy in Sharm el Sheikh. She is a life and performance coach, utilizing breath techniques, intuitive and experiential learning to enhance awareness, skills and techniques.  Her specialty is recreational freediving certifications while diving with marine animals on adventure retreats in the Bahamas and Hawaii. You’ll also know her from her years of dedication on the board of directors as Secretary.

Anne-Louise’s first contact with freediving was by watching ‘The Big Blue' movie, but only started freediving in 2012 while traveling in Indonesia. She immediately fully immersed herself into the sport and decided later this year to become an AIDA instructor in Long Island, Bahamas.
 

While on Long Island during the famous Vertical Blue competition, she decided to take part in a judge course and began her Journey as a AIDA judge. 
 

In 2015, she started teaching AIDA courses and yoga in Moalboal, in the Philippines, but soon had to leave her dream life as a freediving instructor behind and come back to Canada because of Family issues.
 

However, being an AIDA judge at local and major compétitions still allows her to be part of the amazing freediving community and also brings her opportunities to travel and discover many great freediving locations.
 

Some of her favorite freediving spots are Mexican cenotes. She found in-depth freediving a perfect way to relax her mind and body, release tensions, and better cope with emotional and environmental stress.

Farai started her freediving journey in 2021. Growing up with a strong swimming background and a love for the ocean, freediving was a natural fit. After completing her first course she was hooked!

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Over the years, she has dedicated herself to continual growth and development, seeking guidance from esteemed coaches. She has eagerly embraced every opportunity, including her participation in various freediving competitions

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Farai also manages the AIDA Canada social media pages. Building a platform to celebrate Canadian freedivers, provide updates and connect fellow freedivers. 

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Remember to tag #aidacanada in your adventures

Jana Strain is a freediving athlete, instructor, and coach. She has represented Canada in freediving competitions worldwide since 2008. In her competitive career she has held 8 National records, 7 Continental and Pan American records. She also brought home a bronze medal for CNF at the 2009 World Championships. Her first World Championship competition in 2008 was a team competition. It was here that she learned the openness of the freediving community to share tips on technique and training. This openness is unique to the sport of freediving, because each person differs in what is easy and challenging in our sport. It's what keeps it interesting! 

Today freediving continues to be Jana's  passion, with her focus now on building the local Pacific Northwest community. Supporting both local recreational and competitive freediving. She coaches multiple athletes, runs local pool training, teaches freediving courses, continues to compete, and spends time on social media promoting safety to the broader community of freediving and spearos.

Roberta has been a mainstay of the Vancouver freediving community for over 15 years. One of the original founders of AIDA Canada and former president of the Vancouver Apneist Club, she has organized competitions - including Nationals - and training and recreational outings. Currently she teaches AIDA and PADI freediving courses in the Vancouver area and organizes annual pool and depth competitions in Vancouver. She is committed to the development of the sport of freediving across Canada. She will continue to be active with select projects as she transfers her regular duties to the new acting President of Aida Canada