Dahab and the Blue Hole – for freedivers, these names hold an almost mythical allure. This place stirs a deep sense of longing, a paradise in the desert where the line between dream and reality begins to blur. Those who have been here know: the sea in Dahab has a unique, irresistible pull. And it’s here, at one of the most legendary freediving spots in the world, that Zahraa El-Husseiny and Stefan Randig offer Nafas Min Dahab – a freediving camp that goes far beyond just technique and training. It is a journey into depth – not just into the water, but into one’s own mental and physical development.
Last November, I spent nearly three weeks in Dahab, just north of Sharm El Sheikh. My goal was to refine my technique, push my limits, and grow as a freediver. When I planned this trip in late summer, everything seemed to align perfectly – as if it was meant to be – with my time in Dahab coinciding exactly with the Nafas Min Dahab camp. And so, after completing two crossover courses and my AIDA 4 training, I decided to dedicate another intense week with Zahraa, Stefan, and four like-minded divers to delve even deeper into the world of freediving.
Since my very first freediving course with the incredible Donna Schechter in Baja California, this sport has never let me go. What started as a fascination quickly turned into a deep passion – fueled by my first competitions and our incredible freediving community in Austria. There are few feelings as profound as surrendering to the depths with each breath, sensing your body in a whole new way, and finding absolute stillness beneath the surface. That magic is what drew me to Dahab – and it did not disappoint.
Nafas Min Dahab – A Holistic Approach to Freediving
I haven’t attended other freediving retreats or camps before – but one thing I know for sure: Nafas Min Dahab is something truly special. The perfect balance of expertise, dedication, and an almost magical group dynamic made this week with Zahraa and Stefan an experience that will be hard to surpass. And this won’t be the last edition – after the success of the first two camps, new dates are already being planned. Twice a year, Nafas Min Dahab will offer freedivers from around the world the opportunity to experience this unique approach for themselves.
What immediately caught my attention when I first browsed the program? The fact that this camp isn’t just about freediving. Of course, the sessions at the Blue Hole are the heart of it all. But what is a heart without everything that surrounds it? This is where Nafas Min Dahab takes a different path. It’s not just training – it’s a deeply holistic experience. Technique refinement, personalized training plans, targeted equalization exercises, yoga, a dedicated pool day focused on stretching and strength work – and even detailed video analysis.
The philosophy of Nafas Min Dahab extends far beyond freediving itself. It’s about understanding freediving as a whole lifestyle, not just a sport. It’s not about chasing numbers or forcing depth. It’s about tuning in, becoming aware of every movement, every sensation. Feeling comfortable, learning, growing – together with others who share the same passion. It’s an experience that connects body and mind and continues to resonate long after the days in Dahab have passed.
The Program and Unique Atmosphere of Nafas Min Dahab
Freediving is about more than just depth – and that philosophy is reflected in every detail of Nafas Min Dahab. Zahraa and Stefan continuously refine and evolve the camp, ensuring that each edition is a unique experience. What I’m describing here is the November 2024 edition – an intense, enriching, and perfectly balanced week.
The number of participants is intentionally limited to create an intimate, close-knit atmosphere and allow for personalized coaching. Our group consisted of five divers from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Austria – each with different levels of experience but united by the same passion.
Over the course of six days, we followed a program that was physically demanding, mentally enriching, and emotionally profound:
- 4 training sessions at the legendary Blue Hole focused freediving with personal coaching and technical refinements
- 5 in-depth theory sessions covering equalization, breathing techniques, and training strategies
- A long, immersive yoga session tailored to the specific needs of freedivers
- A detailed pool session with personalized feedback on technique
- A magical dinner in the desert which was the perfect ending to an unforgettable week
What I particularly loved about Nafas Min Dahab was the freedom to find my own rhythm. We had the option to join the group for dinner in the evenings – or take some quiet time alone if we needed it. Midday breaks of 1.5 to 2 hours gave us space to breathe, reflect, take a nap, catch up on emails, or simply enjoy a coffee with friends.
This balance between intense training and personal downtime made the week even more valuable – allowing for growth, learning, and deep connection, both in the water and beyond.
The Blue Hole Sessions – Magic in the Depths
The four sessions at the Blue Hole were perfectly structured – not just in terms of content, but also in their rhythm. Two intense days in the water, followed by a rest day to allow our muscles and nervous system to recover. This cycle ensured that we entered each session with fresh energy and complete focus.
Every morning, we were picked up directly from our accommodations in Dahab. Before most other groups had even arrived, we were already at the Blue Hole – standing there in the early morning stillness, when the sea was calm, and the sun had just begun to rise over the desert. A moment of quiet before the adventure began. And then? A steaming cup of Special Tea or a fresh beetroot juice from Ali – small rituals that made these mornings feel magical.
After a thorough stretching session under Zahraa’s guidance, we slipped into our wetsuits, feeling that familiar mix of anticipation and excitement – then, it was time to dive in. The water welcomed us with that unmistakable sensation: stillness and complete immersion in the element.
Zahraa and Stefan divided us into two groups, ensuring that we were training with freedivers of a similar level, aligned with our personal goals and experience. Each group trained at a dedicated buoy, striking a perfect balance between challenge and safety. Our two coaches alternated between us daily, allowing us to learn from both of them – a truly invaluable experience, as each of them has their own unique approach, their own perspective, their own way of teaching.
And this is what made all the difference. After every single dive, we received detailed, individual feedback: What went well? Where was room for improvement? How was the technique? Which small adjustments could make the dive even more efficient, even more effortless? For me, it was the perfect opportunity to build upon my AIDA 4 training, reinforcing what I had already learned while continuing to refine my skills.
But the real gift wasn’t just the technical progress – it was the way Zahraa and Stefan coached. They are precise yet empathetic, with an incredible ability to understand exactly what each person needs in the moment. They share their knowledge with passion, provide honest and constructive feedback, and have a rare talent for finding exactly the right words at the right time.
I felt safe, encouraged, and supported in every single dive. And that is not something to take for granted. There are many coaches out there, but not all of them possess this intuitive ability to bring out the best in you – not through pressure, but through trust and understanding.
Dry Training & Theory – Freediving Begins in the Mind
Freediving is so much more than what happens in the water. In addition to our intense sessions at the Blue Hole, we had daily dry training and theory lessons – moments that proved to be just as valuable as the actual dives.
In our small, close-knit group, we practiced various equalization techniques in front of mirrors, using Otovent devices and water columns. Anyone who has seriously experimented with the Mouthfill technique knows that it can be quite a challenge. But that was exactly what made it so exciting – the focused training, the shared struggles, the collective triumphs. We helped each other, exchanged tips, laughed at our early mistakes, and celebrated every little breakthrough. It wasn’t a solo effort – it was a true team experience, and that made learning all the more rewarding.
But Nafas Min Dahab was about more than just technique. On other days, we explored training strategies and mental strength – two fundamental pillars for any freediver. There was no rigid curriculum, just open, honest discussions that left space for personal questions and deep conversations. Each of us brought a different background, a unique set of experiences – and this diversity is what made the camp so special.
Yet, there is one afternoon that stands out above all the others.
Zahraa and Stefan posed a seemingly simple question: Why do you freedive?
The moment the words were spoken, the first few people instinctively reached for tissues. What started as a casual discussion turned into a profound, emotional journey that lasted the entire afternoon. I won’t share the deeply personal stories that were told – those belongs to each individual. But what I can say is this: the openness, the vulnerability, the raw honesty in that moment was indescribable.
Tears were shed. One by one, we opened up, allowing our stories to fill the space – held and embraced by a group that did not judge, only listened. It was a moment that touched every single one of us on a deep level.
And that, to me, is what Nafas Min Dahab is truly about. Freediving here is not just a sport – it is a journey to oneself.
Yin Yoga – Relaxation in Its Deepest Form
I have to admit: Yoga and I had a complicated relationship for a long time. I knew it was supposed to be beneficial for freediving – I had heard it countless times – but somehow, I just couldn’t connect with it. The right approach, the right discipline – it never really clicked for me.
Until I discovered Yin Yoga.
At Nafas Min Dahab, we had a long, immersive session with a breathtaking view of the sea – the perfect setting to truly give it a chance. And what can I say? I was proven wrong. A huge shoutout to Lin, who somehow managed to get me excited about this particular form of yoga.
Yin Yoga is different. It’s not about fluid sequences or powerful poses. Instead, you hold a position for an extended period, breathing into it, surrendering to it. With each passing minute, you sink deeper into the stretch, feeling your body open up. It’s slow, quiet, and deeply meditative. A friend of mine once called it goodnight yoga – and honestly, that describes it perfectly.
This session wasn’t just beneficial physically – it was a complete mental reset. I was able to fully let go, release every bit of tension – exactly what I needed after the intense days in the water.
If you think yoga isn’t for you, give Yin Yoga a try. I never expected to enjoy it – and yet, at the end of that session, I sat there with a smile on my face, feeling completely at peace.
Pool Session with Tea – Technique, Precision, and New Insights
Our rest day between the intense Blue Hole sessions was anything but a traditional day off – it was dedicated to the pool, technique, and precision. And who better to guide us through it than Tea Košnjek?
Zahraa and Stefan have been working with Tea for a long time, and for good reason. She is not only a kinesiologist, technique, and strength coach specializing in freediving and swimming, but she also trains world record-holding freediver Alenka Artnik – one of the most remarkable athletes in the sport. Having the opportunity to train with her was truly something special for all of us.
The day started with a theory session, where Tea took us deep into the world of structured training. She explained various training methodologies, the importance of tailored training plans, and how to adapt them to individual needs. I had already been introduced to some of these concepts in my AIDA 4 course, but many pieces of the puzzle had yet to fall into place. Tea brought the clarity I had been missing. She took her time, patiently answering every one of our – admittedly quite specific – questions with incredible depth and expertise.
Then, it was time to hit the pool.
Tea guided us through a series of drills designed to refine technique, build strength, and improve efficiency in the water. With each movement, each correction, I could feel my technique becoming sharper, my awareness of my body in the water growing. And the best part? Many of these exercises can be directly applied to deep diving.
We spent a solid 1.5 hours in the water – fully focused, absorbed in all the new information and sensations. And afterward? Exhausted, but exhilarated. It’s incredible how intense pool training can be when done correctly. So many tiny adjustments, so many small refinements that make a huge difference.
Because I also train regularly in the pool during the colder months at home, this session was particularly valuable for me. I didn’t just walk away with new drills, but with a much deeper understanding of how to develop my technique outside of the ocean.
How Nafas Min Dahab Left a Lasting Impact on Me
Freediving remains a journey of endless discovery for me. Even after multiple courses and intensive training sessions, there is nothing more fulfilling than diving with others, learning from their perspectives, and understanding their philosophies. Nafas Min Dahab was exactly that – an experience that made me realize, once again, just how incredibly multifaceted this sport is.
There is no aspect of life that isn’t somehow connected to freediving or that can’t be used in training. That is what makes this sport so special to me: it is not one-dimensional, but full of shifting colours that reveal new depths depending on the perspective and the dive. Each time, another door opens – another layer unfolds that I hadn’t seen so clearly before.
Nafas Min Dahab came at exactly the right moment in my freediving journey. I am endlessly grateful for the experiences in the water, the deep conversations on land – and above all, for the people who made this camp so special.
Zahraa & Stefan – The Heart, Soul, and Magic of Nafas Min Dahab
There are coaches who teach – and then there are coaches who inspire. Zahraa and Stefan belong to the second category. They have a unique gift – not just to share knowledge, but to make you feel it. With their deep experience, intuition, and unwavering dedication, they create a learning environment that is both challenging and incredibly supportive.
They complement each other in a way that is rare to find. Zahraa, with her sharp eye for detail, calm and analytical approach, and gentle yet firm guidance that pushes you toward your own limits – without ever applying pressure. And Stefan, with his quiet confidence, deep understanding of the sport, and the ability to break down even the most complex concepts in a way that makes perfect sense. His talent for finding the right words at exactly the right moment is unmatched.
Together, they helped me grow – not only as a freediver but as a person. They gave me confidence, encouraged me to see things from a new perspective, and most of all, they showed me how much depth this sport holds – far beyond the physical meters.
Tea – The Master of Clarity
Tea taught me that training doesn’t only happen in the water. Strength, technique, and body awareness are just as crucial as the air in my lungs. And that pool training isn’t just about breath-hold sessions – it’s also about refining movement, streamlining technique, and making every effort count. Her ability to break down complex topics into clear, practical insights and integrate them into a holistic approach gave me an entirely new perspective on training.
Lin – The One Who Made Me Fall in Love with Yin Yoga
Lin gave me something I never expected – a newfound appreciation for yoga. And not just any yoga, but Yin Yoga, which has shown me how essential mindfulness, flexibility, and conscious release are – not only in freediving but in life. This practice will stay with me for a long time and will be complementing my training.
Kostek – The Man Behind the Camera
Every special experience deserves to be captured – and that is exactly what Kostek did, in the most breathtaking way. His photos – snapshots filled with depth, silence, and emotion – are more than just images: they are memories you can feel. His intuition in the water, his sense for composition, and his ability to capture the energy of a moment are truly remarkable. Every image in this article was taken by him – and each one tells a story.
The People Who Made Nafas Min Dahab Truly Special
In the end, it is always the people who make an experience unforgettable. Our small group was more than just a gathering of freedivers. We created a safe space – a place where everyone could be themselves, without pressure, without expectations, in complete authenticity.
We learned from each other, supported each other, challenged each other – but most importantly, we shared the why behind our passion for freediving.
Nafas Min Dahab was not just a camp. It was a chapter in my freediving journey – one that will stay with me forever.
We learned from each other, supported one another, and pushed our limits together – but most importantly, we shared the deep understanding of why we love freediving.
Nafas Min Dahab was not just a camp. It was a chapter in my freediving journey – one that left a lasting impact on me.
Nafas Min Dahab was more than just a camp – it was a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with freediving in the first place.
