The Journey Of A Freediver: With Red Ambassador Luca Malaguti

The journey of a freediver

For many, spearfishing and freediving are more than just hobbies—they are transformative experiences that offer a deep connection to the ocean and the natural world. For one seasoned freediver and spearfisherman, this journey began long before he knew what freediving even was. It was a path shaped by near-death experiences, a desire to harvest food sustainably, and a profound connection with the ocean.

Spearfishing, for Red Ambassador, for Luca Malaguti, was a natural evolution—something he began exploring with his sister while she was living in the Caribbean. He recalls, “Before I knew how to freedive, I just decided to go out and try to catch food. I became strongly connected to the idea of harvesting my own fish.” It wasn’t long before spearfishing became more than just a way to gather food.

It grew into a passion he could share with others, taking people on expeditions that intertwined the excitement of catching fish with the satisfaction of sustainable, ethical hunting.

Through these “tide-to-table” adventures, Luca has inspired countless others to reconnect with the source of their food, showing them how to do so in a responsible and respectful way. This combination of adventure and sustainability has become central to his practice, emphasising that spearfishing is more than just a sport—it’s a way to engage with nature that honors the ecosystem.

Though spearfishing came first, Luca’s journey truly deepened when he experienced a life-altering surfing accident in Costa Rica. A dangerous swell nearly claimed his life, and the trauma of the experience left him with an intense fear of the ocean. “I almost died in a very dangerous swell,” he recounts. “I shouldn’t have walked out. When they pulled me out, the guy was really surprised. He said a month ago, someone in the same situation didn’t make it.”

The incident left him dealing with survivor’s guilt, depression, and a fear of returning to the water. However, through breathwork, freediving, and an intentional reconnection with his body and emotions, he found his way back. “Freediving helped me regain the trust and confidence I needed,” he says. This healing process not only allowed him to return to the water but transformed the ocean from a place of fear to a space of profound connection and purpose.

Freediving, which started as a way for him to heal, has since become a core part of his identity. More than just a sport or a hobby, it has become a spiritual practice, a way of life. “I always say freediving is
more about freedom,” he explains. “It’s about connecting with the simple things in life, connecting back to yourself.”

For many, the ocean is a place of mystery and even fear, stemming from generational trauma, cultural stories, or personal experiences such as near-drowning or frightening moments in the water. Luca acknowledges that these fears are real, but he emphasises that freediving can help break down those barriers. “There’s a disconnection with water because we always see what’s above the surface,” he says. “Freediving teaches us that it’s in our DNA. It shows you a whole different world that exists beneath the waterline.”

Freediving is about discovering this hidden world, and for Luca, it’s about sharing that discovery with others—helping them overcome their own fears and reconnect with the ocean in a new way.

Safety is paramount for anyone venturing into the water, particularly for freedivers and spearfishers who often push their physical and mental limits. Luca highlights the importance of preparation, especially when it comes to gear. “Safety is number one,” he insists. “You need high-quality gear that keeps you warm and comfortable in the water.”

In the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest, staying warm and maintaining homeostasis is crucial to a safe and enjoyable experience. He highlights the importance of a good wetsuit, waterproof bags, and other gear that ensures both safety and comfort. With the right equipment, freedivers can focus on their surroundings, stay longer in the water, and ultimately improve their skills.

Spearfishing and freediving aren’t just about catching fish—they’re also about exploration. Luca spends most of his time in the Pacific Northwest region of Canada, with its stunning coastlines, diverse marine life, and commitment to sustainability, is a premier destination for freediving and spearfishing enthusiasts seeking unforgettable underwater adventures In the Pacific Northwest, covering large areas of water is essential to not only experience the full diversity of marine life but also to remain ethical and sustainable in the hunt. “You want to see the diversity of the underwater marine ecology,” Luca explains. “You take a bit of perch, some rockfish, maybe one ling cod, and a few scallops or sea urchins. It’s all about balance and sustainability.” But it’s not just about the catch.

It’s also about expanding your knowledge and understanding of the environment. Freediving across different locations helps him witness the evolution of marine ecosystems, making him something of a “first responder” to environmental changes. “It keeps it fun and exciting, and it allows for a greater expansion of discovery”. Whether it’s navigating a new area by paddleboard or planning a point-to-point freediving expedition, this freediver thrives on the challenge and the sense of adventure.

For those interested in freediving or spearfishing but who may have reservations or fears, Luca’s advice is simple: start with a solid education. “It’s like the backcountry skiing of water sports,” he explains. “You wouldn’t go into the backcountry without the proper skills, and the same goes for freediving and spearfishing.”

Getting the right education and acquiring the right gear are essential first steps, he stresses that neither should be taken lightly. “It’s your life, it’s your adventure. Don’t cheap out on your education or your equipment.”

Once you’ve taken those first steps, though, the possibilities are endless. Freediving and spearfishing become more than just outdoor activities—they become a way to heal, connect with nature, and build lasting relationships with others. “When I see people connecting through freediving and spearfishing, especially around food and hunting together, it’s the most beautiful thing. People heal, and it’s really beautiful to watch.”

This freediver’s journey—from trauma and fear to a deep reconnection with the ocean—offers an inspiring example of the transformative power of the water. Through education, preparation, and respect for the ocean, anyone can embark on their own tide-to-table adventure and discover the beauty beneath the waterline.