A man in a wetsuit holding a rope while floating in the water near a lush green mountainous coastline under a partly cloudy sky.

Meet Drew

Drew Herrick is the founder and lead instructor at One Breath Adventures. He has more than 15 years of experience working in the dive industry and has been teaching freediving since 2016. Drew uses his background in Adventure Education to create safe opportunities for clients to grow, both as individuals and as advocates for our oceans. He is a Freediving Master Instructor, certified Competition Safety Diver, athlete, underwater photographer, and an Oxygen Advantage Advanced Breathwork Instructor. Drew teaches courses through AIDA and SSI, including swimming, snorkeling, freediving of all levels, CPR/First Aid/O2/AED, and Marine Ecology. To date, his longest breath-hold is 6’22 and his deepest dive is to 76m(250ft).

When not in the water, you’ll find Drew on his mountain bike, hiking the mountains of Colorado, or enjoying a craft beer with friends or family.

  • Freediving is the most natural way to explore the underwater world. With minimal gear, freedom of movement, no noise or bubbles, we can have far more intimate encounters with wildlife. Regular freediving reduces stress, builds bodily awareness, and improves breath control.

  • AIDA (International Association for the Development of Apnea) is the largest organizer of freediving competitions and among the first to develop standardized freediving education (est. 1992). AIDA has the highest instructor standards and their certifications are recognized internationally.

  • Getting certified ensures you learn how to participate in the sport safely and can accelerate your progress. Holding a certification allows you to take more advanced courses, join organized training sessions, and participate in freediving trips around the world.

    • Complete the online reading material prior to your first classroom session.

    • Try your gear in a pool if you have never worn it before. You don’t want to discover your gear doesn’t fit during your first course.

    • Your instructor may reach out with additional recommendations depending on the course.

  • In all courses, students are expected to have their own mask, snorkel, and fins. Freediving specific gear is not necessary, but is recommended to make skills easier. Additional gear may be required for advanced courses. Contact us if you need gear recommendations or have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • That’s normal! Remember freediving is a personal journey and the training is progressive — you’ll start in shallow water and learn relaxation and breath control at your own pace.

  • Most people can learn advanced equalization techniques with proper instruction and practice, but if you have chronic issues, it’s best to consult a doctor before diving.

  • Drew has been training and teaching freediving for over 10 years and in multiple countries. His experience and passion come through with some of the most comprehensive freediving education available. At One Breath Adventures, we’re not chasing certifications; our priority is connecting people to the water for healthier lifestyles and a healthier planet.

  • We selfishly love the mountains! More than anything, we feel a great sense of purpose and responsibility to help connect land-locked people to the water.

  • Of course! Private courses and coaching are very popular. Traveling to support larger group may be possible. Contact us for details!

Testimonials

  • "Drew completely transformed my perception of freediving—I went from fearing the ocean to being deeply curious and connected to it. Now, I can hold my breath up to four minutes, surpassing my expectations, and the experience gave me a profound, almost magical relationship with the water. Drew’s professionalism ensured I felt safe at every step, and I’d recommend his courses to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, supportive guide to unlock their potential underwater."

    Chris W

  • "I cannot recommend freediving with Drew highly enough! He is a skilled and patient instructor, meeting each student exactly where they are, whether that’s at 3 meters or 30. His passion for the ocean and for this sport is contagious. Freediving has unlocked new understandings of myself and my nervous system that I could never have expected, and I’m deeply grateful for Drew’s support during this journey!"

    Sarah R

  • "Learning to freedive has been an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience, and I’m so grateful to have Drew as an instructor! A journey that started in a pool in Colorado has given me a new way to explore the world, more competency and safety in the water, and a deeper connection the ocean. At every step, Drew has provided a safe and comfortable learning environment and made it all so much fun! What surprised me most about freediving was how much the training benefits carry over onto land, helping me feel more relaxed and resilient in day-to-day activities."

    Jim B

  • "Drew is a fantastic freediving instructor! He is super knowledgeable about all aspects of the sport and teaches about the physiology of freediving, proper technique, and safety protocols. He's also a competitive freediver and is a great coach!"

    Ashleigh B

  • "Training and traveling with Drew have led to some of the best, most memorable experiences of my life! I used to be really intimidated around water, but Drew’s deep understanding of how our bodies respond to breath holds and depth, along with his focus on safe and responsible diving, have made me feel more comfortable and confident in the water than I ever have before. He’s also a fantastic guide and his dive trips perfectly balance challenging training sessions with relaxation and fun. Whatever your goals are for freediving, Drew will make sure you are set up for success!"

    JinYoung B