Santa Marta, Colombia

Carlos was born in Tumaco, a small town on Colombia’s Pacific coast and and raised in the city of Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast. At the age of 9, he had his first encounter with the underwater world when his father introduced him to scuba diving, and at the age of 10, he discovered spearfishing and freediving. He became fascinated with sea creatures, especially dolphins. His father encouraged him and often gave him National Geographic books and videos. He also loved Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s books and films. One day Carlos’s father gave him a gift that would have a lasting, deep impact on his connection to the ocean: Luc Besson’s Le Grand Bleu. Carlos has never stopped being inspired by the ocean — he has set national freediving records for Colombia, is a freediving instructor trainer and is the founder of the Delphinus Freediving Club.

WHY I LOVE THE OCEAN:

I believe the ocean is the most important force and element in our planet. Our very survival relies on it and people don’t seem to realize its crucial importance. I think I have the potential and responsibility to bring attention and awareness to our oceans through what I do. When I am freediving, I have a total sense of awareness of self and also the universe around me — total mindfulness. Freediving offers a unique and authentic connection to the ocean and its creatures and it’s almost impossible not to put all of your heart into trying to defend and protect it all.

HOW I STARTED SCUBA DIVING AND FREEDIVING:

I’ve always lived by the sea. It all started with my father’s books and magazines about the underwater world (he’s a retired commercial diver), and then at the age of 9, I went scuba diving for the first time. It was fascinating and one of the best things (if not the best) that ever happened to me during my childhood. But it wasn’t possible to scuba as often as I wanted to, so my father introduced me to freediving, initially through spearfishing and snorkeling.

WHO I ADMIRE:

My father first of all. But also the texts and works of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Carl Sagan and Jane Goodall. Bruce Lee was not only an exceptional athlete but also philosopher and thinker, and for me, the same also applies to the great Muhammad Ali.

WHEN I’M NOT FREEDIVING:

I love cooking, especially for my family and friends. I definitely enjoy spending as much time as I can with those close to my heart. I find sailing fascinating and I’m learning how to do it. Traveling to me is always fantastic and I just love to do it anytime I have the chance. Photography, playing guitar and spearfishing are also great.

MY FAVORITE CRESSI GEAR:

My Free two-piece blue wetsuit by far, but also the Nano mask. I’m looking forward to getting a pair of Gara Modular Carbon fins.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CRESSI OCEAN AMBASSADOR:

I have always felt respect and admiration for the brand. I became familiar with it when I was a child. When I heard about Jacques Mayol and Umberto Pelizzari, I was totally impressed by the support from Cressi to their careers and their mutual alliance. During a national diving convention in September 2014 in Bogota, I met in person with David Guzman [Cressi’s director of Central and South America Sales] and Lenner Ospina [Our CEO]. I remember feeling proud and happy when I was told I would be a Cressi Ambassador. I knew from that moment I was simply going to give it my best and I continue to do that today.