In the BR program freizeit, presenter Schmidt Max visited us at Freediving El Hierro and took a diving course with Karsten Mohr. His special trip takes him to the westernmost island in Europe – El Hierro. Away from mass tourism, he not only dives into breathtaking landscapes, but also deep into the water – on an apnea course with Karsten Mohr, freediving coach and dropout with heart.
The TV report was broadcast on 28.11.2019 by Bayerischer Rundfunk.
Language of the TV report: German.
Unknown Canary Island: On the road on El Hierro with Schmidt Max (1/2) | freizeit | BR
Here is the link to the report in the ARD media library:
(Below you will find an AI-generated summary of the program :
Dive into a new world
Even the journey there makes it clear: El Hierro is not a destination for a quick all-inclusive vacation. The small volcanic island in the Atlantic is wild, pristine – and offers just the right conditions for anyone looking for tranquillity, nature and depth. This is exactly where Karsten Mohr, a native of Bavaria, lives and has made freediving his way of life.
His motto: “Sink positive” – into the depths with joy and awareness.
Apnea – the most natural diving in the world
For Karsten, apnoea is not an extreme sport, but a return to something more primal. Our bodies are made for holding our breath – just like whales, dolphins or seals. In his course, Max not only learns technique, but also attitude: letting go, relaxing, feeling inside yourself.
“Freediving is only possible with inner peace. It’s not about fighting, it’s about enjoying.”
Technology meets depth
Karsten clearly explains how pressure equalization works, how to breathe in a targeted manner and how to understand the twitching of the diaphragm as a helpful signal – not as an alarm. Step by step, he introduces Max to the experience of holding his breath for over two minutes – with ease.
A piece of Bavaria in the Atlantic
Away from the water, Max discovers the diverse community on the island: German dropouts, organic winegrowers, pretzel bakers – and the smallest hotel in the world. Karsten tells how his wife once bought a plot of land and he simply “followed with his heart” – first in a tent, then all the way to the island.
“It was like falling in love – nobody does it rationally, but it was still the right thing to do.”
A paradise for the sea and people
El Hierro is not only a diving paradise with marine reserves, but also a UNESCO biosphere reserve – with an honest commitment to sustainability. Karsten lives and teaches exactly that: diving in respect and connection with nature.
In quiet natural pools, the “charcos”, Max finds ideal conditions for his first attempts at breathing underwater – protected and full of fish life. And that’s just the beginning: Karsten promises more free dives into the vastness, magical caves and wild lava fields.
Conclusion: More than just a course – an experience for life
Karsten’s apnea course is not an adventure for adrenaline junkies, but an invitation: Pause, breathe, marvel. El Hierro offers the perfect stage for this – Karsten Mohr provides the knowledge, the peace and the passion.