About Blue Alchemy Freediving

Freediving as Alchemy

Alchemy is an ancient philosophical tradition focused on transformation—the purification, growth, and perfection of matter and man. Alchemists dedicated their lives to turning raw elements into their highest form.

At Blue Alchemy Freediving, we take the same approach. Freediving is a form of alchemy. It transforms the practitioner—physically, mentally, and emotionally—over time. Our goal is to help each diver evolve, becoming more knowledgeable, capable, and connected with themselves and the water.

Our Training Approach

We combine the best of two globally respected freediving systems in one course:

  • Performance Freediving International (PFI) – known for its gold-standard safety, inclusivity, and deep training culture.

  • Molchanovs Freediving – focused on progressive base training and continuous self-improvement.

This blended approach gives you the strongest foundation in safety while supporting skill development at every level—from beginners to performance athletes.

Why We Dive

All freedivers are chasing something: greater depth, longer breath-holds, or that one perfect moment beneath the surface. But at Blue Alchemy, we believe there’s a deeper truth behind it all.

“We are searching for something.”

With each dive, we grow. We strip away what doesn’t serve us. We confront pressure and stillness alike. And in that quiet space, we move toward both inner and outer perfection—the kind only found where the intrepid dare to look.

Freediver descending underwater along a rope in a blue wetsuit.
Woman in black swimsuit swimming underwater, reaching toward the surface.

About Nate Leazer

Nate Leazer is the founder and lead instructor of Blue Alchemy Freediving. While he’s long been passionate about the water, his journey into freediving began unexpectedly in 2015, when the dive shop where he worked—Coral Edge Adventures—needed someone to lead their freediving program. Already an experienced SCUBA instructor, Nate took the opportunity to train and immerse himself in a new discipline. He had no idea it would change the course of his life.

He started with the PFI Freediver course under Ren and Ashley Chapman, where he discovered both a natural ability and a deep personal connection to freediving. During his first static breath-hold, he reached 5:32—but it was a freedive to The Hyde wreck, surrounded by Sand Tiger sharks, that truly hooked him. The stillness, beauty, and power of that moment left a lasting mark.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to teach at the highest level, Nate pursued advanced training:

  • SSI Freediver Instructor Program with Nick Fazah – a rigorous course combining classroom theory, depth training, and daily teaching presentations.

  • PFI Intermediate Freediver course with Ted Harty – where he advanced his technique and pushed his static breath-hold to 6:03, deepening his understanding of freediving as both skill and craft.

  • PFI Advanced Freediver course in Hawaii with Jessea Lu, followed by the Instructor Program with Kirk Krack – an intensive training experience that marked a turning point in both his teaching and competition journey.

That same year, Nate entered his first competition: Déjà Blue 08. The spark to teach had become a fire to compete.

Since then, Nate has continued to push his limits—his current static breath-hold exceeds 8 minutes and 30 seconds, a testament to his deep commitment to the art and science of freediving. In 2021, he earned a place on the USA Freediving Team, representing the country at the national level while continuing to teach and mentor others.

Today, Nate blends science, psychology, and breathwork into his teaching, helping students navigate both the water and themselves. Whether you’re just learning to equalize or chasing a national record, his approach remains the same: calm, focused, and grounded in transformation.