Konstantin Novikov was born in Podolsk. He graduated from the Biology Department of Moscow State University, specialising in cell physiology and immunology, and in 2001 defended his PhD thesis in cytology.
He took up freediving at the age of 16 through spearfishing. He later moved into teaching — first as a scuba diving instructor, then as a freediving instructor.
— How did you become an Apnea Academy instructor?
I trained under instructor Yulia Petrik, and then in 2008 took part in an international Apnea Academy instructor course. It is the world's largest international freediving school, founded by the legendary Umberto Pelizzari.
— What does "passing the standards isn't enough" mean?
Apnea Academy has a distinctive approach to teaching. Simply diving to a certain depth or holding your breath for the required time is not sufficient. What matters is understanding the sea, feeling it, loving it. Freediving is not just a sport — it is a philosophy. It is about overcoming your own fears, laziness, and weakness.
— How is success measured in freediving?
It's different for everyone. Some measure it by depth achievements, others by the number of students they have taught, and others by an inner sense of harmony with the water.
— Which dives have stayed with you the most?
Every dive is unforgettable in its own way — whether it's a training session, a solo dive, or time spent with like-minded people. But the moments that stand out most are when you watch a student overcome their fear for the first time and discover the underwater world for themselves.
The White Sea, where Konstantin has been working in recent years, has become his second home. Its Arctic waters set demanding conditions for any freediver — cold, darkness, and currents. But the reward is equally great: the underwater world of the White Sea is strikingly beautiful and diverse.
