#177 | Olavi Paananen | Under Ice

Olavi Paananen is a Finnish entrepreneur who recently broke the CMAS World Record for freediving under ice, without a wetsuit.In this episode we discuss:Olavi lives in Espoo and was born in Iisalmi, Finland. Donny also used to live in Finland!Olavi dived 165 metres under ice with bifins to earn a world record!His dad worked in a swimming pool and Olavi spent hours every week there.He did his first freediving course in Finland and worked up to instructor level and took part in some competitions.The depth season in Finland: Baltic Sea, quarries and lakes.Question from Patreon supporter Frannie about why he does this and also from Michaela Werner.David Blane went to Finland.Olavi explains the set up of the Ice Challenge Finland 2026 competition in which his latest record was set.Video of Olavi diving under ice.Extremely high safety standards for diving under ice.A rescue situation on a 110m under ice DNF dive.About the team that supports Olavi.Talking about Iiris Ala-olla performing static without a suit in freezing water.Olavi explains his pre-dive routine, before getting under the ice.How is he feeling during the surface protocol?Post-dive saunas on skis.How does Olavi train for such a demanding dive?Question from Patreon supporter Emile about the health-benefits of cold-water immersion.Donny reminisces about his time spent in Finland.What kind of complementary training does Olavi do out of the water?About blood-flow restriction training, Kaatsu.How seriously does he take his nutrition and supplementation?Question from Patreon supporter Jack about fundiving in cold water.There will be another Ice Challenge Finland in 2027.DESERT ISLAND QUESTIONS | Patreon Exclusive Content.Why does he freedive?For all episodes of The Freedive Cafe Podcast, information about freediving courses, coaching, workshops and retreats in Dahab, Egypt, visit www.truedepthfreediving.comTo support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/freedivecafe