Evolve Freediving was founded in 2009 by Ren and Ashley Chapman.  The couple began freediving sometime around the summer of 2007.  Ren was captivated watching his friends shoot down to the bottom of the ocean (50 ft at the time) unassisted by Scuba gear.  He became a bit obsessed and tried mastering the art of freediving.  After floundering around, unable to get much past 30 ft, he and a friend decided to take a formal freediving course. 

It was at this time that Ren thought it appropriate to infect his future wife, Ashley, with the freediving bug.  Ren, Ashley and a friend of theirs traveled to the Cayman Islands to take an Intermediate level freediving course through Performance Freediving International (PFI) .  After the four day course, the Chapmans, who could not reach more than 50 ft on one breath, were now shooting down to 132 ft and holding their breath upwards of 5’15”!  Astounded by the results the Chapmans dedicated themselves to becoming freedive instructors, competitors, safety divers, and accomplished underwater videographers and spearos. 

Since their humble beginning, Ashley has gone on to hold three national records in the discipline of Constant Weight No Fins.  She has also traveled around the world to compete at an international level.  Ren has been contracted by several organizations for his safety freediver and videography skills.