
Photo Credit: Leslie Kennah, Rhizome Media
BOARD MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS
AIDA Canada Board of Directors, elected February 24, 2019 and current volunteers.
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Board Members
ROBERTA CENEDESE
President
Vancouver
Roberta has been a mainstay of the Vancouver freediving community for over 15 years. One of the original founders of AIDA Canada and former president of the Vancouver Apneist Club, she has organized competitions - inlcuding Nationals - and training and recreational outings. Currently she teaches AIDA and PADI freediving courses in the Vancouver area and organizes annual pool and depth competitions in Vancouver. She is committed to the development of the sport of freediving across Canada.
FRANCOIS
LEDUC
Vice President
Montreal
Former President of Club d’Apnée Sportive de Montréal (CASM), François has taught several courses, overseen training and organized many competitions, recreational outings and special events. He is a mentor and teacher to many and is an important leader in the Quebec freediving community. His leadership skills are an asset to this organization.
JILLIAN RUTLEDGE
Secretary
Vancouver Island
Jillian was a marine mammal trainer for 12 years and learned to breathe and dive like dolphins. For several years she crewed on a liveaboard boat in the Bahamas specializing in freediving and interacted respectfully with dolphins. She has trained with some of the world’s top athletes such as Umberto Pelizzari, Sara Campbell, Emma Farrell, Mike Maric and William Trubridge. In 2012, she became an instructor with Apnea Academy in Sharm el Sheikh. She is a life and performance coach, utilizing breath techniques, intuitive and experiential learning to enhance awareness, skills and techniques. Her specialty is recreational freediving certifications while diving with marine animals on adventure retreats in the Bahamas and Hawaii.
JOSHUA BEARDEN
Treasurer
Halifax
Joshua Bearden recently began formal dive training and joined Halifax Freediving Club as a founding member. Joshua believes that the sport of freediving has the potential to increase our awareness and appreciation for our oceans and transform our relationship with the planet. Joining the board of AIDA is a way to contribute to its growth and acceptance in Canada.
Volunteers
JEAN-
CHRISTOPHE
PELLETIER
Volunteer Translator
Montreal
Jean-Christophe made the switch from an avid snorkeler to a freediver in 2016 after hearing the call of the deep during a trip in the Caribbean. Ever since he has enjoyed the camaraderie that surrounds the sport and keeps finding new places to dive with his buddies in Québec. He also helps translate AIDA Canada's communications in french.
Interested in volunteering with AIDA Canada? Let us know what skills you can offer.