Winter Newsletter from Deep Zen Meditation and Freediving
- Zemonk Kosho
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Chers internautes,
j'espère que vous êtes tous en pleine forme et que votre saison s'est passée comme vous le vouliez.
Avant de passer au news proprement dites, je fais vite un petit retour sur cette année écoulée.
Life in Sharm el Sheikh, Deep Zen Meditation & Freediving
Around a hundred students have passed through my humble little school in Sharm el Sheikh this year. Most stayed for a few days, others for a week, and still others for a quick introduction to the most basic fundamentals.
It's an invaluable privilege to be able to share my passion and make a living from it. I congratulate everyone who has come to train or learn here.
My small, monastic business of teaching freediving and Zen, all by myself under the lighthouse of the City of Peace, is still going strong. Try it out now...
Contact Kosho Loïc Vuillemin
2025 Competition Season
I only participated in one competition in 2025, the Freediving World Cup as usual, and it had been a while since I'd competed without setting a national record. Miraculously—and I say that because I can't really explain it—I emerged victorious at overall and therefore won the competition. I wasn't expecting it; my scores weren't my best, but I'm happy... lots of medals, yay... and a pair of fins that do the job perfectly for everyday use (except for one of my left toes getting brutally tortured). One competition, one victory... short and sweet.
Support Season 2026
Boudry Masterweek 2025, second edition
Once again, it went incredibly well. We were completely in tune with the weather, and everything ran like clockwork from start to finish... I just had to loose my camera afterward, so I don't have any great photos to share with you.
We never tire of watching the video edited by Alex from the second edition. It was, is, and will be fantastic, and as you'll read below, we're doing it again in 2026!!!
Masterweek Boudry 2026
A Visit to the Zen Temple of Caroux
I had the opportunity to visit my temple during the summer for a retreat. I needed to speak with the council of elders, from whom I was seeking answers regarding the possibility of renting the temple to host an event. This has now been accomplished, and this visit may have opened many doors to a bright future, which I'll tell you more about later...
The Death of the Master...
On the first day of autumn, the nun Myokan informed me of the death of my master, friend, and spiritual father, the great Zen master Taigen Kosen Roshi, the 83rd patriarch of the Dharma lineage. He was 75 years old. I am devastated by this news and now find myself thrust into a world that requires much adjustment. Words to honor him will come. Absolute and undoubtedly... such is the Dharma.
November at Deep Zen Meditation & Freediving: Rush Hour
No days off this November! I'm happy to be serving the cause of freediving and meeting so many wonderful people. This time it was truly packed, and I learned just as much about maintaining a daily balance with a job that demands so much both physically and mentally. Low-cost airlines and hotels alike were all on the ball, and many Europeans and Brits opted for an easily accessible, sunny destination that still has natural wonders to offer. So, if you're thinking of coming in November 2026, don't forget to book well in advance. Take a look at the Deep Zen calendar.
Agenda Deep Zen
Projects for 2026
Late Winter/Early Spring 2026 at Deep Zen Meditation & Freediving, Sharm el Sheikh
A few people have already asked about my availability, some are already registered, and it seems there might be a bit of a rush to Sharm el Sheikh for February 2026. The water temperature is still perfectly acceptable (see below), 22°C with no thermocline, and visibility is still 20m+. What's more, it's the season for low-cost flights returning and the off-season for hotels, so it's a great opportunity. Coming to complete your AIDA4 or instructor course, starting depth training a little earlier than others to be in top form for summer... that's the idea behind coming to Sharm el Sheikh in winter. It's quieter, and therefore you can dive more peacefully.
It's good to have your own 5mm wetsuit, since the sessions can sometimes be quite long.
So, the word is out! This could turn into a special event in a few days, so stay tuned for the announcement of possible "February Training Weeks." In any case, you can already contact me and register for training sessions, AIDA courses for all levels, exploration and/or photography sessions... Everything to help you progress in freediving while maintaining optimal safety margins.
Deep Zen Registrations
Freediving World Cup May 2026
I will be participating in the May edition of the Freediving World Cup, which will take place in Sharm el Sheikh from the 12th to the 19th. I would like to improve the Swiss national records, especially in the FIM category, and hopefully achieve the No Fins (CNF) one, which has so far eluded me. I haven't given up yet, but I also don't want to spend my life playing the gladiator of the deep. I sincerely hope that the scores I achieve during this competition will serve as a catalyst for liberation.
Support this project
Variable Weight Training (VWT) and Record Attempt
Well-trained and ready to reach new depths, I'd like to start variable weight training immediately after the competition. I'll be fully acclimatized and will therefore save a lot of time adapting to the depth. The record to beat is -132m, which is definitely achievable. The biggest problem will be money, because to break such a record, I'll need a lot. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my requests are well received and I'm counting on your support.
Support this project
Sponsorship Proposal 2026
Here you will find various documents that I send to potential sponsors, patrons, and donors. I encourage you to review them and, if the opportunity arises, to discuss this project with anyone who might be interested. I will soon be launching a crowdfunding campaign to support the realization of this project.
Download this document
Download this document
Masterweek 2026 in Boudry, Switzerland (NE)
The dates are set and bookings are now open! You can find all the information at this link:
July 27 to August 2, 2026
Masterweek Boudry 2026 Registrations
AIDA World Championships 2026
The AIDA World Championships are always a big gamble. Getting there and putting up a good fight requires not only money but also time... quite a lot of time. Insiders have announced they will be held in Cyprus again. This means traveling there as soon as possible to train and acclimatize to the local conditions. Without outside financial support, it's simply not feasible. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for a miracle.
AIDA World Championship Results:
2019 - Villefranche-sur-Mer, France - 9th place CNF
2024 - Ajaccio, Corsica, France - 7th place CNF, 7th place CWTB, 6th place CWT, 8th place FIM - 5th overall
Palmares Kosho Loïc Vuillemin
And then what? ... News from the more distant future
Group equipment purchases for clubs? Some great shopping deals...
Leaderfins: High-Quality Freediving Equipment at Affordable Prices
It's true that it's hard to beat Leaderfins value for money. When you're starting out in freediving, you don't necessarily want to break the bank to buy fins that are of a higher quality than plastic blades.
Leaderfins offers a wide range of fiberglass and carbon fiber blades at very attractive prices. I often recommend this option to students and am now a reseller for the brand. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to take advantage of even better offers or make group purchases.
Leaderfins
FreeXperience: Top-of-the-line safety lanyards and nose clips
FreeXperience is undoubtedly my most loyal sponsor. I met Kimmo Lahtinen in 2019 at the World Championships in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Since then, he has supported me with his impeccable equipment, both for everyday use and during competitions: safety lanyards and nose clips are his specialties. Top quality for flawless safety. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to take advantage of special offers or make group purchases.
FreeXperience
June 2027 - Deep Zen Retreat at the Caroux Zen Temple
As I mentioned earlier, I will be able to rent the temple that I helped found and of which I was the caretaker for many years. From May 31st to June 6th, 2027, I will be organizing the highly anticipated Deep Zen Retreat at the Caroux Zen Temple, located in Regional Natural Park of the Haut-Languedoc in southern France (34). Mark your calendars and don't miss it! More information will be coming soon.
Partners
Thank you to everyone who has supported me, whether recently or since the beginning. Your help is invaluable and I appreciate it as much as I need it.
That's all for now. I look forward to seeing you train here this winter, and I'll also appreciate your support for my projects as much as hearing about your successes. Thank you so much for reading this newsletter, I wish you all the best for the end of the year. Stay healthy and take care!
See you next year...
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