Freediver

This is our introductory course. It is designed for those with no freediving experience whatsoever, from the kids in the family to their grandparents. Anyone interested in getting initiated in freediving should take this simple and enjoyable course. All basic aspects of the sport are introduced in an easy-to-understand manner. Students will learn how to safely use freediving gear, swim on and under the surface, and how to perform easy Apnea (breath-hold) dives. The main goal of the course is to make the interaction with the sea a safe pastime, allowing the students to feel comfortable in what is for many an intimidating environment. This course is intended only as the first step in the diver's formal training, and all Beginner Freedivers are encouraged to continue their education up to the next level.

Requirements:
-All students must be at least 7 years old.
-All students under the age of 18 need parental permission.
-Prior to taking the course, students must fill out the forms "Release of Liability" and "Dive Fitness Evaluation.
-Students must provide their own equipment for the course.

Equipment needed:
-Dive mask
-Snorkel
-Fins
-Wet Suit (optional)
-Snorkeling Vest (if required by instructor*)

Course fees include:
-All training, pool and open water access.
-FREE Beginners Manual and Workbook
-A 100-entry FREEdiving Logbook
-A "Beginner Freediver" certification card and a diploma upon completion of the course.

Course Duration: 1 day/6 hours

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the word "Apnea" mean?
Apnea means the suppression of the respiratory process, or in more simple words, to hold one's breath. So an Apnea dive is nothing more than a breath-hold dive.

So, what's the main difference between snorkeling and freediving?
When you snorkel, you spend most of the time floating at the surface, looking down at the bottom, but performing no Apnea dives under the surface. In freediving, you will do Apnea dives to shallow depths, to see something interesting at close range and then return to the surface. Therefore, freediving is much more difficult than snorkeling, requires specific training and can be potentially more risky.

So, do I have to wear a snorkeling vest to take this course?
The purpose of a snorkeling vest is to ensure the buoyancy of the snorkeler, making sure that he/she can stay on the surface at all times. To perform the Apnea dives associated with freediving, the vest becomes an obstacle and the freediver is not required to wear such vest. However, the freediver still must be able to stay comfortably on the surface at all times without the vest, being able to dive only by overcoming his/her natural positive buoyancy. If a student is unable to stay afloat on the surface then he/she will be required to wear a snorkeling vest or a wet suit by the instructor. In some cases, if such equipment is not available or the student is still not able to maintain positive buoyancy on the surface, the instructor may dismiss the student from the course.

Do I need any special gear for the course, like those long fins or tiny masks I see around?
No, any type of mask, snorkel and fins will do, as long as they fit properly and comply with minimum standards. Specialized equipment like long blade fins or low volume masks are not needed for this course and should only be worn by experienced freedivers.

So if my parents don't come with me to the course, can I still take it?
Yes, you can. However, your parents will have to sign a "Parental Permission" form on your behalf if you are younger than 18 years of age. The release must be signed in front of our instructor.

Can I be excluded from the course for health reasons, and do I need clearance from a doctor if I have a certain condition or I am old?
All students need to fill out a "Dive Fitness Evaluation " form at the start of the course. This form lists a number of conditions/diseases that may be potentially dangerous for freediving. If you suffer from any of those, then you will need to get clearance from a physician before taking the course. Age in itself is not a factor to take the course, although all students older than 60 years of age will need a clearance from a physician. To take a look at the Dive Fitness form, click on the link "Dive Fitness Evaluation".