Intro to Freediving
Discover your natural freediving ability.
Introduction to FreedivingDuration
3 Days
About
Take the Introduction to Freediving Course with Just Get Wet and you will see how comfortable you can be in the water! You will learn the basics of freediving and the techniques you need to dive down up to 20 meters in a safe and supportive environment. This course includes one classroom, one pool and two open water sessions over the course of a weekend.
Your instructor will email you a week before the class to give you the online course materials ahead of time. Please take the online course prior to showing up to the classroom session! This will give you the best possible experience with the class.
Having experience in the ocean or the pool is very helpful prior to starting this class, though not required. The pool portion of the class must be passed in order to progress to the open water portions.
Note: at least 2 students are required for this course to run
COURSE OUTLINE
Online Learning Curriculum:
Physics and physiological basics of freediving
Relaxation and breathing techniques
Mental techniques/relaxation
Introduction to equalization
Mamalian Dive Reflex
Potential trauma
Multiple choice exam
One Pool Sessions
Pool Training Learning Curriculum:
- Introductions of freediving equipment
- Static breath holds (STA)
- Techniques: Finning technique, body position and turns
- Dynamic diving (DYN)
- Introduction to Dynamic without Fins (DNF)
- Buddy and rescue procedures
Open Water Curriculum:
- Comfort in the ocean
- Practical application of classroom theory
- Practical application of techniques learned in the pool
- Introductions of techniques: Duck dives, body positioning, equalization
- Basic safety and rescue: Buddy and rescue procedures
- Freediving techniques: Free Immersion (FIM) & Constant Weight (CWT) to 12-20m depth.
As a certified Level 1 freediver you will be able to meet the following requirements:
1:30+ min static breath hold
30m diving horizontally in the pool
Diving 12 – 20m depth in open water
Typical Schedule
You will receive a confirmation email from your instructor 1-2 weeks prior to the class which will contain the final information for your course, as well as the online materials you will need to complete prior to beginning the class. While times and locations may very, the following is the typical class schedule:
Friday 5-7PM Classroom, Just Get Wet HQ in Mission Beach
Saturday 0645-0930 Pool Training, The Plunge Mission Beach
Saturday 1000-1200 Classroom, Just Get Wet HQ in Mission Beach (it's a mile long walk, but way better than dealing with parking)
Saturday 1230-1500 Shallow Water Session, Mission Bay
Sunday 0800-1100 Depth Session, La Jolla Shores
Equipment requirements
We have all the gear you will need for this course available for you to rent (with the exception of ear plugs and a dive watch). You will have the option to add rental gear to your order at checkout. If you would like to rent any gear, please show up 30 minutes early to the first day of class to make sure your gear fits properly. It is your responsibility to pick up your gear ahead of time and drop it off at the shop after the completion of the class, which the shop staff will instruct you on.
Mask – A low volume spearfishing/freediving mask. A standard snorkel/scuba mask is OK for the Level 1 Freediver course.
Snorkel – A simple J style snorkel.
Wetsuit – This is your most important piece of equipment. For San Diego, it’s highly recommended to have a 5mm proper spearfishing or freediving two piece, open cell inner/nylon outer suit. If you don’t have access to this suit, then a very well fitting 5mm full neoprene suit, preferably with a hood is OK. A proper freediving suit will positively influence your course experience. You will need your wetsuit for the pool and the open water portion.
Fins – Longblade freediving fins. Standard snorkel/scuba fins are acceptable for the Intro Freediver course. We do not accept “split fins” or the full open heel and bootie style.
Weight belt – A rubber weight belt is preferred. A standard webbing weight belt is OK for the Level 1 Freediver course.
Weights – A selection of 2lb to 4lb weights, most people use ~12lbs.
Optional Items – If you are sensitive to the cold water, you may want to consider purchasing some VENTED Docs Pro Plugs.
Introduction to Freediving