JGW Junior Beginner Freediver Course

Open-water only | Ages 8–15 | $350 per student

This is a Just Get Wet custom course and is not a freediving certification program. Our youth curriculum was developed in collaboration with staff who have backgrounds as middle and high school teachers, swim instructors, lifeguards, and freediving instructors. The program focuses on age-appropriate freediving skills, ocean safety, confidence, and exploration.

This course is designed for experienced swimmers and snorkelers with a high level of comfort in the ocean. Please call or email us if you're unsure whether your child is ready for the course.

During the school year, Junior Freediving Classes are offered by demand only. Availability is not guaranteed due to limited instructor availability during the off-season.

About the Course

Our Junior Freediving Course introduces kids to freediving in a fun and safety-focused environment.

Students will work on water confidence, swimming and finning skills, relaxation and mental techniques, breath awareness, and the foundational skills needed to explore the underwater world.

Throughout the course, we'll introduce the basics of freediving theory and practice skills including:

• Duck diving
• Equalization basics
• Efficient finning and body positioning
• Free Immersion (pulling down and up a dive line)
• Constant Weight diving (finning along a dive line)
• Buddy and water-safety skills
• Exploring and learning about our local marine habitats

We do not push children to achieve specific breath-hold times or depths. All diving stays within each student's individual comfort level. The goal is to develop good technique, confidence, safety awareness, and a positive relationship with freediving, not to chase numbers.

At age 16, students become eligible to register for our Molchanovs adult freediving certification courses.

Prerequisites

Students should have:

• A high level of comfort swimming in the ocean
• Previous snorkeling experience
• Familiarity with a mask, snorkel, wetsuit, and fins
• The ability to comfortably participate in several hours of open-water activities

This is not a learn-to-swim or introductory snorkeling class. If you're unsure whether your child meets the prerequisites, please contact us before registering.

Schedule

Exact schedules and locations may vary depending on class size, age group, and ocean conditions.

Day 1 — Mission Point Park

8:00 AM–12:30 PM

• 8:00 AM — Drop-off
• 8:00–10:00 AM — Dry Skills & Open Water Session 1
• 10:00–10:30 AM — Snack/Rest Break
• 10:30 AM–12:00 PM — Fun Dive
• 12:00 PM — Pick-up

Day 2 — La Jolla Shores

8:00 AM–12:30 PM

• 8:00 AM — Drop-off
• 8:00–10:00 AM — Dry Skills & Open Water Session 2
• 10:00–10:30 AM — Snack/Rest Break
• 10:30 AM–12:00 PM — Leopard Shark/Reef Dive
• 12:00 PM — Pick-up

What to Bring

Dive Gear

• Wetsuit (5mm recommended)
• Mask & snorkel
• Fins
• Weight belt and appropriate dive weights
• Towel poncho, changing robe, or warm clothes for between sessions

Students are welcome to bring their own gear. If you need equipment, please contact us ahead of the course so we can help determine what is available.

Other Essentials

• Water bottle
• Plenty of snacks
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Towel
• Warm, dry clothes

Because this is an open-water course, locations and activities may be adjusted based on ocean and weather conditions.