Discover your natural freediving ability.
Join the Intro 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 all the techniques you need to dive down to 20 meters in the safest and most comfortable way (you do not need to hit 20 meters/66 feet to pass the class!)
In this course, we will also introduce you to the basics of freediving, including diving without fins and developing your skills to become a safe and reliable freediving buddy.
Your instructor will be emailing you a week before the class to give you the Molchanovs course materials.
INTRODUCTION TO FREEDIVING COURSE OUTLINE
Online Learning
By means of online videos and a course manual, you will learn:
- 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 Session
In this sessions you will learn:
- 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
Two Open Water Sessions
In the open water sessions you can apply all that you have already learnt from the theory and pool sessions!
In open water you will learn:
- Introductions of techniques: Duck dives, body positioning, equalization
- Basic safety and rescue: Buddy and rescue procedures
- Freediving techniques: Free Immersion (FIM) & Constant Weight (CWT) up to 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
Course Schedule and Locations
- Friday 1700-1900
- Online Materials Classroom Review
- Just Get Wet Headquarters, Mission Beach
- Saturday 0645-0930
- Pool instruction (statics, dynamics, technique)
- The Plunge in Mission Beach
- Saturday 1300-1600
- Open water diving (familiarization, technique)
-
Mission Bay
- Sunday 0800-1030
- Open water diving (depth!)
- La Jolla Shores
Our local meetup group will usually be hanging out for a cookout after the class, this is a great opportunity to meet more local freedivers and find good dive buddies!
Equipment requirements
Almost everything can be rented from Just Get Wet! There will be time Friday evening to rent gear for the weekend, total cost is around $80. You will need to pick up your gear prior to class and drop it off afterwords.
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. We offer freediving wetsuit rentals, and you will have time between the classroom and pool portion to rent one if needed. 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 Level 1 Freediver course. We do not accept “split fins” or the full open heel and bootie style. We have fins available for rent if needed.
Weight belt – A rubber weight belt is preferred. A standard webbing weight belt is OK for the Level 1 Freediver course. We have weight belts available for rent if needed
Weights – A selection of 1lb and/or 2lb weights, most people use 5-10lbs. We have weights available for rent if needed
Freediving Computer/Timing Device – If you don’t own a freediving computer (eg. Aeris F10/Suunto D4F) then please bring a waterproof stopwatch for the day 1 afternoon session. Computer not required by any means.
Optional Items – If you are sensitive to the cold water, you may want to consider purchasing some VENTED Docs Pro Plugs.
Throughout your Level 1 Freediver course you will be instructed on what to look for when purchasing new equipment. It is not necessary to buy a new set of equipment prior to your course. However, if there is something you do need/want to purchase then please do not hesitate to call me to get recommendations.
Looking forward to getting out there with you!