Do you know what the mammalian dive reflex (MDR) is? Do you understand the difference between hyperventilation and tidal breathing? Could you briefly explain Boyle's Law? Would you know how to save someone's life if you saw them blow out the air left in their lungs and begin to sink below the surface, unconscious? I don't want to scare you if you're reading this, but if someone is diving outside their limits, this could become a reality.
If you answered no to any of those questions then starting with a level 1 course is absolutely going to be beneficial for you! If you already know all these answers, but still haven't taken a proper course, read my other blog coming next week - why the advanced freediver needs training.
Freediving is an incredible sport. A time for your mind and body to relax. Truly, how often does your mind become quiet or focused? We’re always consumed with our phones, schedules, who to message next, or what we’re eating later. Spending time in the ocean and diving is that time to relax. Whether you want to dive for competition, spearfishing, underwater photography, or just for fun, beginning with a class is the best place to start and will benefit your diving journey, wherever it takes you!
What you will learn.
A course will give you confidence, knowledge, and a better breath hold. Trust me, you can hold your breath longer than you think! I would say the majority of students are terrified of the static breath hold coming into the class. But, after a few hours of talking about the science of breathing, oxygen, how to breathe, and what to do or think about while holding your breath, you will amaze yourself with how long you can comfortably hold your breath! More than once I have had a nervous level 1 student who was scared about performing a static breath hold. Later in the day, after learning more, they easily did a 3:45 hold or longer and were filled with confidence moving forward!
Other topics we will discuss: how to equalize, what is visualization, diving injuries, the history of the sport, gear and how to use it, weighting properly, the buddy system for depth and dynamics, the psychology of a breath hold, and much more!
How long are the courses?
Generally, courses are just 2 days. More advanced courses are usually a bit longer. Most instructors hold classes on weekends and some are flexible with scheduling. A level 1 freediving course will help you to become a better spearfisher, underwater photographer, scuba diver, surfer, waterman, diver of shells, or mermaid. Or take a course because you are simply interested in the sport! Plus these courses are designed to be fun! Even though some of the info is science-y with hefty terms, it's still so interesting to see the way that our bodies were designed to thrive underwater. Unfortunately no gills just yet, but still a body made to handle the pressure!
What are the prerequisites?
The best part is, there isn’t much as far as prerequisites for a level 1 freediving course. As long as you can swim 100M you are good to sign up! I always recommend those who do sign up to read some of the course material ahead of time. I find students are more prepared after reading the chapter on equalizing and or watching videos on how to Frenzel equalize. Improper equalizing is what will hold you back the most in a course.
So, what are you waiting for?!
Read more about the courses I offer here!
Read my article on How to pick an instructor or freediving organization here!
Send me an email here or comment below if you have other questions about courses or course dates!
Happy diving =)