Description

Freediving is about inward power, discipline and control. If you've always wanted to enter the underwater world quietly, on your own terms, staying as long as your breath allows, then freediving is for you. Taking the PADI Freediver course is your first step toward discovering why freediving is becoming a popular way to explore beneath the waves.

To enroll in a PADI Freediver course you must be at least 12 years old. You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. No prior experience with snorkeling, skin diving or freediving is required.

Younger than 12? 8 year olds and older can enroll in the PADI Skin Diver course.

Instructor with students at a table in a thatch hut.

Academic

The PADI Freediver course consists of three main phases:

  • Knowledge development about freediving principles through independent study with PADI Freediver eLearning (or your instructor may conduct class sessions if not available in a language you understand).
  • Confined water session to learn breathhold techniques as well as static and dynamic apnea. Goal - static apnea of 90 seconds and dynamic apnea of 25 metres/80 feet.
  • Open water sessions to practice free immersion and constant weight freedives, plus proper buddy procedures. Goal - constant weight freedive of 10 metres/30 feet.

Available Languages

For information on other available languages please contact your PADI Dive Center.

Equipment

In the PADI Freediver course, you learn to use a mask, snorkel and fins, and may also use a wetsuit and weight belt. Using gear designed specifically for freediving is best, however, in this course, you may be able to use snorkeling equipment you already own.

Check with your local dive center about the gear you'll use during this course and get advice about everything you need from your PADI Freediver Instructor.

Getting Started

Contact your local PADI Freediver Center or PADI Freediver Instructor and get the PADI Freediver eLearning mobile app. PADI Freediver eLearning is an interactive study tool that gives you the background information you need to freedive safely and allows you to study at your own pace. Your PADI Freediver Instructor will check on your progress and make sure you understand important freediving information.

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