Snorkeling is a leisurely activity that involves putting on a mask and snorkel and observing the underwater world from the surface. Typically, snorkelers do not undergo any formal training and remain at the surface for the majority of their time.

Skin diving builds on snorkeling by incorporating brief dives below the water's surface. Skin divers often receive training to improve skills such as efficient duck dives and snorkel-clearing.

Freediving takes underwater exploration to the next level, utilizing advanced breathing techniques and diving skills to increase depth and time spent beneath the surface. Through training, freedivers learn to conserve oxygen while breath-holding, and practice various disciplines such as static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion, and constant weight freedives.

The PADI Freediver course consists of three stages: knowledge development, confined water sessions, and open water sessions. In the knowledge development phase, you will gain an understanding of how your body responds to breath-holding and water pressure, as well as familiarize yourself with freediving equipment, safety regulations, and buddy procedures.

In the confined water sessions, typically held in a swimming pool, you will learn various breathing techniques, and practice holding your breath while floating (static apnea) and while swimming (dynamic apnea). Additionally, you will learn basic rescue techniques and gain an understanding of your role as a dive buddy.

During at least two open water sessions, you will hone your diving skills and practice breath-holding while descending. You will have the option to pull yourself along a line (free immersion) or dive headfirst while following a line (constant weight). You will gradually increase your depths while relaxing and enjoying each dive. Rescue training is another crucial component of the open water sessions.

This can be different for everyone, depending on your comfort levels and ability. The course runs over 3 - 4 sessions where requirements are to be met in order to pass the final course.

As a performance-based program, your certification will be based on your ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to be a competent freediver. You are encouraged to progress at a pace that suits you, whether that means taking more or less time to become a skilled and confident freediver.

To enroll in the PADI Freediver course, you must be at least 15 years old. The PADI Basic Freediver certification, which includes knowledge development and a confined water session, is available to students as young as 12 years old.

All student divers are required to complete a medical history form to ensure that they do not have any medical conditions that could pose a risk while freediving. If any medical conditions are indicated on the form, the student must obtain medical clearance from a doctor before beginning the course. In some areas, local laws require all students to obtain medical clearance prior to starting the course.

Before beginning the course, your PADI Freediver Instructor will assess your comfort level in the water by having you demonstrate basic water skills. This includes a swim of 200 meters or 300 meters using a mask, fins, and snorkel, without stopping or time limit.

Certification is awarded based on your ability to meet the performance requirements of the course. PADI Freediver courses are adaptable to individuals with physical challenges, and there are a variety of adaptive techniques available to ensure that all students can successfully complete the course.

The PADI Freediver course equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform basic freediving techniques, including static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion, and constant weight freediving, at depths ranging from 10-16 meters (30-55 feet). For those who are unable or prefer not to complete open water training, the PADI Basic Freediver rating can be earned by completing only the knowledge and confined water skill portions of the course, with a maximum depth of 6 meters (20 feet).

The PADI Advanced Freediver course builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in the Freediver course and provides further development in static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion, and constant weight freediving, with depths ranging from 16-24 meters (55-80 feet).

The PADI Master Freediver course offers continued knowledge and skill development with advanced training in static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion, and constant weight freediving at depths ranging from 24-40 meters (80-130 feet).

For you Beginner Freediver Course, basic snorkelling equipment will be fine. Full body wetsuit, mask & snorkel, fins and weightbelt.

As you advance you want to be acquiring gear that you like. This means a comfortable fit and gear that suits your body and strength. A freediving wetsuit is a great investment, and a weight belt is essential if you dive in neoprene! A low volume mask and snorkel with no frills is the way to go.

No, you can adjust to water pressure as long as you have no abnormalities in your ears and sinuses. The discomfort you may feel is a common result of the water pressure on your ear drums. The good news is that our bodies are naturally able to adapt to pressure changes in our ears, you just need to know how to do it. If you are able to handle changes in air pressure while flying, you are likely to have no issues with adapting to water pressure while freediving.

Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears, sinuses, respiratory or heart function, or may alter consciousness is a concern, but only a doctor can assess a person’s individual risk. Doctors can consult with the Divers Alert Network (DAN) as necessary when assessing fitness to dive. Download the PADI Freediver Medical History Form to take to your doctor.

Sunburn, seasickness and dehydration, all of which are preventable, are the most common problems freedivers face. Injuries caused by not equalizing ears do occur, but these can be avoided by using proper technique and returning to the surface if your ears are not equalizing easily.