TASTER COURSE

No. The Taster Course simply offers a relaxed environment for those that are unsure whether the sport is for them, or to determine if they’re ready for the full course investment. After completing the course you will come away with a much deeper understanding of freediving and if you’d like to pursue the journey of becoming a certified freediver.

If you are on the fence about the intro idea we get it. Maybe you just want to do the full course! If you choose to complete your Wave 1 course with us and have completed an intro course we can honour your achievements and learning from the intro into the Wave 1 which will offer you a discount and mean you are already halfway there! If that doesn’t make sense, send us a message ;) But in short, our intro course is a subset of our level 1 course.

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.

After your introductory course you can sign up to a full Level 1 Freediver Course. This 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.

The Introductory Taster Course is a great way to see if you want to pursue a full course structure.

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 your Introductory Course, basic snorkelling equipment will be fine. Full body wetsuit, mask & snorkel, fins and weight belt.

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.

1. Booking & Payments

• Payment of $280 in full is required at the time of booking to secure your place.

• Online bookings incur a 2% processing fee payable by the participant.

2. Refund Policy

• Cancellations by participant:

  • More than 14 days before the course – eligible for a full refund minus an $80 administration & service fee, or a transfer to another course date (subject to availability).

  • 7–14 days before the course – eligible for a 50% refund or transfer to another course date.

  • Less than 7 days before the course – no refund available. At our discretion, transfer may be offered if a replacement participant can be found.

• Medical Exemption: If you cannot attend due to illness or injury and provide a valid medical certificate, you may transfer your booking to another available course date once, at no additional cost.

• Cancellations by Liv For The Sea: If a course is cancelled or rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. pool closure, instructor illness, insufficient participants), you may choose either a full refund or transfer to a future course date.

• No-shows: Failure to attend without notice will result in no refund.

3. Personal Information & Documentation
Participants may be required to complete the following prior to the course:

• Medical Form

• Liability Release

• Waiver Form

4. Health, Safety & Transport

• You are responsible for ensuring you are physically fit to participate in this course.

• If you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns, it is your responsibility to consult with a doctor and obtain medical clearance confirming that you are fit to partake in apnea activities both in and out of the water.

• Liv For The Sea is not liable for any injury, illness, or medical expenses that result from ignoring safety guidelines, failing to disclose medical conditions, or not obtaining appropriate medical clearance.

• Transport: Travel to and from course locations is the responsibility of the participant. Liv For The Sea is not responsible for transport arrangements or any accidents, incidents, or delays that occur while travelling between locations.

5. Privacy Policy
All personal information provided is treated as confidential and will not be shared without your consent.

6. Agreement to Terms
By booking this course, you agree to all the terms and conditions outlined above.