Introductory Taster Course

Half Day Course - $180 ($280 LHI Price)

Are you unsure if freediving is for you? Maybe you don’t want to commit to the full freediver course because you’re unsure if you’ll enjoy it? This is the perfect place to try the sport without any requirements or pressures to pass an exam or performance requirement. This is a place simply for you to experiment with your new found knowledge and discover how it feels to you! Whether freediving is completely foreign, or you're one that comes from the sea this is the perfect place to start!

This course will begin with a theory session, introducing you to the basics of freediving; what is freediving, disciplines, the breath, hyperventilation, blackout, buddying, equalisation, the mammalian dive response and the breathing cycle. We will follow this into the pool where you will attempt two disciplines, Static Apnea (face down in the pool, breath holding practice) and Dynamic Apnea (lengths of the pool on s single breath using bifins).

Whats Included;

  • Theory Session

  • Dry breath hold practice

  • Pool Session

  • Pool admission fees

  • Food & drinks

We can tailor this course for individuals wanting that 1:1 support, for small to large groups or in a public setting. Get in touch.

 

DAVID
“Such a great experience! Very focused knowledge and attention with the instructors that has really helped hugely in my diving. And in an easy and fun environment.”

DAN
”A great introductory experience with wonderful, highly knowledgeable instructors. Felt completely safe and like I had experienced eyes on me at all times. I'll be continuing my free diving journey and learning with Liv and Georgie in the future. Highly recommend.”

CAIT
“Amazing first experience into freediving! Incredible training and I felt so safe and supported by Liv & Georgie! Can’t wait to go back and do my Level 1!”

ELLIE
“You can see how experienced and passionate she is through her teaching practices. You’ll be sure to have a laugh, learn ALOT and break barriers that you didn’t think possible. I was blown away with what I learnt throughout my course. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with something so personal”

IMAN
“The freediving taster day at Byron with Liv and Georgia was absolutely incredible. They went through the basics of freediving and were so patient while we practiced the skills.”

PAUL
“I feel so lucky that I did my introductory course in free diving with Liv! It was so good and interesting, it showed a whole new perspective of being in the water for me and Liv was patient, thoughtful and super motivating!”

 
 
 

  • 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.

  • 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.