Freediver
Discover the ultimate freedom of the underwater world! The PADI Freediver course teaches you how to unlock your body’s potential, use breath-hold techniques, and explore the ocean with quiet, natural movement. Whether you want to improve your spearfishing, take stunning photos, or simply find peace underwater, this is where your journey begins.
Course Details
- Breath-hold & Technique: Learn the fundamentals of freediving, including breath-hold principles, equalization, relaxation, and efficient movement underwater.
- Dynamic Learning: Combine self-paced online eLearning with 1 day of breathwork/confined water training and 1 day of open water depth diving.
- Expert Instructors: Learn from seasoned professionals who are passionate about freediving and dedicated to your safety and success.
- Fins Included: Dive Zone Bay of Islands can provide fins for all students, you will need your own Mask & Snorkel, Wetsuit and Weight Belt. Check out our range here
- Discount on Gear: Take advantage of 10% off storewide while enrolled in the course, this includes all required gear if you need it. Just get in touch and we can help you select the perfect setup for your budget!
- The Ultimate Dive Location: Your open water dives are an experience in themselves—an exploration of the protected Maunganui Bay (Deep Water Cove) rāhui, a sacred area teeming with marine life that will take your breath away.
Prerequisites: None
Please ensure you have read our Terms & Conditions and Risk Disclosure and filled out the Medical & liability Forms before booking
Next Course Date
Availability: In Stock
What to expect on your course
Before the course - Complete your elearning
When you sign up, you'll receive an email from PADI with access to your online learning materials. The PADI Freediver eLearning covers the physiology of freediving, equalization techniques, safety protocols, and the specialized equipment you'll use. With e-learning, you can study at your own pace from the comfort of your couch. While smartphones work fine, a computer or tablet with a larger screen will enhance your learning experience.
You'll need to complete the knowledge development sections before your first practical session. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, just give us a call—we're here to help!
Day 1 - Breathwork and Confined Water (Pool)
We kick off Day 1 meeting at the dive shop at 8 am. The morning starts with a dry session focusing on stretching, diaphragmatic breathing, and relaxation techniques crucial for successful breath-hold diving. Then, we head to the pool (or a calm confined water site) to put theory into practice!
In the water, you'll learn static apnea (holding your breath while floating face down) and dynamic apnea (swimming horizontally underwater on a single breath). We also cover essential buddy procedures, rescue techniques, and safety protocols. The goal of Day 1 is to build your confidence and comfort level in a controlled environment.
Day 2 - Open Water Depth Dives
Day 2 takes the adventure to the ocean! We typically head out on our boat to a calm, deep-water site in the beautiful Bay of Islands, such as Deep Water Cove. Today is all about vertical diving along a descent line.
You will practice free immersion (pulling yourself down and up the line) and constant weight freediving (swimming down and up alongside the line using your long fins). Your instructor will work closely with you on your equalization techniques and streamlining to help you comfortably and safely reach depths of 10 to 16 meters. We will also practice essential open-water rescue and safety skills. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding day!
Important Information
Age: The minimum age is 15 years old for the PADI Freediver course (or 12 years old for the PADI Basic Freediver certification).
Max Depth: The maximum depth we will dive to is 16m on this course.
Medical History: All Divers are required to complete an PADI Medical Form. This form is valid for 12 month. Please complete Medical & liability Forms here
Equipment:
Dive Zone Bay of Islands can provide fins for all students, you will need your own Mask & Snorkel, Wetsuit and Weight Belt. Check out our range here
