Basic Freediving or Beginner Course – 1*
The Level 1* Basic Freediving or Beginner Course is the introductory level to freedving.
The course is primarily addressed to new freedivers and those who have fairy little or no experience in the water.
Its aim is for students to develop both the skills and knowledge necessary to perform safe and enjoyable dives. Particular attention is paid to equalization, the ‘Achilles’ heel’ of any beginner and to breath-holding which is equally important for a successful dive.
In the classroom, one is introduced to the fundamental principles of freediving, including:
– Freediving equipment and its proper selection.
– Diving physics and adaptation of the human body to the water.
– The respiratory system (anatomy and physiology).
– Breathing and relaxation techniques.
– Full diaphragmatic breathing.
– Hypoxia, hypercapnia, hypocapnia.
– Anatomy of the ear, the importance of equalization and basic equalization techniques.
– Freediving Technique.
– Role of a buddy / Basic Safety knowledge
In the practical confined water (pool) sessions, the following are taught:
– Ideal breathing and freediving technique.
– Static apnea (STA).
– Dynamic apnea (DYN).
Moreover, in the practical open water (depth) sessions, one is taught:
– Dive initiation technique (Duck dive etc.).
– Body posture – finning technique.
– Safety and the dive buddy’s role.
– Constant weight (CWT) with fins.
– Free immersion (FIM).
By the end of the course, through hands-on practice and real-world application. divers will have acquired all the necessary skils to freedive safely and comfortably to a depth of -10m.
To give our students the best learning experience, we limit attendees on our small-group courses.
Minors (aged 14 years or over) may also attend the course. Parental approval is required.*
*Our highly trained and experienced instructors as graduates of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), have the pedagogical competence and are thus qualified to teach minors given their legal guardian’s written consent.
At the beginning of the course, the syllabus is handed out to every student. Following its completion, videos of the student’s efforts (dives) as well as a freediving certificate from the relevant educational organization, are provided.
To attain a first grade certification, the student does not sit a written exam. Passing criteria include the following elements, performance-wise: A Static apnea hold of at least 01:45”, a dynamic apnea swim of 30 meters and a 8-meter dive.
Please note that, pool entrance & usage are included in the course fee.
OneBreath Freediving can also provide equipment, if the student does not possess his/her own.
