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Basic Freediver

PFI Basic Freediver Course

Learn to freedive down to a maximum depth of 10m/33 feet!

This program teaches freediving techniques for comfortable enjoyment in the aquatic world to depths of 10m/33ft. You will also practice Static Apnea to help develop your breath-holding abilities and in-water comfort.

Your PFI Basic Freediver course will cover topics such as:

  • Essential safety procedures for breath-holding at the Basic Freediver Level
  • Proper breathing techniques for freediving and snorkeling
  • Confined water skill development
  • Open Water skill development
  • Equalization for depth diving
  • Equipment for freediving and snorkeling
  • The fundamental physics and physiology of freediving

Is this course for you?

  • You’re interested in learning the fundamental techniques of freediving
  • You’re new to freediving

Format/Duration

This course is taught by highly trained PFI Instructors at locations all over the world. The PFI Basic Freediver course includes, at a minimum:

  • Classroom Sessions
  • Confined Water sessions
  • Open Water sessions

Skills

Some of the skills a student will be able to perform at the end of the PFI Basic Freediver course are:

  • Safety skills as a buddy
  • Perform a 1:00 minute static breathhold in the pool with opportunity to increase to maximum capacity
  • Dive with proper technique to a max of 10 meters constant weight and free immersion with proper recovery breathing

Prerequisites

  • Swimming or snorkeling experience
  • Good health and fitness
  • 10 years of age with guardian permission

Course Components

Classroom

  • Complete the manual or eLearning program
  • Attend all classroom teaching sessions
  • Stretching and equalizing workshops

Watermanship and Stamina

  • Swim test
  • Survival float
  • Snorkel skills

Confined Water

  • Minimum of four consecutive static breath-holds without any hypoxic symptoms minimum 1:00 minute
  • Recovery breathing and coaching
  • Optional: three dynamic performances
  • Optional: complete a minimum 10m dynamic apnea
  • Full Mask flood and ascent from depth

Open Water

  • Recovery breathing and coaching
  • Six target constant weight dives reaching maximum 10m/33 feet
  • Four free immersion dives to a maximum 10m/33 feet
  • Emergency rescue and problem management (rescue scenarios)

Equipment Used:

  • Mask, snorkel, fins
  • Appropriate exposure protection
  • Weight system
  • Timing device or freedive computer

How to take this course!

  • Available as an Online Course: Start eLearning today!
  • To find a local Dive Center: Click here!
  • Find your local PFI Instructor: Click here!
  • Course Cost: $119.95 USD for eLearning only.  Pool and open water training not included.  Contact your local dive center for full course cost.

Review the course Standards & Procedures.

eLearning courses are available in many languages.
Check course translation availability Here.

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