You've heard or seen posts on freediving on social medias or through some friends, you've seen the photos of divers - without tanks - swimming around deep sunken wrecks or bringing up large fish, and all of that is peeking your interest.

Freediving definitely looks like a fun multi-faceted sport and seems to be something youd want to get into! Then you get a lot of confusing information on how to get started, from crazy gear requirements to weird exercises that seem to make no sense. We were in those same shows many moons ago and we are happy today to be able to make sense of the clutters for the upcoming freedivers. Taking a Freediving course is no different than taking a scuba course. Freediving is a skill based sport - meaning that the foundations have nothing to do with pure athleticism or physical fitness, but more with the ability to master certain techniques.

During our level 1 course, we make sense of what doesn't, we guide you through understanding your physiology, we cover the potential pitfalls, how to avoid them and how to help a fellow diver that has problems, we demistify the term "shallow water blackout" and finally we teach you the proper skills and technique to dive more efficiently and hold your breath longer - 3 minutes after the 1st pool session - and we'll have you dive to 66ft on 1 breath after the open water session.

All that sounds good but you have more questions? We've compiled some of the most commonly asked ones below.

Can I just learn online?

While there is quite a bit of information floating out there on the web, freediving is still an extreme sport that can possibly put your life at risk. As such, nothing replace acquiring the proper information from a certified Freediving Instructor which will ensure that you are informed of the different dangers in the sport, how to avoid them and how to progress towards longer breath-holds and bottom times.

How safe is this sport?

Freediving is as safe as the individual practicing it. By diving with certified freedivers, you ensure that you will have a partner that knows how to recognize and handle any problem you may face while out on the water.

How many levels are there?

The F.I.I curriculum is divided in 3, with each level building up on the prior and getting you slowly and safely to deeper depths and extended bottom times.

• Level 1, 2 days, 66ft & 3min breath-hold.
• Level 2, 3 days, 132ft & about 4.5min breath-hold.
• Level 3, 4 days, about 150ft.

What is the minimum age?

Freediving can be practiced - and even started - at any age. Being in the water is extremely relaxing and compared to scuba diving, there is no extra weight to be carried or loaded around. Just a pair of fins, mask, and a wetsuit and you are good to go! With that being said, we start the certification courses at 12 with our Junior Classes. And for the 16 and up crowd, it all begins with the Level 1 Freediver course.

What gear do I need?

As the freediving market grows, so do the variety of options available from different manufacturers. Truth be told, as you are starting your journey in this wonderful sport, the following basics are all you will need. A pair of fins, a mask, a snorkel, a wetsuit, weights and a weight belt. As you learn new techniques, and master new skills, getting those fancy carbon fins will lead to better performance, but in the beginning, it's about honing on on the technique. Think of it like driving a manual car, you will start with a toyota before making your way to the race car model.

What happens after the class?

You are now certified (you will receive a C-Card) and have the freediving "bug"! We run regular training & fun trips for our certified freedivers. All your peers will have gone through the same training and will know how to help you in case of an hypoxic event. Additionally, F.I.I has the widest pool of freedivers throughout the United States, so if you do decide to travel, we can put you in touch with some of our local certified freedivers to get out there safely.

Ready to get started? Give us one weekend and we promise you will come out totally addicated with a whole new underwater world in range for you to explore.