Beginner Courses are Super Fun and Rewarding!
This is what Emily, the owner of the academy, had to say about the beginner courses;
“Most of our students are somewhat nervous and don’t know what to expect, which is normal and fine. While they might not be super comfortable in the water, they are starting a course in an ‘extreme’ sport, so it’s not strange that some students are slightly nervous.
But then 🙂 The students arrive at the academy. We’ll get introduced, show them around the shop before we sit down, and explain what their days will look like. Then just over an hour later, most students have breath holds of 2 minutes, while it is pretty common to have students with breath-hold times of well over 3 minutes.
And then again, somewhat later, the students dive comfortably in the pool and ocean. It’s incredibly rewarding for us to see students grow and surprise themselves. Teaching freediving is super fun!”
Taking a Basic or Beginner Freediving Course Will Change Your Life!
Yeah yeah, change my life?! Really? Well… It really can change your life! We have seen it over and over. When you take your first course, you will quickly discover that freediving differs from anything else you’ve done before.
Freediving is much more than just going up and down the line or learning how to dive comfortably along a reef. People often call freediving an extreme sport, but is it? Freediving is a mental ‘thing’… And the exact opposite of what you usually have to deal with in daily life, stress and anxiety. There is no room for failure in freediving; for fear and ego, the ocean will always win.
You are depriving yourself of one of the life essentials; oxygen!
This sounds horrible! Why would someone learn how to freedive? Why would you like to do a freediving course?
Because freediving can easily be one the most incredible things you’ll ever do in your life! Freediving is not just a sport or a technique to hold your breath longer.
Freediving teaches you how to relax, not be absorbed by the clutter in your life. You will learn how to approach life in a more calm and enjoyable way.
All our freediving courses are developed in a way that diving depth, distance, and breath-hold times increase in a very slow, safe, fun and entertaining manner.
This means that the courses are even more fun for those a little bit more nervous in the ocean. This means that those who are worried about their breath-hold times can make great progress too. And not only will people a little less confident in the water have fun and learn lots of new skills, but they too can finish the course as certified freedivers.
In our dive center in Panglao, we teach courses for beginner to freediving instructors. We offer internships, and all of our programs and classes are taught by instructors certified by the world’s leading and most important and globally recognised freediving agencies.
We always teach our freediving courses in small groups, a maximum of 3 or 4 students, while most of our classes are run with only two students at a time.
Teaching in small groups results in more student-instructor one-on-one time, personal attention, and much practice time for each student, resulting in higher skills and knowledge levels and, eventually, higher passing rates.
The 2 Different Beginner Freediving Courses You Can Start With!
The ‘Introduction to Freediving’ and the ‘Beginner Freediving Course’!
You are now ready to learn freediving?! Great, you will love your new water adventure; you’ll surely have a great time!
Now that you are ready to start freediving, you can choose which beginner freediving course you want to take. When time and budget are not a problem, we always recommend skipping the introduction day but immediately starting with the first real beginner course.
The first official beginner course is called the Molchanovs Wave 1 freediving course, the SSI Level 1 freediving course or the AIDA 2 course.
The Molchanovs Wave 1 course, the SSI Level 1 and the AIDA 2 freediving course will give you more in-depth knowledge about freediving than the SSI Basic Freediving Course, the AIDA 1 or the Freedive Academy Introduction Day.
The official beginner course will take you more time; thus, you will have more practice time to develop your skills. From this Level 1 course, you can immediately move to Level 2, whereas from the Introduction or Basic Freediving Course, you still have to complete Level 1 to move to the next level.
For now, if you want to start freediving, contact us for a beginner course, and we will advise which course best fits your schedule, experience and budget.
The First Real Level or Course in Recreational Freediving
Learn How to Hold Your Breath and Dive Deep Safely and Comfortably!
The first real beginner courses are the Molchanovs Wave 1, the SSI Level 1 freediving course and the AIDA 2 freediving course.
This beginner course can be completed in 2 days, but we prefer to run the courses in 2,5 days with an extra free session on day 3 to finish the course requirements, search for some more depth or have some fun on the training lines and our house reef Napaling.
In this incredible course, we will introduce you to the purest form of diving. With the help of our very experienced team and highly trained and super knowledgeable instructors, your freediving experience will surely be unforgettable.
You will get a taste of freediving and find out what it’s all about. We will teach you about safety procedures and pressure-related issues. We’ll discuss the breathing and breath-hold techniques used by freedivers. We’ll teach you different relaxation techniques, and we’ll teach you all of this via open water sessions, pool sessions and classroom time.
When you pass all the course requirements, including a 25-question multiple-choice exam, you will receive a beautiful (digital) certificate. The freediving certificate comes with free bragging rights 🙂 You are now a freediver!
You have acquired the skills to freedive safely and comfortably dive to depths up to 20 metres. An entire new world has opened before you – an amazing underwater and lifestyle world!
The Molchanovs Wave 1, SSI Level 1, and AIDA 2 freediving courses are official freediving courses – recognised globally, and only via these Level 1 courses can you progress to Level 2. After the one-day Basic Freediving Course, you still need to complete Level 1 to progress to Level 2.
Price per person: $325
Be sure to contact us. Group or Package Discount may apply.
The above price includes taxes, snorkelling fee, rental of freediving gear, use of the facility, study materials and certification fees.
Minimum 12 years old (with parent or guardian consent) and able to swim.
Be able to swim 200 meters without any swim or buoyancy aids.
If you have the time, combine your level 1 course with a level 2 course! The Level 1 and 2 Combo is our most popular package and is guaranteed great fun, excitement and deep diving!
With a level 2 course, you will learn advanced equalisation methods, more techniques to stay down longer, and more skills to stay underwater more efficiently. This combo can be done in 6 or 7 days – depending on the freediving agency, but if you have an additional day for a day rest in-between courses, that would be better. If you don’t have 6 or 7 days in Panglao, that’s too bad. Then be sure to sign up for a level 2 course later because you will miss some freediving essentials. In the meantime, you can combine your level 1 course with, for example, an SSI Monofin or Nofins speciality and take your freediving experience to a whole new level.
What you will learn during your beginner freediving course!
The course will last a minimum of 2 days – usually, we run the beginner freediving courses in 2,5 days, but we can be flexible and add additional coaching sessions when needed. Each beginner course has at least two pool sessions and at least two but usually three ocean sessions. But there is more than these in-water sessions. Knowledge is power, and magical things happen once you know what happens when you hold your breath when you learn how to swim or fin efficiently, and how to save oxygen. You learn freediving in the pool and ocean, but the knowledge is learned in the classroom – and you will learn a lot!
How to hold your breath longer
Finning Technique
Equalising the Ears and Airspaces
Buddy System and Rescues
Diving down efficiently
Body Position While Diving
The Dangers of Freediving
Freediving Gear
How we Deal with Pressure
The Different Freediving Techniques
Body Stretching for Freedivers
Freediving Physiology
And keep in mind that our courses are ALWAYS personal, often one-on-one or with no more than 2 or 3 students with lots of student-instructor time!
We don’t just Teach Freediving. We Create Highly Skilled, Well-Trained, All-Round Technical Freedivers!
Get Ready to Learn Freediving!
This is how it is to take a Beginner Freediving Course with us in Panglao!
Are you ready for a new adventurer?! You will have so much fun! And we would love it if you would take your first freediving course with us in Panglao!
The Freedive Academy Panglao is located right smack on Napaling Drive, the only access road to the famous Napaling Reef – the reef wall with the massive drop off into the depths – the reason why Panglao has become the freedive capital of Asia – perhaps of the world! Napaling Reef is also the location of the famous sardine run of Panglao. When we get ready to leave the center for our diving, we follow Napaling Drive for about 300 meters, and then we immediately have access to our dive site Napaling. As one of the only dive centers in Asia, we don’t dive with a boat. Being able to dive directly from shore offers incredible convenience and flexibility with our courses.
Not only our dive spot and house reef are fantastic – so are our Freedive Academy, our accommodation, our 25-meter pool and our classrooms and dive gear. We want to teach pure freediving at the highest level, and we do this with highly skilled and internationally recognised instructors.
If you want to learn real freediving and get a taste of the freediver lifestyle, you for sure love your course with us!
This is how it is to do a Beginner Freediving Course with Us!
Please note; this video was shot at our first location. We still dive at the same reef but moved about 300 meters down the road to a brand-new and fully equipped dive center with bungalows and our two-lane 25-meter pool.
We teach beginner freediving courses in the following languages. If your language is not there, no worries. We always have international freedivers around, and we often work with translators.
Please get in touch with us today today to book your course or to have us answer any of your questions.
If you want a quick reply, please use the short form on this page.
For more detailed information about Courses, Accommodation, Prices, etc. Please follow the below links.
Explore Breath-hold Diving and Surprise Yourself!
It’s incredible what the human body is capable of. It’s pretty common for guests to come here, and in the first classroom session, we get them to hold their breath for 3 or 3:30 minutes. We have people diving down to 20 meters in the first session. Join us for any of the recreational levels, and you’ll be surprised by your capabilities!
Just fill in the form, and our support team, who are all freedivers too, will get back to you usually within hours – if they’re not diving 😉
Learning Freediving at our Dive Center in Panglao!
You will get to learn the Ins and Outs of an Amazing Sport!
You’ve already read that our dive center in Panglao is located right smack on the only access road to the famous Napaling Reef. We dive without a boat, directly from shore, at any time, at the world-famous freediver playground with a massive drop off, the sardine run with regular sightings of whale sharks, mantas and some of the biggest ocean dwellers.
You know that the Freedive Academy is an officially registered business and dive center, that our instructors are all trained and certified according to the latest global standards in safe and progressive freediving and that the academy is fully equipped with its 25-meter pool, that all our classrooms have the needed tools like oximeters, spirometers and anatomical models to teach high-level freediving and that the freediving gear we use is all premium gear tested and inspected regularly.
You also understood that we only teach in small groups so that each student gets lots of one-on-one time with their instructor, with lots of personal attention and practice time, resulting in well-trained students and higher passing rates – even among those who are a little bit less confident swimmers or scared to go into the ocean. You are now ready to start your beginner freediving course!
The 3 Freediving Certification Agencies we work with;
When you take a freediving course, the course materials are usually not written or developed by the dive center but by so-called freediving agencies. There are quite a few different freediving agencies, and they all have somewhat different rules and regulations freediving centers must abide by. These rules and regulations are called training standards that are put in place for safe and progressive teaching. Breaking the standards of these agencies can lead to unsafe practices in the dive center and can result in being banned from teaching courses for these agencies. Proper and professional dive centers will never break standards.
In Panglao, we offer the freediving courses of the three leading freediving certification agencies; SSI, AIDA and Molchanovs. These training agencies, SSI and AIDA, are the most renowned, acknowledged and oldest international training agencies for recreational freediving or breath-hold diving.
The scuba training agency SSI is the oldest organisation, founded well over 50 years ago. They started teaching freediving about 15 years ago and have the largest freediving center network in the world. The SSI freediving courses are recreational and easily accessible; SSI covers topics like marine wildlife, coral identification and waves, tides and currents.
AIDA International was the first organisation to develop courses, and they have been doing this for many years already. Because of the growth and popularity of Molchanovs and SSI, their market share has dropped. However, people still see AIDA as the classic freediving agency teaching technical freediving – we are also quite passionate and romantic about AIDA International. AIDA is also the agency that regulates most freediving competitions.
The youngest freediving agency (and premium equipment brand) is Molchanovs. The Molchanovs Training Agency was founded by Natalia Molchanova and her son Alexey Molchanovs – Alexey is the one who, in 2015, officially opened our dive center in Panglao. Natalia is the most successful freediver who ever lived, known as the queen of freediving with over 40 World Records and Championship wins. Alexey has over 30 World Records and Championship wins and is still going strong.
Molchanovs freediving is the most popular freediving agency at the moment since it’s ‘powered’ and supported by some of the best freedivers in the world. Their courses are about pure freediving. The courses are technical and all-around, meaning that you practise all different disciplines like bifins, no fins, a little bit of monofin and free immersion, which is pulling up and down the line. Plus, after the course, you will get access to the free community website where Molchanovs offers free training plans, exercises and webinars for those keen to develop themselves as freedivers further.
In the end, the agency you choose for your beginner freediving course doesn’t matter much – the instructor and dive center matter most. Still, we prefer to teach Molchanovs freediving courses since they are more all-around, teach technical and high-level freediving, and offer our students the most value.
The Differences in the Beginner Courses of SSI, AIDA and Molchanovs!
Below you will find all the performance requirements of the SSI Level 1 Freediving Course, the course completion requirements for the AIDA 2 Course and the course requirements for the Molchanovs Wave 1 Freediving Course.
Although not everyone will pass these course requirements, they are very well-doable for everyone. Problems like equalisation or stress can happen. Please keep in mind that our instructors are very well trained, calm and professional and more than often make students surpass their expectations. You will be surprised by your capabilities. Breath holds of over 3 minutes, and 15 to 20 meters dives during beginner courses are quite common.
Please note: because of the table this page is best viewed on tablet or desktop.
Skills Requirements
- Minimum Age
- Swim Non-Stop
- Dynamic Bi Fins (DYNB)
- Dynamic Arm Stroke Only
- Static Breath Hold
- Constant Weight Bi Fins (CWTB)
- Free Immersion
(Pulling Up and Down) - CWTB Buddying
- CWTB Rescue
- Arm Stroke Only Ascent
- Mask Removal Ascent
Molchanovs
Wave 1
Wave 1
- 16years
- 200mtr.
- 30mtr.
- ---
- 1:30min.
- 12 - 20mtr.
- 12 - 20mtr.
- 6 - 10mtr.
- 6 - 10mtr.
- ---
- ---
SSI Level 1
- 12years
- 100mtr.
- 30mtr.
- 15mtr.
- ---
- 10 - 20mtr.
- ---
- ---
- 10mtr.
- 10mtr.
- 10mtr.
AIDA 2
- 16years
- 200mtr.
- 40mtr.
- ---
- 2min.
- 12 - 20mtr.
- ---
- 5 - 10mtr.
- 5mtr.
- ---
- ---
Please get in touch with us today today to book your course or to have us answer any of your questions.
If you want a quick reply, please use the short form on this page.
For more detailed information about Courses, Accommodation, Prices, etc. Please follow the below links.
Explore Breath-hold Diving and Surprise Yourself!
It’s incredible what the human body is capable of. It’s pretty common for guests to come here, and in the first classroom session, we get them to hold their breath for 3 or 3:30 minutes. We have people diving down to 20 meters in the first session. Join us for any of the recreational levels, and you’ll be surprised by your capabilities!
Just fill in the form, and our support team, who are all freedivers too, will get back to you usually within hours – if they’re not diving 😉
The One-Day Introduction to Freediving
The Basic Freediving Course is a great introduction to a New Adventure!
You want to start or learn how to freedive, but budget or time is a limitation. No problem. The Freedive Academy Introduction to Freediving or the SSI Basic Freediving Course, or the AIDA 1 course, is a great start too. Unlike the recommended real Level 1 course, which takes 2 or 2,5 days and is more expensive, the introduction is only a one-day course.
During this one-day event, you’ll learn breath-holding, the safety and buddy systems, you will learn about freediving physiology, freediving gear and much more. In 1 pool session and 1 open water session on the line and on the reef, we’ll teach you basic freediving skills like proper finning and efficiently diving down. The one-day program is limited to a depth of -10 meters.
The Basic Freediving Course is a lot of fun and a great activity for you and your friends and family to do together!
Course Overview Introduction to Freediving
The Introduction to Freediving Beginner Courses SSI Basic and AIDA 1!
Do you want to get a taste of what it is like to dive on a single breath?! Great, the SSI Basic Freediving course, the AIDA 1 or the Freedive Academy Introduction Day is an excellent way to start in the big blue. The Basic Freediving course is a one-day introduction course and is a lot of fun! During this day, you will have a pool session in the morning, and in the afternoon, we’ll take you diving into the ocean.
We’ll discuss breathing and breath-hold techniques, safety procedures, and equalisation techniques in the classroom, and we’ll work on your skills in the pool. In the afternoon session, you have the option to dive with us along our fantastic house reef – one of the most beautiful coral walls of the island, or you can train on the line as the freedivers usually do.
Please note; the one-day introduction course really is an introduction to freediving. If you want to develop your skills further, have the time and financial means and like to be challenged, we highly recommend starting with the proper SSI Level 1, Molchanovs Wave 1 or AIDA 2 course. Then after this course, you can proceed with the intermediate level, the SSI Level 2, Molchanovs Wave 2 or AIDA 3.
After, for example, the SSI Basic Freediving course, you still need to complete the SSI Level 1 Course to progress to the next level.
On this page, you will find an overview of the different freediving agencies and different levels and how they match each other.
Price per person: $175
Be sure to contact us. Group or Package Discount may apply.
The above price includes taxes, snorkelling fee, rental of freediving gear, use of the facility, study materials and certification fees.
Be 10 years of age or older (with parent or guardian consent).
Be able to swim a distance of 25 meters without any swim or buoyancy aids.
The Basic Freediving Course introduces you to the world of freediving. If, after this, you want to continue with your Molchanovs Wave 1, the SSI Level 1 or AIDA 2, you’ll get a nice discount on the second-course price since we’ll make this course day part of your Level 1 freediving course. This discount only applies to the Freedive Academy programs and if the course continues directly after the introduction day.
If you want a quick reply, please use the short form on this page.
For more detailed information about Courses, Accommodation, Prices, etc. Please follow the below links.
Explore Breath-hold Diving and Surprise Yourself!
It’s incredible what the human body is capable of. It’s pretty common for guests to come here, and in the first classroom session, we get them to hold their breath for 3 or 3:30 minutes. We have people diving down to 20 meters in the first session. Join us for any of the recreational levels, and you’ll be surprised by your capabilities!
Just fill in the form, and our support team, who are all freedivers too will get back to you usually within hours – if they’re not diving 😉
Doing More with the Beginner Freediving Course!
It is a lot of fun combining your course with a freediving speciality!
People freedive for different reasons. Some people like to learn freediving for the sport, some for the freedom of not using any breathing apparatus and some for the photos or the friendships and social side of freediving.
Usually, students book a pool-side bungalow with us for 4 or 5 days, and then after their course, they still want to learn more. When this happens, we can offer great freediving packages with a freediving course, a speciality or coaching, accommodation, airport pickup and dropoff and even motorbike rental to travel around the island freely.
When students are staying 6 or 7 days with us, we highly recommend doing our most popular package, the Level 1 and 2 combo – this is awesome and serious freediving 🙂 But when you don’t have the time or want to take it a bit slower, joining a nofins, monofin or training techniques speciality is also a lot of fun. If you like some photos of your new skills, we can organise a photo shoot with our professional in-house underwater photographer and even combine it with a mermaid course. Look at some of our options to make your stay with us even more exciting.
Freediving Specialities and Workshops
Taking your Freediving to the Next Level!
There are workshops and speciality programs available for each level of freediving.
Basic Speciality Programs:
Coral Identification
Fish Identification
Marine Ecology
Night & Limited Visibility
Photo & Video
Sea Turle Ecology
Pool & Level 1:
Free Immersion
Monofin
No Fins Freediving
Scooter / DPV Diving
Training Tables
Wreck Diving
Level 2 & Level 3:
Variable Weight
Workshops:
Mouthfill Equalisation
Trainingplans
Seasonal Programs
Custom Programs
We teach all freediving specialities in English and some in the German, French, Chinese and Philippine languages. We teach the Speciality Instructor courses only in English and Dutch.
If you want a quick reply, please use the short form on this page.
For more detailed information about Courses, Accommodation, Prices, etc. Please follow the below links.