Description

The PADI Basic Freediver course is a subset of the PADI Freediver course. It's a great first step for developing solid freediving skills. You learn basic freediving principles and focus on practicing breathhold techniques in a pool or confined water site.

To enroll in a PADI Basic Freediver course you must be 12 years old or older. You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. No prior experience with snorkeling, skin diving or freediving is required.

Younger than 12? 8 year olds and older can enroll in the PADI Skin Diver course.

Instructor with students at a table in a thatch hut.

Academic

The PADI Basic Freediver course consists of two main phases:

  • Knowledge development through independent study with the PADI Freediver eLearning (or your instructor may conduct class sessions if not available in a language you understand).
  • Confined water session to learn breathhold techniques as well as static and dynamic apnea, plus proper buddy procedures. Goal - static apnea of 90 seconds and dynamic apnea of 25 metres/80 feet.

Available Languages

For information on other available languages please contact your PADI Dive Center.

Equipment

In the PADI Basic Freediver course, you learn to use a mask, snorkel and fins, and may also use a wetsuit and weight belt. Using gear designed specifically for freediving is best, however, in this course, you may be able to use snorkeling equipment you already own.

Check with your local dive center about the gear you'll use during this course and get advice about everything you need from your PADI Freediver Instructor.

Getting Started

Contact your local PADI Freediver Center or PADI Freediver Instructor and get the PADI Freediver eLearning mobile app, an interactive study tool that gives you the background information you need to freedive safely and allows you to study at your own pace.

Good news - the PADI Freediver eLearning also includes all study materials for the PADI Freediver, Advanced Freediver and Master Freediver courses.

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