I’m a beginner. Which course is right for me?

Beginners can choose either the half-day Try Freediving course or the 2.5-day SSI Freediver Certification course. While the certification route is more comprehensive, the Try Freediving course is a great option if you’re short on time. It provides essential knowledge and skills to get started in freediving safely and comfortably.

Try Freediving (Half-Day): This half-day course begins with an hour-long discussion covering essential topics like basic physiology, equipment, equalization, technique, breathing, and safety. Afterward, we’ll fit your wetsuit, low-volume mask, snorkel, long fins, and weightbelt. Then, we’ll spend up to 2 hours in the water practicing foundational skills. The typical schedule runs from 8:30 AM to noon.

SSI Freediver (Level 1) Certification Course (2.5 Days): This more structured and in-depth course starts with digital learning materials, which you can complete at your own pace via the SSI app ahead of time. On the first day, we’ll have a 3-hour lecture that covers all the topics from the Try Freediving course, but in greater detail. Day two focuses on skill development in the pool or confined water, including breath-holding, finning, streamlining, and rescue techniques. Day three is all about applying your knowledge and skills in open water, with additional training in equalization, depth disciplines, and rescue. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive the SSI Freediver certification. Typical schedule for the SSI Freediver course is as follows:

• Day One: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Day Two: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Day Three: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Can I sign-up for a fun dive?

Yes, you can! We consider fun dives as training sessions and are charged the same. For a fun dive, we require that you are certified or have completed at least an introductory course from an accredited instructor.

Why learn with us?

We believe that freediving should be easier and more fun. With access to depth within swimming distance, we can spend more time freediving instead of spending a great deal of time boating or traveling from the shop to the dive site. As an SSI freedive center, we use SSI’s world-class training methods, materials, and standards.

We dedicate ourselves to providing personalized quality freediving education. Our lead instructor is a truly seasoned professional who has taught in some of the most recognized and established freediving schools. Learn more about him.

Don’t forget to read about people’s experiences with Dumagat Freedive.

Why learn freediving?

Imagine being able to interact with  the underwater environment more intimately without all the hassle and cost of scuba. Freediving instruction greatly improves your technique and breath-hold ability, thus making you more comfortable diving at depth and increasing your time underwater.

Is it dangerous?

Only when you freedive without proper training. The main goal of taking a freediving course is to learn how to freedive safely.

Do I need to have freediving gear for the course?

It is ideal and sanitary to have your mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit, but they are not required. Owning your equipment also improves comfort and confidence during your course. While it is highly recommended to have your equipment, we do have gear for the students.

Do I need to be super fit for freediving?

Freediving truly is for everyone. If you can swim, you are fit enough. It is a lot easier than you might think.

How deep will I be required to dive down?

No one will force you to dive beyond your comfort level. While there isn’t a depth requirement for the introductory course, there are minimum depth requirements for certification level courses. But it is also our job to help you get there!

What if I want to further advance my freediving?

Perfect! SSI is the largest school-based training agency in the world. You can either continue your training and education with us or with any other SSI Freediving center in the world. Extend your freediving holiday with us or take your next freediving holiday somewhere epic!

But I can only hold my breath for 10 seconds!

When asked to hold their breath for the first time, most students struggle to hold beyond a minute. After learning the breathing techniques used in freediving, students are very often able to do 3 minutes!

Can I freedive if I smoke?

Yes, you can. However, we don’t encourage smoking during the course.

I have asthma. Can I freedive?

The simple yoga-based breathing technique used in freediving has a calming effect which may help in controlling anxiety and asthma. So yes, you can.

I’ve never done diving.

We’ve had many students who had not done any diving before taking our course. The majority of them are now in love with this wonderful sport.

I’ve done a formal freediving course in the past.  I’d like to do a training session to refresh and improve my skills. Can you accommodate me?

Absolutely! We can evaluate your skills and help you with what you need help with. You can also rent freediving equipment from us if needed.

What is the one thing that I can do to prepare myself for a freediving course?

Learn how to equalize using the Frenzel method. It can make the biggest difference and will make your first freediving course safer, easier, and a lot more enjoyable. You can read and learn about it here: The Frenzel Equalization Technique.