PFI Basic Freediver

***Basic Freediver Courses can be booked as privates. These certifications can be achieved within our ‘PFI Freediver’ course programs that we run regularly should Basic Freediver requirements be the level that is achieved in the Freediver course. Both programs are the same format and time commitment. We can offer group discounts for groups of 8-12 on this program.***

If you're looking to scratch the surface of freediving and take things slightly past the level of an advanced snorkeler or pool-only freediver this may be a stepping stone program you and your private group is interested in. The focus of this program is on learning to freedive safely while focusing on form and technique within 10m of the surface. Learn the basics and foundations of good, safe freediving practices.

This beginning certification course is for individuals wishing to learn the fundamentals of proper breath hold diving for the purpose of increasing underwater awareness and enjoyment. An introduction to open water Freediving skills and techniques to depths no deeper than 10 metre/33 Feet are practiced with the program also encompassing static and optional dynamic apnea as introductory or stand-alone disciplines.

In this course you will be taught the fundamental building blocks of Freediving. You will learn freediving skills and techniques and experience first hand how these will benefit you within an aquatic environment. You will learn about the physics and physiology of freediving and how your body adapts to the aquatic environment. The PFI Basic Freediver course will allow you to reach depths of up 10m/33' deep during our open water sessions. In confined water sessions the PFI Freediver course will also have you explore and practice Static Apnea with the goal of increasing your breath-hold capabilities and learning to better manage your body for freediving.

The focus of instructional material in the PFI Basic Freediver course will be on:

• Proper Safety Practices and Procedures
• Proper Surface prep and Recovery Breathing Techniques for Freediving and Snorkelling
• Open-water and Confined-water skills development. Take what you learn in the classroom to the pool, and from the pool to the ocean. Learn and improve proper freediving techniques and skills. Including, but not limited to: safety procedures, breathing techniques, entry techniques, constant weight and free immersion techniques, equalization techniques, emergency procedures ...
• Learn about proper freediving equipment: why it works and how to maintain it.

 
 

Course prerequisites:

  • Have a full understanding the Bottom Dwellers Liability Release found in the link of the waiver set below. Acknowledge your understanding and agreement to this liability release and its terms by completing the Adobe Sign contract presented digitally by Bottom Dwellers prior to payment.

  • Fully read and understand the terms of the Medical Form and make any arrangements required for doctor’s stamp and signature prior to course.

  • Swimming or snorkelling experience

  • Good bill of health and fitness - (see attached medical form)

  • 16 years of age minimum for full certification

  • 10-16 years of age with guardian permission (subject to discretion of Bottom Dwellers) for junior certification

Course Format:

Bottom Dwellers Courses will be held between Online Academic classrooms, in person class rooms, various confined water settings (pool, lake or ocean) and a variety of open water dive sites. For up to date information on these locations check out the details for the specific course are attending and refer to your pre-course emails.

  • 3~ days (specific courses and locations vary depending on scheduling, be sure to consult the specific course you are interested in taking for specific details)

  • Over the 3~ days your course will have in some shape or form:

    • 2 classroom sessions (total of 6 hours)

    • 2 confined water sessions (total of 6 hours)

    • 2 open water sessions pending number of students

  • Example of a typical Bottom Dwellers' PFI Basic Freediver course schedule and format

    Schedule:
    Below is the course structure for our two course variants.
    OA = Online Academics / CW = Confined Water / OW = Open Water
    *Dates* are Academic Zoom Sessions

    Schedule A (Sat/Sun Practical):
    Day 1*: OA1 Via Zoom - 6pm-9pm
    Day 2*: OA2 via Zoom - 6pm-9pm
    Day 3: CW1 & CW2 830AM-4PM at ESQ REC Centre
    Day 4: OW1 & OW2 8AM-4PM Willis Pt. Dive site

    Schedule B (Fri/Sat/Sun Practical):
    With schedule 2 there is an chance that weather may dictate a change of schedule that would have Open water sessions 1 and 2 both happening on the Sunday. This decision will be up to the instructor on the weekend of. Please allow for flexibility in your schedule to accommodate this.
    Day 1*: OA1 Via Zoom - 6pm-9pm
    Day 2*: OA2 via Zoom - 6pm-9pm
    Day 3: CW1 4PM-845PM at ESQ REC Centre
    Day 4: CW2 830AM-1130AM at ESQ REC Centre & OW1 1PM-430PM Location TBD
    Day 5: OW2 : 8AM-12PM at Willis Pt. Dive site

Equipment Requirements:

As part of the instruction of the PFI Basic Freediver course you will learn to select, manage and maintain your personal freediving equipment. The PFI Basic Freediver level course requires each student to have in their possession for the course:

  • PFI Freediver E-learning/Digital Manual (Provided by instructor prior to course)

  • Full Wetsuit (5-7mm for cold-water locations, with a strong recommendation of a 7mm freediving suit or at a minimum 5mm open-cell freediving suit. Open water sessions are long and the cold can affect your performance and experience in the course)

  • Mask & Snorkel

  • Weight-Belt and weights

  • Fins

  • Timing device or Dive Computer

Included in the cost of your course:

***Costs vary from course to course and location to location. Please check the registration page for the cost of the course you wish you wish to register for. Accurate and up to date pricing will be on the respective registration pages.***

  • Personalized instruction from a highly trained freediving professional

  • Instructor : Student ratios/ Open Water 1 : 6 | Confined Water 1 : 8. Bottom Dwellers offers small class ratios to maximize the experience of its students in and out of the classroom. Learn the course material and make dive buddies in an efficient, safe and fun environment. Academic ratios change based off number of courses sharing the academic setting.

  • PFI Freediver E-learning Program: Start your course online! The eLearning program uses graphics, text and videos to convey the academic knowledge required to become a certified freediver. You’ll apply this knowledge during the in-person workshops throughout your course. Get the most out of your course by coming with a strong base knowledge before even stepping through the door!

  • Pool & Classroom sessions and Open-Water instruction

  • Certification card (when achieved)

  • Bottom Dwellers T-shirt - Canadian made T-shirts that are as comfy as they get

HOW TO REGISTER FOR A COURSE: (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

Step 1: Confirm Course Availability or Contact Us to Book a Private
Step 2: Download, read fully and have a complete understanding of the liability Release.
Step 3: Fill out the Registration form below on this page after referencing the course equipment requirements and medical form links below.
Step 4: Upon receipt of your registration form we will send you an ‘Adobe Sign’ agreement as acknowledgement of the liability waiver. When you have a full understanding of the liability release and you consent to its terms you may fill out and complete the agreement.
Step 5: After completing your electronic liability waiver acknowledgement via Adobe Sign you will be prompted to Make Payment for your seat for the desired available course with us via e-transfer.

After the Adobe Sign liability release acknowledgement is complete and the form below on this page has been submitted you may arrange for payments with Bottom Dwellers via E-transfer. You will receive a receipt for your payment which will be input by us manually through Online Store via ‘Squareup’.

*IF A COURSE IS FULL and you wish to be WAITLISTED please feel free contact Bottom Dwellers
***Privates can be book off 4-6 person minimums pending the course.***