Apnea Total - Advanced Freediver

Teaching freediving on Utila since 2013.

3 Days

The Advanced Freediver Course is designed to take students to a far deeper level of this sport. Upon completion of this course, many students will achieve depths greater than 40 meters on a single breath. Our specialized advanced breathing techniques, together with our progressive preparation for deep dives, can make this possible even for newcomers to freediving.

The Advanced Freediver Course runs for 3 days and is divided into 3 academic/breathing sessions, 1 pool session, and 2 deep water aquatic sessions. This includes static apnea with breath-holds of over 3 minutes in the water. Even if you think that this feat is impossible, our Instructors will reveal with success your true aquatic potential. During our deep diving water sessions you will progressively achieve new depths with knowledge, control, comfort, and fun. The highly-experienced Apnea Total Instructors will be by your side at all times while underwater and will guide you with precise instructions for breathing, relaxation, and techniques necessary to achieve these depths.

Upon completion of the Advanced Freediver Course, students will receive certification as well as private online access to the Advanced Freediver Course materials, so that you can maintain your freediving knowledge.

Every line at Freedive Utila is run with competition-grade safety. Our team includes AIDA and Vertical Blue competition safety divers, and we teach the AIDA Depth Competition Safety Freediver course here.

Price: $400

Course Outline:

Academic session 1 - Static Apnea

  • Mammalian dive reflex
  • Preparation for static apnea
  • Specific breathing technique for static apnea, pool and dry training
  • Breath-hold exercises
  • Relaxation, mind and body control techniques
  • Training routine for increasing breath-hold capabilities

Aquatic Session 1 - Static Apnea

  • Body position and relaxation
  • Preparation for a maximum breath-hold
  • Maximum static apnea attempts
  • Minimum 3 minutes breath-hold
  • Safety procedures and practice

Academic session 2

  • Advanced 4-section breathing technique
  • Pre-dive breathing pattern
  • "Negative Pressure Static Apnea" (N.P.S.A.)
  • Benefits and techniques of "Exhale Dives"
  • Body adaptation to great pressure

Aquatic session 2

  • Preparation with N.P.S.A.
  • Specific breathing for exhale diving
  • Exhale dives with a maximum depth of 25 meters
  • Practice of equalization technique
  • Body relaxation and energy efficiency in the water
  • Full lung dives with a maximum depth of 40 meters

Academic session 3

  • Review of exhale dives from Day 2
  • Stages and preparation for a deep dive
  • Visualization
  • Thoracic stretches
  • Lung capacity increasing exercises
  • Deep equalization techniques
  • Meditation techniques
  • Deep dive analysis and breakdown

Aquatic Session 3

  • Stretching and breathing exercises on the boat
  • Full preparation for a deep dive
  • Exhale dives with a maximum depth of 40 meters
  • Full lung dives with a maximum depth of 40 meters

Questions

I am not certified but can already dive to 10m+. Can I skip the Beginner Course and do the Advanced straight away?

The Freediver Course is essential as it covers fundamental breathing techniques, safety protocols, and freediving basics. The Advanced Course builds on this foundation, so skipping the Freediver Course isn't an option.

How deep does the Advanced course go?

Certified to 40 metres over three days, with exhale dives to 25 and full-lung dives to 40, alongside longer holds, rescue skills and deeper equalisation.

I don't know how to equalize / I'm having trouble equalizing. Can you help me?

Absolutely! During our courses, our experienced Instructors will teach various equalization techniques and help troubleshoot issues. We provide exercises and tailored advice, but remember, progress comes from your dedication and practice!

What is the difference between a Training Dive and Coaching?

In a Training Dive session, a Master or Instructor supervises the buoy and may provide basic feedback. You'll also be expected to participate in the safety rotation with up to four divers per buoy. Coaching Sessions are more personalized. An Instructor will discuss your goals in a pre-dive briefing, act as your Safety Diver, and provide in-depth feedback, including optional video analysis. Coaching sessions are limited to two coachees per buoy.