Pool-Freediver+

***Pool-Freediver+ Package Courses can be booked as privates. These certifications are sometimes ran in tandem within the scope of ‘PFI Freediver’ course programs that we run regularly. We can offer group discounts for groups of 6-8 on these program.***

If you're wanting to explore the world of freediving and breathold while dipping your toes and having some fun recreationally into the deep end of a controlled open-water experience with Bottom Dwellers this could be the program for you.

Form a solid foundation in the confined water sessions of this course while earning your Pool-Only Freediver certification. From there as a group you’ll adapt these new found skillsets to a guided open water experience as advanced snorkelers. Apply these skills to an open-water show and tell coaching adventure with Bottom Dwellers kept within snorkelling depths of 5m and shallower.

The PFI Pool-Freediver+ is the ‘Advanced snorkeller’ program taken another level higher with the furthered instruction and completion of the PFI Pool-only Freediver allowing you to practice static breatholds within the course as well. Learn to be a good 'Safe Buddy' diver;  find comfort in longer breath holds; learn about the basics and foundations of good, safe freediving practices; apply these skill sets in a group to a live open-water environment.

In this course you will be taught the fundamental building blocks of Freediving in a confined water setting. You will complete your program with an open water snorkel where you can apply your new found skill sets as advanced snorkelers within your new found comforts and skills.

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. In confined water sessions the PFI Freediver course will 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.

Focus of instructional material in the PFI Freediver course will be on:

  • Proper Safety Practices and Procedures

  • Proper Surface prep and Recovery Breathing Techniques for Freediving and Snorkelling

  • Confined-water skills development. Take what you learn in the classroom to the pool. Learn and improve proper freediving techniques and skills. Including, but not limited to: safety procedures, breathing techniques, entry techniques, equalization techniques, emergency procedures ...

  • Open-Water Guided snorkel adventure focusing on environment awareness and skills improvement

  • 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.

  • ~2 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 2 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)

  • Example of a typical Bottom Dwellers' PFI Pool-Only 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/Mon 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: OW Adventure 430PM-630PM

    Schedule B (Fri/Sat Practical):
    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 + OW Adventure 1pm-3pm Location TBD

Equipment Requirements:

As part of the instruction of the PFI Pool-Only Freediver course you will learn to select, manage and maintain your personal freediving equipment. This 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

  • 1 instructor: 8 students for practical segments of your course. Bottom Dwellers offers class ratios to maximize the experience of its students in and out of the classroom. Learn the course material and make dive buddies. 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.***