Basic Freediver Course
Learn the core breathing, relaxation, and safety skills needed to start freediving with confidence
PFI Basic Freediver Certification in Nanaimo
Learn foundational breath-hold skills and explore the underwater world on a single breath.
Freediving offers a calm, focused way to experience the ocean without bubbles, noise, or heavy gear. The PFI Basic Freediver course teaches the essential techniques for safe, enjoyable breath-hold diving to a maximum depth of 10 metres. You’ll build confidence through classroom learning, pool practice, and guided open-water sessions in the Nanaimo area.
Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters gives you access to experienced instructors and local sites that are perfect for building early freediving skills.
Who will benefit from the Basic Freediver course?
The PFI Basic Freediver course is designed for anyone who wants to:
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- Learn the core techniques of breath-hold diving
- Build confidence while snorkeling and exploring shallow water
- Improve breathing, relaxation, and equalization skills
- Begin their freediving journey with proper safety training
Minimum age is 10 with parental consent. Participants should be comfortable in the water and in good general health.
Inside your Basic Freediver training experience
This course blends classroom learning with hands-on training in both confined water and open water. You’ll progress through breathing practice, static breath-holds, and gradual depth sessions with close instructor supervision.
A typical course includes:
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- Classroom sessions covering breathing, safety, physics, and physiology
- Confined-water training focused on relaxation, buoyancy, and static apnea
- Open-water dives practicing constant-weight and free-immersion techniques
- Equalization workshops and stretching routines to improve comfort and control
This structure gives you a safe, steady progression from shallow breath-hold work to deeper skills performed in the ocean.
What to expect from your beginner freediving training
The course has three main training phases.
#1. Knowledge development
You’ll complete the PFI manual or eLearning and learn:
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- Proper breathing and relaxation techniques
- Equalization methods for shallow-to-moderate depth
- The physics and physiology of breath-holding
- Essential freediving safety procedures and buddy responsibilities
- How equipment such as fins, masks, and snorkels supports efficient movement
#2. Confined-water training
In the pool, you’ll practice:
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- Multiple static breath-holds of at least one minute
- Controlled recovery breathing at the surface
- Effective kicking and streamlining techniques
- Mask-flood and resurfacing skills
- Optional dynamic apnea training for improved efficiency
#3. Open-water depth sessions
In local Nanaimo or Nanoose Bay sites, you’ll complete:
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- Six constant-weight dives to depths up to 10 metres
- Four free-immersion dives to a maximum of 10 metres
- Supervised ascent and recovery breathing practice
- Basic rescue scenarios, including how to support a buddy at depth
Your instructor will guide you through each step so you develop breath-hold comfort, relaxation, and safe diving habits.
Gear needed for the Basic Freediver course
During the Basic Freediver course your gear will be included, you’ll use:
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- Mask, snorkel, fins
- Freediving or snorkeling wetsuit appropriate for local waters
- Weight belt and weights
- Timing device or freedive computer
Exposure protection is essential in British Columbia’s colder water. You’ll be fitted for a wetsuit that keeps you warm during both breath-hold training and open-water dives.
Learn the basics, feel confident underwater
Training in British Columbia gives you a strong foundation for diving anywhere in the world. If you can stay relaxed and efficient in colder conditions, warm-water locations feel easy and comfortable. Your PFI certification is recognized internationally, allowing you to continue into Intermediate Freediver, Safety Freediver, or performance-oriented courses.
What’s included
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- All classroom, pool, and open-water training
- PFI eLearning or manual
- Use of freediving equipment (or rental options as needed)
- Professional instruction in small groups
- Access to local sites suitable for beginner-level depth training
Student perks: You’ll receive discounts on gear purchases and can join future freediving sessions and skill-building workshops at Nanaimo Dive Outfitters.
Coming from out of town?
If you’ve started your freediving journey elsewhere, we can help you complete your training through a multi-agency referral. Many students visit Vancouver Island specifically for our clear water, accessible shore entries, and ideal depth profiles for early freediver practice. We offer flexible scheduling and can coordinate pool and ocean sessions around travel plans. Contact us to confirm availability.
Basic Freediver Course FAQ
How fit do I need to be to start freediving?
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable swimming and able to move in the water without stress. Most people with average fitness can complete the course. Your instructor will help you progress at a pace that matches your comfort level.
How cold will I be during open-water sessions?
Students wear thick freediving wetsuits that retain heat well. Movement during diving also helps keep you warm. Instructors monitor students closely, and sessions can be shortened if anyone becomes chilled.
Is freediving harder than scuba diving?
It’s different, not harder. Freediving focuses on calmness, technique, and body awareness instead of managing equipment. Many scuba divers enjoy freediving because of the simplicity and quiet.
How long does it take to get comfortable holding my breath?
Most students see improvement within a single confined-water session. Relaxation is key, and your instructor will help you develop that skill step by step.
Are there medical restrictions for freediving?
Some conditions, such as uncontrolled asthma, heart issues, or ear problems, may require medical clearance. If you’re unsure, speak with a doctor familiar with diving medicine.
How do instructors monitor students’ safety during depth sessions?
Each student is closely supervised, with dedicated safety divers and a clear plan for every dive. Ratios are kept low to ensure individual attention.
How long does it take to complete the course?
Most programs run over one or two weekends, depending on scheduling and conditions. Some students choose private or semi-private sessions for more flexibility.
Ready to become a certified diver?
Scuba diving opens the door to new experiences, travel, and friendships. Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters gives you confidence in one of the richest cold-water ecosystems in the world.
Start your SDI eLearning today or contact us to reserve your spot in an upcoming class.
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