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FreeDiving Course (AIDA * FreeDiver)
We often have similar queries from people about our courses and so have compiled
a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a query that is not covered
below, please do not hesitate to contact the Course Organiser Team via the Online Query form here
I've never freedived before. Is the course suitable for me?
Yes! The course is designed to take people with a little to no experience of any form of diving. The only thing we ask is that you know how to swim! On our previous courses we have had students who have done scuba diving, some who have done a little snorkelling and many who have never ventured any deeper than their local swimming pool.
I smoke/ am unfit/ am older. Can I still learn to freedive?
Absolutely! We have taught many people over the age of 65 and one person in his 80s! As well as this, Annabel Briseno took up freediving in her fifties and became a multiple world record holder! You do not have to be superfit to freedive. the most important thing is to be relaxed! Ironically many smokers are very good at breathing as they have had lots of practice at drawing smoke deep into their lungs… Whilst it obviously helps to be fit and a non smoker, it will not stop you learning to freedive and enjoying yourself! The only thing that we require is for you to fill out a self certifying medical form. You will receive this prior to taking the course and if you answer ‘yes’ to any condition then you will need to get the form signed by your doctor.
What do I need to bring?
A swimsuit and towel are virtually all you need! You will also need to bring completed paperwork that will be sent to you prior to taking the course and you can bring a camera if you would like the record the weekend. All freediving equipment is provided.
If I pay the deposit, is my place guaranteed?
Absolutely Yes! If in doubt please email the Course Organiser Team via the Online Query form.
Do I receive confirmation of my booking or some kind of ticket?
You will receive an email confirmation and also an information pack via email.
What does the price include?
The price includes the following. Please note that it does not include travel, accommodation, breakfast or evening meals.
- Access to the S.E.T.T. for 2 days (Saturday and Sunday)
- Theory and Practical lessons with qualified instructors
- All course materials
- The DeeperBlue.net "Introduction to FreeDiving" Manual
- Equipment Hire
- Delicious lunch on both days
- Snacks and beverages on both days
- AIDA Certification as AIDA * FreeDiver
- Certificate showing you have completed the course
- Significant discounts on purchasing equipment and apparel
I'm a vegetarian. Are specialist diets catered for?
All specialist diets are catered for. Just let the Course Organiser, Emma Farrell at emma.farrell@deeperblue.net know of your requirements.
My child is really keen on learning to Freedive. Can they come on a course?
At the moment we are only allowing people of 16 years and older to attend a course or the tank as a qualified diver.
What happens throughout the day?
Below is the timetable for the weekend for Course Students in PDF format. You can download Adoba Acrobat from the Adobe website here.
Download Student Timetable. (Please note this is the Course Student timetable)
What is the student/ instructor ratio and how many people are on each course?
In Classroom Sessions the maximum number of students taught by an instructor is 12, and in the tank the number is 6. The maximum number of students who take the course is 12.
What qualifications do the instructors have?
All instructors are AIDA qualified instructors with at least two years experience under their belt. They are also trained in first aid and cpr and we always have at least two instructors on the weekend. We pride ourselves on the quality and experience of our teaching staff and are lucky to be able to bring in former and current world record holders to teach our students.
What depth do most people attain by the end of the course?
We cannot guarantee what depth you will attain, however so far, all of our students have reached 10 metres and many have got to the bottom of the tank. The average depth that a first time student attains is between 15 and 25 metres.
What certification do I get at the end of the course?
If you successfully complete the diving, rescue and exam then you will receive a certificate and card that certifies you as an 'AIDA Deep Tank Diver' So far, we have achieved a 100% pass rate.
What are the performance requirements and prerequisites?
- AIDA Deep Tank Freediver Qualification
- Prerequisites
• Be 16 years of age or older
• Be able to swim at least 100m non stop
- Knowledge development
• Classroom session
• Exam- pass mark 75%
- Performance Requirements- Tank sessions
• Constant Weight- 10m
• Rescue- 5m
- • Buddying- 5m
What happens in the tank? Do I get lowered at speed with weight and then swim back?
No! We do not practice 'No-Limits'; freediving at the tank. Students learn the disciplines of Free Immersion, which is where you pull yourself down and back up a line or rope along the side, and Constant Weight, where you fin down and back.
What safety procedures do you have in place?
We pride ourselves on our safety considerations and procedure. As well as two safety briefings, we have 2 instructors trained in rescue and recovery, a diver retrieval system based on a lift bag activated at depth that is clipped onto a D ring that all divers wear, a scuba kit on standby and O2 and first aid kit. However our primary safety comes from the way that we instruct our students. Each student learns to dive safely and how to deal with potential problems.
Is there any practice I can do before the course?
If you book on a course then we send you an information pack which contains, amongst other things, some advice on breath holding practice that you can do before the course but this is entirely optional.
I'm travelling from far away, how do I get there and where should I stay?
When you book you receive an introduction pack. This contains, amongst other things, an extensive document on travel to the SETT and local accommodation details for all budgets. There are regular trains to Portsmouth Harbour train station from where you take a short ferry ride to Gosport. The nearest airport is Southampton.
Where exactly is the SETT tank?
The SETT Tank, Fort Blockhouse, Haslar Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2AB
When is the last day I can book on a course?
If you both hold UK passports then the latest you can book is five days before the course, however they do fill up quickly and so we would advise booking as far in advance as possible. If you do not hold a UK passport then you must book at least 14 days in advance.
When do I need to pay the balance?
It is advised that you pay the balance before the weekend, however you can pay it before the end of the Saturday by cheque, cash or credit card.
I may not make the weekend. Can I get my deposit back?
No. Deposits are non-refundable
I can't make the weekend but can make a different date. Can I swap the dates without incurring an extra charge?
Of course you can! We require 14 days notice before the start of the course otherwise you will incur rescheduling or cancellation charges. If you need to reschedule or cancel then please let the Course Organiser, Emma Farrell at emma.farrell@deeperblue.net know immediately.
I don't hold a UK passport. Can I still come on the course?
Yes! Although we ask that you book at least 2 weeks prior to the course for us to process your nationality with the Ministry of Defence and come with photo ID.
I've done loads of freediving already. Can I come as a Qualified Diver?
You can only attend as a Qualified Diver if you have previously attended a Course with DeeperBlue.net, a course certifying you as an AIDA ** freediver, or have attended and passed one of the following courses:
- DeeperBlue.net Course
- Performance FreeDiving (Intermediate Freediver)
- AIDA FreeDiver (**)
- F.R.E.E (Advanced Freediver)
- PADI FreeDiver Speciality
- Apnea Academy (Level 2)
I've already done a course and want to attend as a qualified diver. How many spaces are available at each weekend and how do I book?
If you want to attend as a qualified diver you can come for 1 day or the whole weekend. We like to keep at least 2 slots open qualified divers however priority must go to Course Students. If you are interested in attending then please email the Course Organiser, Emma Farrell at emma.farrell@deeperblue.net as soon as possible to reserve a date and then she will direct you to the hidden booking link so that you can pay and reserve your place.
I'm attending as a qualified diver. What is the timetable for my weekend?
Below is the timetable for the weekend for Qualified Freedivers in PDF format. You can download Adoba Acrobat from the Adobe website here.
Download Qualified Timetable. (Please note this is the Qualified Freediver timetable)
Does DeeperBlue.net provide further training?
Yes! We have a wide range of course in the UK and abroad up to Instructor Level.
Why should I do this course?- what will I get out of it?
Every student has different reasons for doing a course with us but we like to pride ourselves on offering a completely unique weekend professionally run. As well as providing lunch and all equipment we give students a 60 page freediving manual which covers the course materials and further information for future freediving. And what will you get out of it? Why not read our feedback comments!
Are you guys the same as Freeology who I heard run courses in the SETT tank?
No. Freeology stopped taking freedivers to the tank early 2004. We are a completely different organisation and run our own courses according to AIDA standards.
Will I get the bends?
No. The bends is a condition that occurs when divers stay at depth for long periods of time. You will learn more during the course about the physiology of FreeDiving.
I'm scared of water/ depth/ confined spaces- how confident do you have to be to take the course?
Our Course Organiser, Emma Farrell suffers from a fear of water and depth yet started her freediving in the SETT tank and soon overcame her fears! It obviously helps if you feel at ease already, however our instructors are adept at calming any fears you might have and making sure that students feel safe and secure and learn at their own pace.
Who will be my instructors on the course?
To find out which instructors are booked to teach on a particular course, please email our Head of Freediving Education, Emma Farrell at emma.farrell@deeperblue.net
Do you do private tuition?
Yes we do. Please contact our Head of Freediving Education, Emma Farrell at emma.farrell@deeperblue.net to discuss your needs
Other Information
If you'd like to speak to us, please use the email form here.
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