Like any other demanding activity, freediving requires training. While you can get started with freediving without professional help, taking this intense sport to the next level requires the assistance of an experienced instructor. There are many freediving schools and associations worldwide. The ones mentioned here teach proper freediving techniques while helping students to reduce the risks associated with freediving.
AIDA International - Freediving Schools
Also known as the International Association for the Development of Apnea, AIDA was founded in 1992. Well-known as the global authority on competitive freediving, the association organizes international freediving competitions while verifying and recording professional freediving records. The organization’s goals include the safe and effective training of freedivers as well as additional research and development of science and techniques related to freediving.
AIDA’s freediving courses are divided into four levels, each offering instruction on progressively advanced skills, and each requiring certain accomplishments for certification. Certification is based on static freediving, dynamic freediving, and constant weight freediving, with times and depths increasing at each level.
Scuba Schools International - Freediving Schools
Scuba Schools International (SSI) is renowned for its scuba instruction, and many don’t realize that the organization also offers training for freedivers. Like AIDA, SSI offers four progressively challenging levels; in addition, the organization offers freediving specialty courses. Basic certification classes include an introduction to ear equalization and finning techniques, with depths increasing at each level.
Freediving Instructors International - Freediving Schools
Freediving Instructors International (FII) is a US-based freediving association, and was instituted by champion freediver Martin Stepanek. FII’s philosophy emphasizes a focus on teaching freediving students the knowledge and techniques necessary to feel comfortable while pursuing the discipline. Other associations place a higher emphasis on performance. Freediving Instructors International offers courses at three levels. Students must pass tests based on their skills and knowledge, but they are not required to meet specific goals in order to become certified.
Performance Freediving International - Freediving Schools
Performance Freediving International (PFI) has multiple locations in the United States and Canada, offering instructional certification and courses led by championship freedivers. PFI offers certification, in-person training, and online instruction.
World Underwater Federation - Freediving Schools
Also known as CMAS, the World Underwater Federation was founded in 1959, and offers numerous courses including those with a focus on scuba and freediving. CMAS has a separate Apnea Commission that holds competitions worldwide. CMAS doesn’t just focus on competitive freediving, it offers courses on freediving photography, recreational freediving, synchronized swimming, and underwater sports like hockey, rugby, and target shooting. Like other professional organizations, CMAS places a strong emphasis on safety and training.
As the popularity of freediving increases, more agencies are developing classes aimed at developing the skills that are necessary for freediving safely. If you think freediving might be for you, you should seek training from an instructor who has been certified by a recognized freediving organization or agency. AIDA, FII, and SSI are recognized worldwide, but there are other safe, reputable freediving schools. Many of them were founded by championship freedivers, who are well-versed in techniques for increasing endurance and freediving effectively.