Day 1
8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Classroom instruction and confined water training

Day 2
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Open water session and written exam

Open Water Coaching Sessions

These sessions are designed for freedivers who want to refine technique, build confidence, and gain additional open water freediving experience. Open water freedive practice sessions are available to certified freedivers from any recognized agency, as well as students who have completed an FII Level 1 course and are practicing while working toward full FII Level 1 Freediver certification. These open water coaching sessions are well suited for freedivers seeking a safe, supportive training environment with instructor oversight and opportunities for coaching and skill refinement.

A certified instructor or assistant instructor is present throughout each session to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer coaching as needed, allowing participants to relax and focus on their dives. Practice sessions are structured to help freedivers refine skills, gain valuable open water experience, and develop greater comfort and confidence while freediving.

Details

Session requires a minimum of two participants to run.

Prerequisites (One of the below conditons)

• Have achieved the Fii Level 1 Pool Only certification
• Completed a FII Level 1 Freediver open water course and are working towards certification
• Hold a freediving certification from any recognized freedive agency (Participant held to certified depth)

Enrollment: A deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the first day of the course

Required Equipment: 7mm wetsuit, Mask and snorkel, Freediving fins, Weight belt and weights, Waterproof timing device

Level1Freediver – Pool onlY

The FII Level 1 Freediver Pool Only Course covers the complete FII Level 1 freediving curriculum, with the exception of the open water depth session. This pool based freediving course is designed for students who want to learn the full scope of freediving knowledge and skills while allowing time to practice, develop technique, and build confidence before transitioning to open water freediving. These courses are commonly offered during the winter months, when open water conditions in the Pacific Northwest are not ideal for beginner freediving training.

Over one immersive weekend, students learn the foundational principles of freediving, including safety and emergency procedures, breathing and relaxation techniques, equalization methods, proper freediving equipment use, and efficient movement in the water. Instruction takes place through a balanced combination of classroom sessions and hands on pool training in a controlled and supportive environment.

The Pool Only format allows students to focus on technique, body awareness, and breath hold development without the added demands of open water. This approach gives students time to practice and refine freediving skills before applying them during an open water session.

Upon successful completion of this course and demonstration of the required skills, participants earn the FII Level 1 Freediver Pool Only certification. Students who complete the Pool Only course may later complete the full FII Level 1 Freediver certification by enrolling in an open water session and demonstrating the required skills to certification standard.

Course Details

• Prerequisites: Competent swimming skills and comfort in the water.
• Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years of age, or 16+ with parental consent
• Equipment Required: 3-5mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt, weights, and a waterproof timing device.
• Learning Materials: FII Level 1 Freediver manual and workbook (provided by the instructor at the start of the course).

Schedule

Opportunity to Earn the Full FII Level 1 Freediver Certification

Pool Only certified students may complete the full FII Level 1 Freediver certification within one year by participating in an open water session and demonstrating all required Level 1 skills to certification standard.