AIDA 1+2

About this course

The most popular way to get into freediving.

A two-day beginner course built around safety, quality, and fun. You'll start with the fundamentals and finish AIDA 2 certified, ready to dive to 20m / 65 ft.

Freediving is about relaxation and trust, so we move at your pace and take the time to make sure every concept clicks. Most students are surprised by how quickly things come together once they're comfortable in the water.

In the pool and confined-water sessions you'll practice static and dynamic apnea alongside the core open-water skills: equalizing, duck diving, vertical swimming, body positioning, turns, and buoyancy control. Theory covers the breathing cycle, basic physiology, equalization, technique, safety, equipment, and the freediving disciplines. You'll have everything you need to dive confidently and with a buddy.

Once you've earned your AIDA 2 certificate you can progress to the AIDA 3 Advanced course.

What's included in this course

• Knowledge development through practical theory lessons
• Pool session: static apnea
• Pool session: dynamic freediving
• Open-water depth diving to 20m / 65 ft
• Equalization techniques & rescue skills
• Breathing & freediving techniques

Types of freediving in this course

• Static Apnea: the diver holds their breath for the maximum possible time while floating face down in a confined body of water. To qualify, the diver's respiratory system must remain fully submerged throughout the activity.
• Dynamic Apnea: the diver aims to cover the longest possible distance in a horizontal position underwater while in confined water. The activity can be done with or without fins.
• Constant Weight: the diver descends and ascends in open water using fins (or no fins) while keeping the same weight throughout the dive. No pulling on the line is allowed.
• Free Immersion: the diver descends and ascends by pulling on a vertical line, without using fins. A great discipline for learning equalization and body positioning.

What equipment you need

Fins, mask, snorkel, and a weight belt are provided. Wetsuits are highly recommended; if you don't have one, you can rent from any scuba shop in Waikiki. Renting the evening before is a good idea given the early start time.

For each day of the course, I recommend having:

• Sunscreen
• Water
• Yoga mat or towel
• Change of clothes
• Notepad
• Slippers

Prerequisites

• Be 18 years of age or older (16 or 17 years old with parent or guardian consent)
• Can swim at least 200m non-stop without fins or at least 300m non-stop with mask, fins and snorkel
• Can speak and read English