Good Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any prior experience to take a course?

Not for the beginner courses. AIDA 1 and AIDA 1+2 are designed for people brand new to freediving. You just need to be a comfortable swimmer (100m for AIDA 1; 200m without fins or 300m with mask, fins, and snorkel for AIDA 1+2) and at ease in open water.

The advanced courses (AIDA 3, AIDA 4, Instructor) require the previous level's certification, or a crossover evaluation if you certified with a different agency.

What should I bring to class?

I provide fins, mask, snorkel, and a weight belt. A wetsuit is highly recommended; if you don't own one, any scuba shop in Waikiki will rent you one (renting the evening before is a good idea since we start early).

For each day of class, bring sunscreen, water, a yoga mat or towel, a change of clothes, a notepad, and slippers.

Where do classes meet?

All classes start near the Ala Wai Boat Harbor in Waikiki, Oahu. The exact meeting spot is included in the confirmation email you'll get when you book.

The AIDA 1+2 course runs from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM with theory on the beach, pool/confined-water sessions, and a lunch break between sessions.

What's your cancellation policy?

Bookings are handled through FareHarbor, and the cancellation and reschedule terms are shown at checkout. If weather or ocean conditions are unsafe, I'll always reach out to reschedule at no cost. Your safety is the only thing that matters.

If you need to cancel or change a booking, just send me a message as early as you can and I'll do my best to accommodate.

Do you offer private courses?

Yes. Any of the AIDA courses can be run privately for individuals or small groups. I also offer 2-hour Private Training Sessions for divers who want focused, one-on-one coaching on a specific skill, most often depth diving. Other apnea disciplines are available on request.

Reach out by email and we'll work out the schedule and pricing.

What does "1-2 photos included" mean?

Every course and training session includes one to two professional underwater photos of you, taken by me during the dive. They're a free bonus on top of your training.

If you want more, the 2-hour Creative Photo Session is a dedicated underwater photoshoot with 10 final images delivered.

Are AIDA certifications recognized worldwide?

Yes. AIDA International is one of the largest and most widely recognized freediving organizations in the world. Your certification will be honored at freediving schools and dive operations globally.

Still have a question?

Send me an email and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Email Mitch