AIDA 1 vs. AIDA 2: Which Beginner Course Is Right for You?

AIDA 1 and AIDA 2 are both suitable for people who are new to freediving, but they provide different amounts of training.

The most important difference is that AIDA 1 is a gentle introduction in confined water, while AIDA 2 adds a more complete range of theory, safety and open-water depth training.

AIDA 1

The AIDA 1 course is a one-day introduction to freediving.

Training takes place in a pool or suitable confined-water environment. It introduces relaxation, breathing, static and dynamic breath-hold exercises, recovery breathing, buddy procedures and fundamental rescue skills.

AIDA 1 does not include deep open-water training. It can be a good choice if you want a slower first step or are not yet ready for an ocean training day.

AIDA 2

The two-day AIDA 1+2 course is the option I recommend for most beginners.

It combines theory and confined-water practice with open-water line diving, equalization, safety, rescue skills and progressive depth training.

The AIDA 2 certification depth requirement is 12m. Training may continue to a maximum course depth of 20m when appropriate, but reaching 20m is not required.

Students must complete all applicable requirements to earn certification. Attendance alone does not guarantee certification.

Which should you choose?

Choose AIDA 1 if:

• You want a one-day introduction.
• You prefer to begin in confined water.
• You are not ready for open-water depth training.

Choose AIDA 1+2 if:

• You want a complete beginner course.
• You want to learn open-water freediving.
• You want the opportunity to earn AIDA 2 certification.
• You plan to continue training or join recreational freediving sessions.

For most people who want to learn freediving beyond the pool, AIDA 1+2 provides the more complete foundation.

Compare the complete course options or contact Mitch if you are unsure which course fits you.