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

If you want a complete beginner freediving course with open-water training, choose AIDA 2. AIDA 1 is a shorter introduction focused on theory and confined-water skills. At Mitch Brown Photo Freediving, the two-day AIDA 1+2 course is the recommended starting point for most beginners on Oahu.

Here is how the two courses compare side by side:

AIDA 1 vs AIDA 2: the key differences

AIDA 1 is a one-day introduction covering theory and confined-water skills. AIDA 1+2 runs over two days and adds supervised open-water training, which is where the AIDA 2 certification depth requirement of 12m is met. Course training may continue to a maximum of 20m when appropriate, and reaching 20m is not required to certify.

What AIDA 1 includes

The AIDA 1 course is a one-day introduction taught in a pool-like environment or a sheltered, calm-water site that freedivers call confined water. No previous freediving experience is required.

The day covers practical theory, relaxation and breathing preparation, static apnea (holding your breath while floating still), dynamic apnea (swimming underwater on one breath), equalization basics, recovery breathing, buddy procedures, and fundamental rescue skills. There is no open-water dive and no depth requirement.

What AIDA 2 adds

AIDA 2 is taught as the second day of the two-day AIDA 1+2 course. It adds a supervised open-water training day on a dive line, where you continue practicing equalization, efficient movement, recovery breathing, buddy procedures, and rescue skills at depth.

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

Why AIDA 2 is the recommended beginner option

Most beginners on Oahu want more than a pool introduction. They want to experience open-water freediving safely and leave with the opportunity to earn a recognized certification. The two-day AIDA 1+2 course combines the AIDA 1 material with a full open-water training day, so there is no need to book two separate courses to get there.

Because it covers both levels in one structured program, AIDA 1+2 is the course recommended to most people who are new to freediving and do not have a specific reason to stop at AIDA 1.

Does AIDA 2 automatically include certification?

No. Participating in the course does not guarantee certification. AIDA 2 certification is awarded only after all applicable theory, confined-water, open-water, safety, rescue, and performance requirements are successfully completed.

Which course is better for a complete beginner?

Yes. The two-day AIDA 1+2 course is built for people with no prior freediving experience, which is why it is the recommended starting point rather than a step you work up to. AIDA 1 exists for anyone who wants a shorter introduction first, not as a prerequisite you must hold before AIDA 2.

Does AIDA 1 include open-water freediving?

No. AIDA 1 is a one-day introduction covering theory and confined-water skills. The open-water depth session, and the chance to earn AIDA 2 certification with it, belongs to the two-day AIDA 1+2 course. If open water is the reason you want to learn, view the recommended AIDA 1+2 beginner course.

AIDA 1 and AIDA 2 certification requirements

Attending the course is not the same as certifying. AIDA 2 certification is awarded only after all applicable theory, confined-water, open-water, safety, rescue, and performance requirements are successfully completed. Depth is one of those requirements rather than the whole of it, and it helps to understand the AIDA 2 depth requirement before you book so the numbers make sense on the day.

Can the two AIDA 1+2 course days be separated?

The AIDA 1+2 course usually runs on consecutive days. Separate dates may be possible by prior arrangement. Contact Mitch before booking to confirm a schedule that works for your training and the available course dates.

Which course should you book on Oahu?

Choose AIDA 1 if you want the gentlest possible introduction, prefer to stay in confined water for now, or are not yet ready for an open-water training day. Choose AIDA 1+2 if you want the complete beginner progression in one booking, including the chance to train toward AIDA 2 certification.

You can review what happens during a beginner freediving course or check the AIDA 2 depth requirement before you decide.

Compare every freediving course or read how deep you must dive for AIDA 2.

Ready to book? See the AIDA 1+2 beginner course on Oahu, or review the AIDA 2 depth and certification requirements first.