What Do You Learn in an SSI Freedive Course? - Freediving is a thrilling and transformative sport that connects you to the underwater world in a profound way. Through the practice of breath-hold diving, freedivers are able to access a state of deep relaxation and mental calm that can have positive impacts on both their diving abilities and their everyday life. If you're curious about trying freediving or want to take your skills to the next level, an SSI (Scuba Schools International) freedive course is an excellent place to start.
At Rusty Freediving, our SSI-certified instructors guide students through a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from the basic techniques of freediving to advanced depth and skills progression. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced diver looking to improve, our courses are tailored to your individual needs and goals. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect to learn in an SSI freedive course.
SSI Try Freediving (5m)
This introductory one-day course is perfect for the advanced snorkeler who wants to dip their toes into the world of freediving. Over the course of 4-5 hours, you'll learn the fundamental skills and safety protocols that form the foundation of freediving.
Key topics covered include:
- Breathing techniques for freediving, including diaphragmatic breathing and paced breathing
- How to properly equalise the ears and sinuses to avoid discomfort during descent
- Relaxation and visualisation exercises to manage stress and anxiety underwater
- Effective finning techniques to conserve energy and maximize depth
- Basic freediving safety protocols, including signalling, pairing up with a buddy, and surface recovery
By the end of this course, you'll have the opportunity to make your first freedive to a depth of 5 meters (16 feet) under the close supervision of your instructor. This introduction to the sport will give you a taste of the serenity and exhilaration that draws so many people to freediving.
SSI Freediving Level 1 (20m)
Building on the skills learned in the Freediving Trial Course, our SSI Freediving Level 1 certification is a 3-day program that will train you to safely free dive to depths of 20 meters (66 feet). It is ideal for beginners and intermediate freedivers looking to refine their technique and expand their capabilities.
In addition to reviewing and perfecting the fundamentals covered in the introductory course, you'll dive deeper into topics such as:
- Frenzel equalisation technique for equalizing the ears and sinuses at deeper depths
- Streamlining your body position and finning technique for maximum efficiency
- Advanced breathing exercises to manage your oxygen levels and carbon dioxide tolerance
- Relaxation methods to enter a state of profound calmness and focus underwater
- Emergency procedures and safety protocols for deeper freedives
Over the three days, you'll have the opportunity to complete multiple dives to 20 meters while receiving individualized feedback and coaching from your instructor. This hands-on practice is crucial for developing the muscle memory and confidence needed to freedive safely and effectively.
After successful completion of this course, you'll earn your SSI Freediving Level 1 certification, which is recognized internationally and will allow you to continue your freediving education and exploration.
SSI Freediving Level 2 (30m)
Once you've mastered the fundamentals of freediving through the Level 1 course, the next step is to progress to greater depths. Our 4-day SSI Freediving Level 2 certification will train you to safely freedive to 30 meters (98 feet).
This course involves the physiological and psychological aspects of freediving, including:
- Advanced equalization techniques such as the mouthfill method
- The physics and biology of free-falling and buoyancy in the water
- Strategies for managing oxygen levels and carbon dioxide retention
- Cultivating the mental focus and emotional control required for deep dives
- Emergency procedures for dealing with blackouts, shallow water blackouts, and other diving-related incidents
In addition to the classroom sessions, you'll have ample opportunity to put these skills into practice through a series of progressive, supervised dives. Your instructor will guide you through the process of gradually increasing your depth, providing feedback and support every step of the way.
SSI Freediving Level 3 (40m)
For true depth enthusiasts, our SSI Freediving Level 3 certification takes your skills to the next level by training you to safely free dive to depths of 40 meters (131 feet). This 5-day course is the natural progression for experienced freedivers who have mastered the techniques and mental strategies covered in the previous levels.
At this stage, the focus shifts to refining your equalization and breathing techniques to allow you to venture deeper into the underwater realm. You will learn:
- Mouthfill equalization and other advanced techniques for clearing the ears and sinuses
- Exhale diving and other specialized breathing methods for deeper dives
- Strategies for maintaining mental focus and emotional control during extended breath-holds
- Emergency management and rescue procedures for deep freediving incidents
- Decompression theory and the physiology of depth adaptation
Throughout the course, you'll have the opportunity to complete a series of dives to 40 meters under the close supervision of your instructor. This hands-on experience is essential for developing the muscle memory, mental fortitude, and risk management skills required for safe deep freediving.
You will earn your SSI Freediving Instructor certification after completing this course, which will allow you to teach freediving courses and mentor aspiring freedivers. This is a significant milestone in your freediving journey, opening the door to new opportunities for exploration, adventure, and personal growth.