Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHAT DIVING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE A FREEDIVE COURSE?
Skill requirements necessary to pass the course for certification are taught, learned, and practiced in the course itself. There are no skill requirements needed to enroll in a freediving course. ;-) The PADI Freediver course is the entry-level course designed to provide a solid foundation for a relaxed, comfortable, fun and safe freediving experience. Blue Water Freedivers’ entry-level students have ranged from individuals brand-new-to-freediving to avid snorklers to freedivers of all levels, spearfishing enthusiasts, and elite forces of the U.S. military (Navy Seals, Green Berets, Army Rangers, and U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Pararescue (PJ) specialists).
Freediving is a very niche and rewarding sport that is practiced using unique abilities that are learnable by anyone with an interest in exploring it.
WHAT IS FREEDIVING? HOW IS FREEDIVING DIFFERENT FROM SNORKELING?
Snorkeling is the casual act of putting on a mask and snorkel and looking below the surface while floating. Snorkelers may not have any formal training and generally spend most of their time on the surface.
Freediving, on the other hand, uses intentional breathing and relaxation techniques, along with specific freediving skills, to safely increase depth, time underwater, and awareness.
Snorkeling is about observing the underwater world. Freediving is about learning to master yourself—within it and beyond.
Freediving goes far beyond holding your breath. At its foundation is the ability to intentionally lower your heart rate through specific, practiced breathing patterns before breath-holds and dives. This skill doesn’t end when the dive does—it carries directly into everyday life.
The spillover effects are profound. Freedivers learn to regulate stress, remain calm under pressure, and slow the mind when life speeds up. What begins as a diving practice often becomes a powerful tool for navigating anxiety, performance, and the demands of dry life.
Freediving can be practiced in many different ways and at many different levels of intensity. People explore freediving for spearfishing, underwater photography and videography, silent exploration of coral reefs and marine life, diving with dolphins and other marine mammals, shipwreck and underwater structure exploration, cave, cenote, and freshwater spring diving, competitive and performance-based diving, breathwork and nervous system training, adventure travel and exploration, and personal growth through mindfulness, focus, and calm under pressure.
With proper coaching, anyone can learn to freedive, and all freedivers can experience the extraordinary mind, body, and soul spillover effects freediving offers to enhance their daily lives—both in and out of the water.
HOW DO I LEARN TO FREEDIVE?
The PADI Freediver, Advanced Freediver, and Master Freediver courses are structured into three intentional phases designed to build comfort, confidence, and skill progressively: knowledge development, confined water sessions, and open water sessions.
During knowledge development, you learn what’s happening in your body during breath-holding and why freediving feels far more natural than most people expect. You’ll also learn how water pressure affects you as you dive, along with freediving equipment, essential safety principles, and the buddy and safety systems that make freediving a team-based activity.
In confined water, such as a swimming pool, the focus is on relaxation first. You learn calm, efficient breathing techniques, then practice breath-holds while floating (static apnea) and swimming (dynamic apnea). This phase is where students build trust in their body, develop control, and practice basic rescue skills while learning their role as both a diver and a safety diver.
During open water sessions, everything comes together in a calm, controlled environment. You practice diving along a line using either free immersion or constant weight techniques, with depths increasing gradually and comfortably, guided by relaxation, technique, and awareness — never force.
It’s extremely common for students to surprise themselves, discovering a level of calm, confidence, and capability in the water they didn’t know they had.
If you’re curious about freediving, even if you’re unsure or have never done anything like this before, the course progression is designed to meet you exactly where you are.
Read what other students have experienced in Blue Water Freedivers courses here.
WHAT DIVING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE A FREEDIVE COURSE?
No previous diving experience is required to enroll in a freediving course.
Freediving is a highly specialized yet deeply accessible sport, and its core skills are learnable by nearly anyone with genuine curiosity and interest. Everything you need to safely, comfortably, and confidently complete the course is taught, practiced, and reinforced during the course itself — and supported beyond it.
The PADI Level 1 Freediver course is an entry-level course specifically designed to build a strong foundation for a relaxed, enjoyable, and — most importantly — safe freediving experience. Blue Water Freedivers’ entry-level students include people completely new to freediving, as well as snorkelers, swimmers, spearfishers, experienced freedivers, and high-performing professionals who rely on breath control in demanding environments.
Students have included elite forces of the U.S. Military, such as Navy SEALs, Green Berets, Army Rangers, and U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Pararescue (PJ) specialists — yet the course is equally appropriate for first-time freedivers taking their very first breath-hold training steps.
For all courses, Blue Water Freedivers provides ongoing post-course support, including dry training guidance and remote coaching, at no additional charge.
IS FREEDIVING SAFE?
Freediving is a very safe sport when practiced within the scope of the safety protocols and practices we teach in all courses, starting with the foundational Level 1 PADI Freediver course.
When freediving is practiced outside the framework of established safety protocols, the risks increase significantly. In recent years, the freediving community has experienced too many avoidable accidents, reminding us why proper training and safety awareness matter.
At Blue Water Freedivers, safety is central to everything we do. Our goal is to instill a calm, confident, safety-first mindset in every student we train, so freediving remains not only rewarding and empowering, but responsibly practiced.
Safety considerations are fundamental to freediving and foundational to all Blue Water Freedivers courses.
WHAT SAFETY PROTOCOLS ARE LEARNED/PRACTICED IN BLUE WATER FREEDIVERS COURSES?
Upon completion of a Level 1 Freediver course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the safety dynamics and considerations that affect a freediver on a breath-hold dive, as well as what it takes to be an effective safety diver for another.
These concepts are taught in the theory session and practiced and reinforced throughout confined and open water sessions and beyond. We are always available to discuss any safety questions or concerns as you progress on your freediving journey.
All Blue Water Freedivers leave with two directives: 1) Protect what we call your “dive vibe” by diving with people who fulfill you, match your training vibe and aspirations, and whom you trust implicitly for safety; and 2) Be an ambassador for safe freediving with zero tolerance for unsafe dive practices. Blue Water Freedivers alumni enjoy a strong safety reputation within the freediving community and are encouraged to maintain safe dive practices on every dive, with every diver they dive with, without exception.
If you have any questions regarding, or would like to discuss, freediving safety practices and protocols that we train, feel free to reach out to discuss.
I'M ALREADY ACTIVELY FREEDIVING. WHY SHOULD I TAKE A COURSE?
If you are already actively freediving, formal - or additional coaching - Blue Water Freedivers will ensure that you are practicing this sport / lifestyle with a full comprehension of all mental and physical dynamics at play.
If you have already been actively freediving, there is a good chance that you may have encountered or experienced something safety-related that made you feel uncomfortable or uneasy. As a freediver, you should have no concerns in regards to your personal safety underwater on a breath hold. Those concerns are alleviated through an understanding - and effective implementation of - critical freediving safety protocols.
In the level 1 Freediver course, you will expand your scope of freediving knowledge as well as learn and practice how to properly safety another diver with a comprehensive understanding of what causes hypoxia (low oxygen) and how to rescue a diver that experiences a loss of motor control (LMC) or a blackout as a result.
All Blue Water Freedivers courses are safety-centric and the safety protocols and practices that we learn in the Level 1 Freediver course (and all subsequent course levels), are considered foundational to the practice of freediving.
Whether you're looking to double down on skills you've already learned and begun practicing, wanting to increase the depths to which you dive comfortably, extend your breath hold duration, or implement a consistent and effective dry training program - Blue Water Freedivers will meet you where you currently are and provide the necessary coaching and tools for the most effective progression of your freediving skills and freediving experience to the next level.
WHERE DO THE TRAINING SESSIONS TAKE PLACE AND WHAT ARE THE WATER CONDITIONS LIKE?
Most Level 1 courses take place in Florida's "spring country" (Gainesville area), where this state's magical freshwater springs are deep and clear enough to for ideal freedive training. From the multiple available options we have, I choose the location with the best conditions at the time of the course to provide the best possible class experience.
Level 2 (Advanced Freediver) courses take place either in a spring without adequate depth or in the ocean, and all Level 3 (Master Freediver) courses are conducted in the ocean off the coast of Palm Beach, where we enjoy the clearest water and best visibility on the entire eastern seaboard of the United States.
For the Level 1 (and some Level 2 courses) Florida’s freshwater springs are incredibly beautiful, and if you’ve never experienced them, you have everything to look forward to.
If you have any questions regarding the geography for your course, reach out to discuss.
HOW LONG IS THE COURSE AND WHAT DOES THE SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?
All standard / public Blue Water Freedivers courses are two consecutive days. Private coaching, custom courses, or group events can be tailored to meet your needs and may be longer in duration if desired.
Course logistics and agenda details are sent to all students prior to the course date. Day one typically runs from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., while day two start times vary depending on weather and temperature, generally beginning mid to late morning and wrapping up mid to late afternoon.
For those traveling, start and end times can be adjusted to accommodate flight or traffic logistics, and I will ensure all course content is fully covered.
If you have any questions regarding your course's logistics, reach out to discuss.
Read what other students have experienced in Blue Water Freedivers courses here.
HOW MUCH DO FREEDIVING LESSONS COST?
Compared with other adventure sports and outdoor activities, learning to freedive is not expensive. Costs are comparable to a full day of surfing lessons, a weekend of rock climbing, kayaking, or fly fishing lessons, several hours of private golf or water-skiing instruction, or even a great night out at the pub.
See course descriptions and course costs here.
I DON’T HAVE ANY FREEDIVING GEAR. CAN I STILL TAKE A COURSE - OR CAN YOU HELP ME ACQUIRE GEAR?
Yes, absolutely. This is a conversation I have almost every day.
During the course, you’ll use a mask, snorkel, wetsuit, fins, and possibly a freediving quick-release weight belt. If you do not own any/all necessary gear, I can supply anything/everything you need for use in the course. There are no rental fees.
I have a wide selection of high-quality freediving-specific equipment and can outfit large groups. If you’re interested in purchasing your own gear, but I'm not sure what to buy, I recommend trying our loaner gear first to determine proper fit and preference, as freediving equipment varies significantly by brand.
If you have any questions at all regarding freediving gear for use in a Blue Water Freedivers course - or otherwise, feel free to reach out and we can discuss. I can assist in pointing you in the right direction.
Contact to discuss gear or the acquisition of freediving equipment.
HOW DO I ENROLL IN A COURSE?
Enrolling is simple. Just complete the contact form, or reach out directly at 407-694-9704 to let me know which course date you’d like to secure a spot in.
No deposit is necessary, and no pre-payment at all is required.
Open courses are always available for enrollment on the homepage of this website or on the Courses page.
WHAT IS BLUE WATER’S CANCELLATION / RESCHEDULING POLICY?
I understand that emergencies and unexpected life circumstances happen, so there are no cancellation or rescheduling fees. Advance notice is always appreciated whenever possible, as it allows your spot to be opened to other students.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE?
Class sizes vary, with most courses hosting 3–4 students and a maximum of 8. Most courses are taught alongside a PADI-certified co-instructor to ensure personalized attention. Courses fill quickly, so booking early is encouraged.
Read what other students have experienced in Blue Water Freedivers courses here.
WHAT’S THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE FOR PRIVATE COACHING? DO YOU DO CORPORATE EVENTS?
Yes. Large groups can be accommodated. Freediving presentations, discussions, dry breathwork and pool sessions, or spring dives can all be arranged. Geography and pricing are flexible - contact directly for details.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET FREEDIVE CERTIFIED?
Blue Water Freedivers courses are performance-based and flexible. Standard courses run two days, with options for continued post-course training. Certification is earned by demonstrating competence, not by rushing through requirements, allowing students to progress at their own pace.
Post-course support and ongoing dry training is available to all Blue Water Freedivers students at no additional charge.
Read what other students have experienced in Blue Water Freedivers courses here.
MY EARS HURT WHEN I GO TO THE BOTTOM OF A SWIMMING POOL OR WHEN I DIVE DOWN SNORKELING. WILL THAT PREVENT ME FROM BECOMING A FREEDIVER?
No. Ear discomfort is caused by pressure changes and is normal. In the Blue Water Freedivers level one freediving course, we learn the Frenzel equalization technique that allows us to comfortably manage pressure in the ears and sinuses.
We proceed slowly and methodically in the water, learning and practicing proven equalization techniques to help overcome even long-standing equalization challenges.
If you have any questions regarding equalization, or the path to comfortable and effortless equalization, let's discuss!
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE THE COURSE IS OVER?
After your course, I'll encourage as much water time (when/where available) as possible given your geography, work/life schedule, etc. - to continue developing the freediving skills foundation we built in the course.
I can assist with locating ideal diving/training environments (including outside of Florida), as well as assisting in connecting you with other like-minded and safety-focused freedivers.
For those who travel to dive, or that don't have convenient access to in-water diving / training environments where you live, a focus on dry breathwork is encouraged - designed to extend your comfortable breath-hold ability and to establish, amplify and maintain physical adaptations for deep(er) diving.
For all courses, post-course support and ongoing dry training / remote coaching is available to all Blue Water Freedivers students at no additional charge.
HOW DO I MEET OTHER FREEDIVERS TO DIVE WITH?
Freediving is not a sport that is practiced solo. As such, it is quite easy and very natural to network, to make new dive connections, new friends, new buddies - in the freediving community. The Blue Water Freedivers Student Group is a forum in which divers can make new connections, meet new friends, and explore the magical world of freediving with like-minded individuals that you can confidently trust we’re trained to always prioritize the safety protocols and practices that are critical in this sport.
I encourage my students to take advantage of the student group as well as having the option to lean on me directly for assistance in establishing new dive connections, which I will facilitate when and where able.
Read what other students have experienced in Blue Water Freedivers courses here.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF FREEDIVING?
Freediving is a truly unique sport—one that I encourage my students to embrace not just as a skill, but as a lifestyle.
When practiced with intention, freediving offers a wide range of mental and physical benefits and blessings that extend far beyond the water. These benefits don’t come only from diving alone, but from the training that contributes to freediving being easier… and as such, more fun. ;-)
Foundational to freediving is the ability to intentionally lower the heart rate through specific breathing patterns—a physiological response known as bradycardia. This is not incidental; it’s a core skill that every freediver develops.
As a result, dry apnea and breathwork training don’t just improve dive performance. They train your nervous system. Over time, this practice provides you the ability to influence your mood, regulate stress, and shift your mental state—simply through the way you breathe.
What begins as a foundational requirement for freediving becomes something far more powerful when trained deliberately.
It becomes a superpower you carry with you into everyday life.
Mental and physical benefits of freediving:
Relieve stress
Brings you closer to marine life
Boosts adrenaline
Improves focus
Therapeutic for the joints
Strengthens the lungs
Strengthen the muscles
Boosts endurance
Teaches discipline
Pushes you to your limits
(I would add:) Incredibly satisfying
(Also): Super fun
For all courses, post-course support and ongoing dry training / remote coaching is available to all Blue Water Freedivers students at no additional charge.
Contact to discuss or enroll today!
DO YOU OFFER ADAPTIVE FREEDIVING FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES OR PARALYSIS?
Yes. Adaptive freediving is absolutely possible—and it can be an incomparably deep and empowering experience.
Blue Water Freedivers offers custom adaptive freediving experiences for individuals with physical disabilities, including paraplegia. Blue Water Freedivers has multiple paraplegic students and has firsthand experience adapting freediving techniques, equipment, entries, exits, and safety protocols to each diver’s unique abilities.
Freediving is uniquely well-suited for adaptive athletes because it emphasizes relaxation, breath awareness, buoyancy, and mental focus rather than strength or speed. In the water, many physical limitations are reduced or disappear entirely, allowing students to experience freedom of movement, control, and presence in a way that is difficult to find on land.
Every adaptive session is:
Safety-centric
One-on-one with safety diver(s)
Individually assessed and customized
Built around the student’s goals, comfort, and capabilities
If you’re interested in adaptive freediving - or advocating for someone who is - reach out to me directly so we can have a conversation about what’s possible. In many cases, the answer is more than you think. 😉💦
DO YOU OFFER BREATHWORK COACHING?
Yes. The intentional lowering of the heart rate is foundational to the sport of breath-hold diving. The techniques used to achieve this are taught and practiced in all Blue Water Freedivers courses in conjunction with freediving itself, and these skills are also encouraged as to be developed and utilized in "dry life", outside of the water.
As a standalone course or through private coaching (in person or remote), Blue Water Breathwork is available outside the context of freedive training. This program teaches the same breathing strategies and breathing control used by elite freedivers in one of the most unforgiving environments on earth—underwater, on a single breath.
This is not meditation or mindset talk. It is high-performance nervous system training, grounded in the proven physiology of freediving and its direct effects on the nervous system.
You’ll learn specific breathing patterns designed to activate the parasympathetic response, intentionally lower the heart rate, improve CO₂ tolerance, and increase mental resilience under stress. With consistent practice, this breathwork becomes a real-world superpower—giving you control in moments where most people feel overwhelmed or powerless.
If you have questions or would like to explore freediving-based breathing strategies designed to lower your heart rate on demand, feel free to reach out to start the conversation.