The Class that Opened Me Up to the World of Freediving

Hi, Awesome Hiveans! It hasn't been over a year since I started a new leisure which is Freediving. I saw @ybanezkim26 's post about his introduction class to freediving and I got inspired to do it. Coincidentally, my diving buddies went to the place where we had our introduction class so I guess I'm finally writing it up.

Have you ever had one impulsive decision in life which can take you to a different place? One day, my college buddies invited me to a Freediving Introduction class at Lapu-Lapu City. Since it's just near and I have been always wanting to get a money shot of Moalboal's Sardine Run hence I made an impulsive YES.

Introduction Class to Freediving

**Introduction Class **is a half-day activity where you will be learning the basics of freediving. This covers both theory and practical lessons enough for you to jumpstart in this sport. This does not get you certified yet though. We took our intro class at Pacific Blue Freediving at Club Kontiki Resort in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City. Personally, I didn't have much knowledge about freediving so I was so invested to learn new things. The Introduction class by the way cost us P1,900 (34 USD) which already includes the rent of the gear, the resort's entrance fee, the class, and practice sessions.

We arrived at Club Kontiki a few minutes late than the call time. Luckily, the class didn't start yet. We were given a Medical Questionnaire and Liability Release and Assumption of Risk to sign in. This is to ensure that we are safe to do this class and that we understand the risks of it. After signing, we submitted the papers and settled down on the chairs. A few minutes after, we were welcomed by Coach Marion and started the theory part of the class.

Part 1: Theory Discussion

The theory part of the class covers all the basic information that would let us understand freediving. This covers topics like what is freediving, different types of gears (mask and fins), facts, dos and dont's, and some tips. It's quite an information overload as per se but luckily Coach Marion allowed us to take our breakfast while he was discussing (HAHAHA). By the way, you're not supposed to eat before diving or you'll end up fish feeding (a fun way to say throwing up hahaha). But Coach Marion ensured that the discussion was fun and interactive because the theory is kinda boring, right? LOL

When we reached the part where we discussed breath hold and equalization, we were given a chance to try it with the assistance of other instructors. To get you up to speed, a breath hold is simply just holding your breath, while equalization is a way for you to counter the pressure underwater. As you go deep, the pressure gets stronger and it will make your ears and head hurt. To aid this, you will need to equalize through some ways where your ears will pop. Oh! Before I forget, during the breath holds exercise, they let us experience the diaphragm contractions which is the indicator that you should get up to the surface. This means our body is naturally equipped with safety features so that we have enough air underwater and enough air to go up where we can finally breathe air.

I just want to include this part of the introduction class because most of my friends get anxious and scared thinking about how short their breath hold is, or their head will hurt a lot. You don't need to worry because the introduction class will teach you, and guide you through it. From relaxation breathing (yes, just like doing yoga where you will erase all the things bothering your mind and just relax), to doing a breath hold, and lastly to recovery breathing. You'll just be surprised that you can hold your breath longer than you expect! It's fun you know!

The last part of the theory discussion is a video of "Duck Diving". It is where you will leave the surface of the water and go down for a dive. It's just a video so it's not something you can pick up fast, which means we need to practice it which will happen in the next part of the session.

Part 2: Immersion

This is the part where we will be finally immersing in the waters. We were given a few minutes to change our clothes so we can start the practice. Since the class is made up of 16 students, we were divided into groups. If I remember correctly, we were 6 from my group, so we were just grouped as one. We went to the shore and then wore our masks and fins. During the practice, the fins we had is a short fin which is a good way to start, but it's not efficient when it comes to freedivers.

They have provided a life buoy that we can hold and rest during the practice sessions. This session consisted of 2 parts - Line Dive, and Duck Dive practice. We started with Line Dive.

Line Dive Practice

Line Dive is a technique where one holds the rope while going deeper. This exercise will let you practice more with equalization since you are not required to use your feet and fins to swim to the deep. We took turns in going down and trying to equalize. Apparently, equalizing underwater is more difficult than on the surface. I had a lot of struggles since my nose is blocked with you know 🤣

Duck Dive Practice

PS. My GoPro case fogged when we did the duck dive practice hence my photos are bad 🙁

After our line dive training, we moved to a more shallow part of the sea and there we were instructed on how to actually do a duck dive. Surprisingly, I found it easier and had more fun than the Line Dive. Hence I was able to go deep like 2-3 feet and kinda played a little on the sea bed. At this moment I realized that I could do this as a hobby.

After the practice, we went back to the surface and back to our chairs. That was the end of the introduction class. Overall it took about 4-5 hours for the introduction class so we were starving. I am grateful for the experience that allowed me to indulge in the sea world. It is for sure a different and surreal experience! Warning, free diving is an addictive sport especially when you get to go deeper and can equalize properly. But worry not and don't get frustrated, as all it takes is just practice and practice until you make it! My friend, Ivanna, didn't get to duck dive during our introduction class, but now, she can do it so easily!

A few months later, we are back at Club Kontiki for a fun dive. We can see Pacific Blue Freediving teaching new students who are eager to learn and indulge in a new world.

So what are you waiting for? Enroll now!! (this is not a sponsored post hahahahaha)

If this still didn't motivate you to enroll, here are some of my fav photos from our comeback fun dive at Club Kontiki Resort over the weekend 😁

We even did the Big Boy Dance Challenge underwater! HAHAHAHA!

That's it for today, Hiveans! See you in my next post!