Non-Depth Freediving Introductory Course

Freediving is a sport that should never be conducted alone, and always with the correct training. At Richmond Freediving, attendees are not allowed to take part unless they have had some form of training beforehand. The preferred approach ( within the AIDA freediving association ) is to start at a comprehensive level at the outset, with either a 1* or 2* freediving course, resulting in certification.

There are several UK organisations who offer this, and my preferred recommendation is with Saltfree Divers.

However, there are some students who may prefer an alternative for the following reasons:

• They may wish to start pool training sooner than the availability of a full course

• They may have no interest in depth disciplines ( which is incorporated into the AIDA 1* / 2* )

• They may wish to spread initial training out over a longer period

At Richmond Freediving, a revised introductory course has been introduced, called the Non-Depth Freediving Introduction. This is a replacement for the 'pool induction' courses that were previously offered. The cost is £45. Included in the cost is pool admission, and four hours tuition spread over two successive Thursday evenings. The course outline consists of:

• Overview of non-depth freediving disciplines

• Freediving physiology

• Static apnea theory and procedures

• Dynamic apnea theory and procedures

• Safety and rescue procedures

• In-water practice of the above ( 2 hours in total )

Not included in the price, is equipment loan / rental, or drinks / refreshments. The equipment students are expected to bring are:

• Fins ( Scuba or freediving )

• Mask or goggles ( Scuba, freediving or swim )

• Wetsuit ( 3mm shorty as a minimum )

• Waterproof watch or timer with a digital stopwatch function

Further information about the course is included here in a 'Frequently Asked Questions' style:

1. Where else other than Richmond Freediving can I train, once I have completed my course?

   Officially, nowhere other than Richmond Freediving. This is partly why the AIDA 1*/2* course is promoted in preference. However, in practice most other UK pool-based freediving clubs are prepared to accept a reciprocal arrangement, but this certainly isn't something that can be guaranteed.

2. In that case, if I have been inducted at another UK pool freediving session, can I attend at Richmond?

   Subject to some skills demonstrations ( for which there is no additional charge ), then yes. You will still have to fill out a liability release form and medical statement ( see further on ), and also be a member of the British Freediving Association. The same applies to students who have been taught non-AIDA freediving courses. If the skills demonstrations are not adequate, then course attendance will be required.

2. Why is this course offered rather than say, an AIDA 1*/2* pool freediver course, which results in a certificate?

   The AIDA 1*/2* pool freediver course is a lot more comprehensive, and would involve several more hours theory / practical, plus an examination. This in turn increases the cost. For the majority of students who are likely to further their education with AIDA courses, this then leaves them with a qualification that is inferior to the full 1*/2* course, and yet having made an investment that would be a significant proportion of paying for that instead. Also, it is not an encouragement to progress further with AIDA course training and to diversify with learning depth disciplines. If a student does wish to do an AIDA 1*/2* pool freediver course, then I can provide it.

2. Weren't the induction sessions previously offered much cheaper?

   Yes. Instructors used to give their time freely for this, and the student just paid the session fee. This was far from ideal, as the freediving group lost valuable training space for nothing in return. So now part of the fees go into a club fund. The remainder goes to the Scuba club who host our sessions, and who in turn deal with the pool overheads.

2. Why do I have to bring my own equipment?

   Very simply, we don't yet have a supply. But it makes sense to bring your own, if you are expecting to further your training.

2. Do you take credit card payment?

   Unfortunately, no. Being a dive group rather than a business, these sort of payment facilities are not available. Payment can be made in cash ( Sterling ), cheque, or by PayPal ( details available on request )

7. Apart from payment and equipment, is there anything else I need to bring?

   Yes, signed copies of a liability release form and medical statement. You can download these via the Blog , or if you have difficulties with this, then email me at altsaint@gmail.com . Also, don't hesitate to contact me if there is anything you are unsure about on the medical statement.

7. So after my course, I can just turn up at future training sessions is that correct?

   Not quite. We have limited facilities at Richmond, as you will see from your course. So we run a booking system via the Blog, in order to keep attendees to a safe number. Also, you must be a member of the British Freediving Association. This is important, as our insurance relies on all attendees being paid-up members.