By the end of the AIDA 1 & 2* combined course you will have learnt;
Day 1
The course begins with basic theory for freediving including safety and current news/records for men and women. Before heading into the water we guide you through the breathing and relaxation kills to allow you to reach your potential.
We then head to the pool (or confined water) where we practice the safety and rescue skills before warming up for STA (Static Apnea). During this session you will experience the urge to breath and learn about contractions. Following STA we introduce DYN (Dynamic Apnea) and how to correctly buddy a diver as well as the rescue and safety skills.
After lunch we head out for an open water dive (typically Carlisle Bay) to get some salt water flowing over the skin and begin practicing equalization in the ocean. Here you will be introduced to diving on the line before a quick explore on the wrecks on the way back to shore.
Day 2
We have two open water dives scheduled for your second day, learning correct posture for FIM (Free Immersion) as well as refining and improving your CWT (Constant Weight) diving is key to making you a better freediver. We will also be performing surface and depth rescues during LMC and BO simulations to understand how to handle real world situations. These are the skills that you hope to never use but could one day save a life!
On your second day of the AIDA course we will cover more detailed theory on anatomy & physiology of a freediver as well as understanding the specific equipment needs of freediving. You will take a short exam during Day 2 which wil help you to learn and absorb the new information presented.
There is a lot of focus on training technique as well as having fun. When you move through the water efficiently and with good form you will start to see big gains in your freediving potential as well as enjoying recreational dives for fun.
Requirements and Costs
To enroll in our AIDA 1&2* course you must be over 16yrs old and able to swim 200m unassisted (or 300m with mask/fins). All courses are conducted with no more than 4 students to ensure the highest levels and safety and education quality.
What’s included: pool fees, certification costs, transport (in most cases), water and all equipment (contact us for sizing info). We are based on the South coast of Barbados so transportation can usually be provided but please contact us if you have any questions. We provide low volume freediving masks and long blade fins during our courses but wetsuits/swimming clothes should be an individual choice – we advise you to bring your own wetsuit for a better fit.
What you will need to bring: lunch on both days or we can stop along the way, pen & paper for notes during theory, a towel and sunscreen.
The course is $275 USD and starts at 7am and finishes around 3:30pm weekdays and weekends.