Question 1

What if the weather changes?

Accepted Answer

For the comfort and safety of all participants, the itinerary and dive sites for open water freedive training may be adjusted or the course depth day rescheduled* if weather changes and is no longer safe to dive.

We’ll communicate any changes as early as possible; standard reschedule/cancellation policies apply. See our Terms and Conditions link by scrolling to the bottom of the website for more info.

Studio and pool session will NOT be cancelled unless thunderstorms (including lightning) or pool closures ensue. Studio and pool session include shelter and the pool is mildly heated. Hot showers are available on site at our pool sessions.

*Our Freedive Safety Supervisor for Blueback Freedive Courses usually makes the final call earlier than 24 hours before all open water sessions. If you haven't heard from us the day before the open water session for your course - we are good to go!

Question 2

What’s the difference between PADI Basic Freediver and PADI Freediver (Level 1)?

Accepted Answer

PADI Basic Freediver covers theory and confined‑water (pool) skills only—breath‑hold techniques, static and dynamic apnea, safety, and finning—with no open‑water depth requirement. It’s ideal if you want a strong foundation in a controlled environment or prefer to separate pool and ocean training.

PADI Freediver (Level 1) includes everything in Basic plus open‑water sessions where you apply skills on a line (free immersion and constant weight), practice equalisation at depth, and complete safety/rescue skills. Level 1 is performance‑based and typically targets around 90s static, 25m dynamic, and a 10m (or more) constant weight dive, though progress varies by student.

Question 3

What gear do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

STUDIO SESSION
Comfortable clothing
Water bottle
Snacks or light meal

POOL SESSION
Swimwear
Towel
Yoga Mat 
Change of clothes
Freediving mask*
Freediving snorkel*
Freediving fins* 
Freediving wetsuit (5mm)* 
Weight belt & weights (4.5kg, 3 x 1.5kg recommended)
Snacks or light meal
Comfortable clothing
Water bottle

*Scuba or snorkeling equipment will also suffice if that's all you have.

NOTE: We recommend NOT rushing ahead and buying new freediving gear for the course until you've sampled or learned about the different types of equipment for the different types of freediving activities through this course. Many people buy the wrong fit or type of gear before they've even learned how to freedive. For your ongoing safety, comfort and needs we recommend to either use what you have or hire before making any purchases. We foster a sustainable purchase of high quality equipment or gear that suits your freediving goals and budget. It may save you a lot of money and time to wait until after the course to purchase freediving equipment.

Check with us about rentals and try-before-you buy with some of our freediving equipment available to hire and purchase (new).

Question 4

What are the certification goals for PADI Freediver (Level 1)?

Accepted Answer

Students are required to understand all essential Freediver theory, demonstrate safety protocols including attentive buddy practices, and attend all scheduled sessions: one studio session, one pool session, two open water sessions.

Common targets are 90s static apnea, 25m dynamic apnea, and a 10m constant weight dive, plus required safety skills including blackout rescue.

Question 5

What if I can’t reach 10m on the day?

Accepted Answer

If you're unable to meet any or all of your PADI Freediver performance requirements you can continue training with us and complete performance requirements later to earn certification.

We retain your Blueback course records to track your performances and development as a freediver.

We offer several opportunities for you to safely build your skills and demonstrate the performance requirements needed to complete your certification* after your initial training course.

Return for one more professional Level 1 depth session or a full Level 1 depth training day (2 sessions) with us. 
Book one or more Blueback Freedivers' Squad pool sessions (Tuesday and Thursday nights, 2hrs per session, from $55), 
Book one or more Blueback Ocean Squad sessions (Tuesday mornings, 1.5hrs, from $20), 
Book one or more Blueback Ocean Adventure Charters which include depth training with a coach (from $230),
Book onto one of our Blueback Trips - most of which include the opportunity to practice and perform your static, dynamic or depth performance requirements towards your PADI Freediver (Level 1) certification.
Book a one-on-one breath, pool or depth training session with a Blueback Coach to develop skills at your own pace (from $100/hr).
Book onto one or more of our Blueback Community Days to practice your freedive skills in a safety-managed setting (Free for Blueback Freedivers; You are a 'Blueback Freediver' once you book and attend any event with us)! These are our way of supporting those freedivers in our community that would enjoy more time and space to build their skills and confidence.

*You must let your Blueback Dive Supervisor know that you wish for your training freedives to count towards your PADI Freediver (Level 1) certification 'in-progress', so that they can link your performances to your PADI training records in our system.

Question 6

Do I need prior experience?

Accepted Answer

No. You just need to be confident in the water, able to swim a benchmark distance of 200m (or 400m with mask and snorkel) at any pace, and be medically fit and healthy.

It's an advantage if you have already tried snorkeling, scuba diving or open water swimming before but is in no way required.

This course is designed for complete beginners.

BLUEBACK FREEDIVING & YOGA

PADI Freediver Level 1 Course

Blueback PADI Freediver Level 1 Courses

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

PADI Freediver Level 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the weather changes?

What’s the difference between PADI Basic Freediver and PADI Freediver (Level 1)?

What gear do I need to bring?

What are the certification goals for PADI Freediver (Level 1)?

What if I can’t reach 10m on the day?

Do I need prior experience?

Any Other Questions?