Apneista freedive training system.
After seeing how setting target depths can affect relaxation and recognising a need for a less goal focused approach to freedive training we developed our own curriculum in
2009. Our approach is heavily influenced by advances in neuroscience and our experience of yoga and vipassanna meditation. We also keep up with changing understanding in the world of sports science, as the different fields draw closer together.
We value knowledge and technique far more than numbers, such as a depth reached or minutes below.
Though our interest in freediving is non-competitive, we do use the latest advances in competitive training techniques. We also use the disciplines of competition apnea to structure our training and observe competitive safety standards.
Individuals coming for a basic freediver course are all different, from people with a fear of drowning to experienced spearfishermen. The Apneista freedive curriculum reflects this vision. We have trained hundreds of individuals over the years and seen how different goals and approaches work for different people. We adapt training to suit the requirements of each individual which is why student to instructor ratios are low
Without previous formal and structured training (any system) even the strongest waterman will start off with the basic freediver course. The more experienced need not worry, never has a 25 or 30 metre plus freediver complained about having to start at the basic freediver course. The deep spearfisherman will not require the same techniques as the virgin diver, though the same deep theorectical understanding is required of both.
Our basic freediving courses focus on very solid understanding of physiology, physics and technique with deep relaxation as the main goal. Deeper diving becomes more performance focused, building on solid foundation with more tweaking of technique.
Apneista Courses
Basic Freediver – 2 days course
Deep relaxation and solid understanding, comfort and safety through knowledge, good technique. max. 20 to 25metres
Can be combined easily with SSI level 1 for SSI certification
Advanced Freediver – 3 days
Understanding the mammalian dive response and introduction to exhale dive techniques. Absolute max 30 – 34
combines easily with SSI level 2 but includes the addition of exhale techniques
Deep Freediver – 4 days
A complete exploration of exhale techniques and equalisation needed for depth. Includes mental control techniques,‘kinetic visualisation’ and Yoga Nidra dry techniques. Absolute max 38 to 42metres.
Why do We Teach Two Systems?
In recent years freediving has come from the fringes to become a growing mainstream industry, with the biggest development being the start of the SSI freediving curriculum 2 years ago.
We have been developing and modifying our approach since 2008. Now we believe ours is the best basic level training you can get anywhere, a flexible mix of yogic techniques, mental training and sports science.
We believe our approach is the best approach because it is adaptable to the individual with no target depths or goal for any course just a solid understanding and good technique.
The freedive training agencies with a more competitive focus have necessary performance requirements and target depths required for certification. Whilst this has its benefits it is also can be a major drawback for the beginner freediver.
Recognising the changing market and global reach of SSI, most Apneista instructors have also become SSI instructors in order to offer SSI certification which is now being requested by many students.
See SSI freedive training for more info on SSI Courses.