Best newbie courses, D/B saltfree Notanx etc al...

[aquapaolo]

I hope someone can help! I posted before on the general forum and got sent here along with a load of really good advice. I (and Mrs Aquapaolo) are keen to give freediving a go and move on from being 'just' competent snorkelers.
I considered the best way forward was to put our money where our mouths are and sign up for a formal course especially as there does not seem to be a lot in the way of local clubs where we are (south coast - Eastbourne) and we might struggle to properly commit ourselves to the london ones.
there are a lot of companies touting courses and considering the time of year (brrrrr!) and general newbieness I thought pool/SETT based activities might ease us in more gently.
There doesnt seem to be much movement on the D/B courses and, TBH, I will struggle to find the cash for the full weekend (though I can well believe it is the best course going).
Are there any alternatives? Ive seen some on the notanx site but havent seen any reviews so am slightly hesitant although it does seem to be pretty on the money with lots of choice.
I did hear there was a club in Brighton (Monarch?) but info on that is very scarce.
To ask the question then! has anyone tried the notanx courses? are there any other recommendations?
Hope all that makes sense!
Cheers

 

[apneaboy]

Monarch was Dave King but he's not running courses. He is a very good instructor though.

I would recommend all three (Salt Free, No-Tanx and DB) what do you want the course for? To train afterwards with a group or to start your own?

I would e-mail all three and get a feel for the one that suits you.

All capable instructors though.

The SETT dates are nearly sorted so you will see some movement there soon.
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[aquapaolo]

Ah cheers A/B,

I have looked at the notanx course and think its probably the best fit in terms of what we are looking for. It also seems like it might be a less daunting way to test the water which could be useful as Mrs Paolo is a little less intrepid than I am!
I would really like to join a club but where i am is a bit of a desert apparently I would like to progress with a freediving holiday dependent on how we progress this year but I need to get that one past my wife first

 

[apneaboy]

Marcus of No-Tanx has a good few pool sessions, you may need to travel and he does holidays too, maybe ask when his next one is and he can advise you.

Good luck and enjoy
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[gmata]

I would take a look at www.freedivers.net Aharon Solomons an excellent instructor and best of all you get to go to BAJA Mexico.