Difference between Apnea Academy and PFI school/philosophy???

[flamencoguru]

Hello,

I was just wonder what are the fundamental differences between the Apnea Academy vs. the PFI schools or philosophies on freediving?

All input welcome.

Thanks...

 

[demasoni]

Hi Flamenco!

Never took an AA course, but from what I gathered, here are the differences I see from PFI.

1. Snorkel placement. PFI places the snorkel on the back strap, AA seems to place the snorkel in your hand after the dive start and not attached to the mask.

2. Breathing. I don't know the AA breath-up, but AA doesn't advocate packing.

3. Arm position with bi-fins. I'm pretty sure AA teaches arms down during ascent, PFI teaches arms-up.

AA gives certification cards based on performance level (length, time, and depth) achieved. PFI distinguishes by offering different course levels - Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. AA has three levels like PFI, then instructor.

AA also has "stages" or courses that don't give cert cards, which I don't know much about.

Also, to be an AA instructor, you are actually tested on your swimming ability and technique and mastery of freestyle and breast stroke. AA seems to cover lots on yoga as well.

I'd like to know more about the differences as well. Any AA instructors out there?

 

[flamencoguru]

Does anyone have experiences with these two schools? Thanks, Errol

 

[Fondueset]

I was hoping to take the AA instructor course this year - but it looks like I'll have to wait If you look at the depth requirements for each stage - they are quite conservative. It is my impression that AA places it's emphasis on enjoyment and safety - with performance being secondary (less so for instructors).

I've taken a couple of courses from Will Trubridge and, while these were not AA courses per se - he is an Apnea Academy instructor and that approach suffuses his work. His approach is very tailored to each individual, relaxed and enjoyable.

Just my impressions

 

[sgnips]

Hi all,
here's the AA instructor you've been looking for!!

first of all, let's say that issue number 1 in AA is SAFETY
then come enjoyment and relaxation, followed by technique and performances

safety first, because you can't enjoy diving in you're not safe and/or think to be safe, that's why the most important rule is diving with a buddy (at least one)
enjoyment and relaxation come together too, that's why you'll find 5 or 6 lessons out of 12 in a course, dedicated to breathing and relaxation techniques
then, technique: if you dive well, and you're elegant, not only you can enjoy a relaxed and safe dive, but you'll probably reach a good level of performance

the thing i like to say to my I level guys is that i want them to go out in the water, with people looking at them saying "hey, he really feels at home in the water!"

AA certifications are not assigned on the performances you reach in a course, in fact I level students are eant to dive (for example) UP to 8m deep
it's not mandatory to actually reach 8m, the important thing is the students doesn't mess up everything when diving and knows what to do to dive safe and relaxed

performances and swimming/diving skills: instructors MUST be an example for students, MUST be skilled swimmers and diversm and MUST dive easily to 30 meters to ensure safety (30m is the max depth allowed by AA standards for course dives)

then we can talk about snorkel position and say you can keep it anywhere you like (anywhere, really:mute), if you just keep it out of your mouth (actually, instructors keep it in one hand, students leave it in the water to be taken by his/her buddy)

Fondueset, sorry you can't attend the instructors course this year, but glad that for next one i might be in the staff so we can meet
here is a link to a discussion about the course on our forum: instructor course
FCallagy is attending it in May and the same Azapa
(BTW: did Spaghetti passed you my Gaspare Battaglia's interview on C4 monoflap? didn't hear from him anymore)

this is absolutely not all i can say about AA, please anyone feel free to ask for more details, i'll be glad to answer

cheers!

 

[Fondueset]

Thanks Sgnips,

Simply - too expensive to fly to Egypt this year! Also - I have a problem where my left shoulder wants to dislocate during the crawl - works fine for everything else - including right monofin position - but crawl is a problem - time will probably fix it.

I really like AA's approach and priorities.

- Spago has not passed on the interview - I would very much like to include it in my review!

 

[sgnips]

better times will come
i passed trough a really hard time (not physical problems, though) and now i fixed everything
keep on smiling!!

Thanks Sgnips,
- Spago has not passed on the interview - I would very much like to include it in my review!

i'll look for that, translate it and send it to you by PM, just allow a few days
bye

 

[roberto.apnea]

Hi!
I'm Roberto Mattana, AA Instructor since 2006 and AAForum Moderator.
I have a school level english... so....... SORRY!!
Sgnips says exactly:
First of all Safety; performances are required in AAInstructor Courses as a guarantee for future students.
Have you never seen Umberto diving underwater? Elegance, natural movements, joyness to be underwater. That's what we want to see from our students!
See you soon!
Roberto