Interesting thread.
There is little doubt that, if you want an instructor who can maximize your potential in freediving, a graduate of a one week instructor course isn't likely to be that instructor, no matter what his scuba instructing or freediving experience. Freediving is way to individual and subtle for that. But, from a big picture, future of the sport, viewpoint, is that what is needed? If the goal is to generate a whole bunch of active freedivers(not my goal) , sell a lot of gear, book a bunch of dive trips, teach a lot of classes, etc, would it make more sense to take this route? You would end up with a lot of moderately qualified divers, a much bigger sport, and some divers who would really get serious and pursue excellence, better instruction, etc. Is that a good thing or not?? I don't see any reason why the safety aspects of freediving could not be adequately taught by this approach. Seems like the rest depends on your viewpoint and goal.
It also opens the door for further stratification of freediving instruction, with really top instructors specializing in advanced students. There might be a lot more"caveat emptor", but such is life.
Connor
There is little doubt that, if you want an instructor who can maximize your potential in freediving, a graduate of a one week instructor course isn't likely to be that instructor, no matter what his scuba instructing or freediving experience. Freediving is way to individual and subtle for that. But, from a big picture, future of the sport, viewpoint, is that what is needed? If the goal is to generate a whole bunch of active freedivers(not my goal) , sell a lot of gear, book a bunch of dive trips, teach a lot of classes, etc, would it make more sense to take this route? You would end up with a lot of moderately qualified divers, a much bigger sport, and some divers who would really get serious and pursue excellence, better instruction, etc. Is that a good thing or not?? I don't see any reason why the safety aspects of freediving could not be adequately taught by this approach. Seems like the rest depends on your viewpoint and goal.
It also opens the door for further stratification of freediving instruction, with really top instructors specializing in advanced students. There might be a lot more"caveat emptor", but such is life.
Connor
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