Freediving education

[noa]

For someone wanting to follow a freediving education program (up to instructor level), what would be the most reputable and competent schools and organisations ?
Random names that come to mind are Aida, PFI, FII, Vertical Blue, Apnea Academy, Apnea Total...
Thanks for any info and input.
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[shrek]

look up the SSI program

 

[noa]

Hi Shrek,
Why did I know you where going to say that lol ? Thanks for the suggestion.
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[deanspahic]

Though many may feel that SSI is not be a bad way to go, I would have to say that with the relatively short period of time that SSI freediving has been around and its limited experience in the freediving industry it may not be the best path at this point in time. There are a lot of AIDA instructors out there that had the opportunity to do a crossover program to SSI but were unwilling to for the time being for this reason. Given the current conditions I would have to say that AIDA is still the best way to go. They have been around teaching freediving and administering competitions/records for 20 years. They have a solid, time proven training program that produces solid freedivers and highly skilled instructors. AIDA has in place the same level of support that you are likely to find from any training agency, including an online certification system, up to date materials, and instructor support through an on line database.



The other advantage is freedom. With AIDA you are able to choose where you want to work and are not tied to a give dive centre. With the SSI system you are part of a dive centre, which can have its benefits, but it limits your freedom as an instructor and can limit you to specific geographic locations.


If I was in your shoes I would go the AIDA path for the time being and then if you find that SSI suites your situation in the future you can always do their cross over program.


All the best
Dean

 

[noa]

Thanks a lot for that great info. Yes it would appear that Aida is right now the most widespread and reputable freediving program.
Otherwise, Apnea Academy is for various reasons very attractive to me.
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[esom]

hi noa,

for input on this it would be good to know about the reputation.. i mean for what should the agency be known for as outstanding?

... if you agree with dean on freedivers are being "produced" :head, and you want to base your career on being known as not only being a producer, but being a produced teacher yourself* i doubt SSI is beatable! they put the becoming teachers in charts in an awful and industrial way.

take care



* martin stepanek offers similar nightmares, at least tells this on his websites

 

[x_yeti]

For someone wanting to follow a freediving education program (up to instructor level), what would be the most reputable and competent schools and organisations ?

I think this is the wrong question to ask. You should rather be asking who the best instructor trainers are. As Dean mentioned, most organisations offer cross-overs at various levels so the organisation itself is far less important than the instructor.

 

[flamencoguru]

I cannot speak for the other agencies, but I had an extremely positive experience with FII and Martin Stepanek. I would highly recommend it..... where else can you learn from a legendary freediver??? BTW, he's a truly master teacher too (I can say this because I'm an educator myself).

Good luck in your quest....

 

[kelp princess]

hi noa - i agree w/ x_yeti and would add that what you choose also depends on your own goals and where you are located. in other words, do you want that level of training so you feel more confident in your abilities? or do you want to pursue a career of teaching? or some combination of both?

i have heard only great things about apnea academy, i know first hand that PFI and FII offer superior training and extremely qualified instructors w/ landmark records, i would not hesitate to take an SSI class (given the 3 people i know who teach for that agency,) and there is always aida -- so it would seem there are many good options

i also have many friends that have enjoyed classes with Vertical Blue/Will but those classes have been less about teaching per se and more about personal technique improvement.

in addition to your objectives, it would seem that your budget will further dictate your selection.

good luck!

kp

 

[noa]

A BIG thank you for everyone's input. My goals are twofold, both to develop my own abilities and knowledge, plus be able to teach that.
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