Performance Freediving Clinic Question

[solucian]

Greetings all,

I had a quick question regarding the performance freediving clinics. I'm thinking of attending one in the future but want to know from those who have taken the course - just how basic is the basic course?

I would assume that having no formal training it would be the wisest and safest thing to begin at basic. Judging from the site's description however it seems to be for those who are unsure as to how to use snorkelling/freediving equipment or are not quite comfortable in the water - two things I think I have down already.

I have a breath hold of over a minute but as to their depth and distance prerequisites for intermediate I've never really dived with any depth meter or pushed myself too hard for distance. I'm not trying to jump the gun but at the same time would like to learn some new safety and diving technique and info as opposed to merely reinforcing the basics.

Any info would be great
Thanks

JP

 

[island_sands]

Greetings all,

I had a quick question regarding the performance freediving clinics. I'm thinking of attending one in the future but want to know from those who have taken the course - just how basic is the basic course?

I would assume that having no formal training it would be the wisest and safest thing to begin at basic. Judging from the site's description however it seems to be for those who are unsure as to how to use snorkelling/freediving equipment or are not quite comfortable in the water - two things I think I have down already.

I have a breath hold of over a minute but as to their depth and distance prerequisites for intermediate I've never really dived with any depth meter or pushed myself too hard for distance. I'm not trying to jump the gun but at the same time would like to learn some new safety and diving technique and info as opposed to merely reinforcing the basics.

Any info would be great
Thanks

JP

HI jp
There are a few posts regarding this... do a search on Performance Freediving Clinic in the search tool and you'll come up with stax...

 

[khel]

Greetings all,

I had a quick question regarding the performance freediving clinics. I'm thinking of attending one in the future but want to know from those who have taken the course - just how basic is the basic course?

I would assume that having no formal training it would be the wisest and safest thing to begin at basic. Judging from the site's description however it seems to be for those who are unsure as to how to use snorkelling/freediving equipment or are not quite comfortable in the water - two things I think I have down already.

I have a breath hold of over a minute but as to their depth and distance prerequisites for intermediate I've never really dived with any depth meter or pushed myself too hard for distance. I'm not trying to jump the gun but at the same time would like to learn some new safety and diving technique and info as opposed to merely reinforcing the basics.

Any info would be great
Thanks

JP

Take intermediate one - that is the course where they'll teach you technique and safety that you'll be using in your every dive and training session. As someone told in another thread - beginner course is for people who never even snorkeled before
Anyway, last year, when I decided to take a beginner PFI course and emailed them about it, they strongly advised me to take intermediate, and I'm really happy that I did.

 

[MKDVR]

Take intermediate one - that is the course where they'll teach you technique and safety that you'll be using in your every dive and training session. As someone told in another thread - beginner course is for people who never even snorkeled before
Anyway, last year, when I decided to take a beginner PFI course and emailed them about it, they strongly advised me to take intermediate, and I'm really happy that I did.

They told me the same thing but the intermediate is almost double the cost of basic. I'll try and catch the next one.

 

[cdavis]

If you are comfortable with the gear and diving at least 20 ft, definately take the intermediate. They can get you to 30 meters so fast its incredible. It is more expensive, but much longer and with double or more open water time, which is the most important.

Connor

 

[smellsfishy]

Definitely go for the intermediate. When I took the clinic, I had about a 2 minute 15 second max breath hold My depth PB was not as deep as the 15 foot dive pool we were training in.. Kirk had one of the staff work with me as I needed a little extra attention. At the end of the class I had a 3:33 breath hold and did 33 feet in the ocean (We only got one day in the ocean that class due to bad weather) At the end of the season I had a 4 minute breath hold and a 96 foot PB.

It's a great course, well worth the money. Good Luck !

Smellsfishy

 

[solucian]

Thanks everyone for the responses. That pretty much clears it up for me - I'll go ahead and sign up for intermediate.

About a year ago I remember my static PB being 2:40 but I never tried all that often. The only thing was since I never really tested my depth or distance capabilities I was somewhat worried.

I'm a competent snorkeller, recently certified OW Scuba diver and have always been comfortable in the water, so was just worried about doing basic and regretting.

One more question though, I only own a mask, snorkel and an as yet untested pair of freediving fins. Considering getting a suit cuz of my low tolerance of cold water. Is it a must though? I mean, seeing that I don't own weights, no suit yet etc would that be a prob at the clinic? (I wonder more about the pool part since that's temp controlled - depending on when I take the course I know I might NEED the suit for the open water part.)

Sorry if this is buried somewhere in previous threads - I always search first but sometimes it's like finding a needle in a haystack....

Thanks
JP

 

[khel]

Considering getting a suit cuz of my low tolerance of cold water. Is it a must though? I mean, seeing that I don't own weights, no suit yet etc would that be a prob at the clinic? (I wonder more about the pool part since that's temp controlled - depending on when I take the course I know I might NEED the suit for the open water part.)


JP

It's a VERY good idea to get a wetsuit.

First day, I didn't bring my wetsuit - hey, it's sunny Florida, nice and warm outside!!! I thought I sure could handle several hours in a swimming pool. Was I wrong on that one!! :duh

Anyway, I got sooo cold in a swimming pool, that I was shaking and turning blue and the only thing I could think of - getting out of the water and under a hot shower. Thanks to the guy who brought 2 wetsuits, I was saved. Next day I was smarter and brought my own.

So, my friendly advice - get a suit

 

[smellsfishy]

I would definitely get a suit (freediving suit is preferable). As Khel said the pool gets cold. It's not heated and when doing statics you don't move around much and that strips away your body heat. I've been to the class in Miami in Jan, Apr and Nov. I can't tell you how it is when it's warmer out.

As far as the ocean even if it is warm, it's not a bad idea to protect yourself from sea lice and whatever else might be floating around. The deeperblue store is a good source for suits as well as Elios for custom suits. Also I'd recommend a rubber weight belt. At depth it will stick to your suit and prevent the belt from sliding all over.

Good Luck !

 

[Erik]

Pool temperatures are geared for exercising- a pool hot enough to sit around in (as in freedive training) would be too hot for swimmers.
I second the motion that a suit is a necessity. Buy a good custom suit as Smellsfishy said- it will pay off in many ways, including extended depth and bottom time.
Peace,
Erik Y.

 

[Hooch]

I'm attending the PFD course this June. Thanks for th tip on bringing a wetsuit for the pool training. However, won't the chlorine in the pool water damage my wetsuit? I've got a Picasso (my only suit), and I don't have the money to buy a new one (esp after signing up for the course).

 

[lungfish]

Hi Solucian,

Definitely get a suit for the course. You need one. Don't worry about chlorine, just rinse it out well afterward.

PFD sells suits on their online store that are pretty good. Ask them if you can rent a suit for the course to try one out.

I rented a 5mm Nylon/smoothskin for a PFD dive on a destroyer escort in BC last August. It was toasty and comfy - you will have to get used to the idea of lubing your suit before you put it on.....

Also, at those prices, take a look at www.eliossub.com there is a lot of info on suit construction and some great custom made suits available.

And go for the intermediate course. You would be surprised what a newbie can do with some coaching and motivation. Also, the physiology discussion is well worth the effort. The PFD teachers are very friendly and encouraging.



Lungfish

 

[cdavis]

You will need a suit, pool and open water, even if the water temps are such that you normally would be toasty. The things they teach you will slow your metabolism down so much that you get cold very easily. Example, mine was in Florida in August. I spearfish and sightsee in those conditions, no suit, no problem. I wore a hooded vest the first open water day and thought it would be overkill. I froze!

Connor

 

[naiad]

Suit in the pool? Yes, definitely!

It's quite different to go for a normal swim or to do pool training. Pool temperatures are designed for normal swimming, and for most people a suit for apnea training is essential.

Lucia

 

[lungfish]

Just did an Ebay search on Oceanic Mens suits... there are 3-2mm suits on sale, new, for $99....

 

[solucian]

Hey,
Thanks for the advice everyone. Definitely a good thing I asked first before going unprepared. Myself - I'm used to Caribbean waters so probably would be better off prepared going prepared for some chills.

Regarding type of suit I think I'll go for a custom. The birthday's coming up so I suppose treating myself is in order:friday . On a more serious note I'd rather invest in something decent now as opposed to spending more in the long run by getting a temporary cheapie now.

I will also look for a weight belt at the same time. Stupid question but should I also get weights of my own immediately too? I'm not even sure how much I need for freediving considering I've only ever done it unweighted while swimming before. If I do need my own could anyone advise a safe amount to purchase? (Considering I'm 166, mostly muscle, seem to have a slight tendency towards sinking - at least I think) I'm sure body composition plays a lot and it's all specific, but a safe upper limit to buy would be helpful.

Looking forward to the course - I've only heard good things. I can however feel the pinch on the pocket....perhaps the quick accumulation of gear is to blame :duh . Anyhow thanks again all.

JP

As an aside - any caribbean divers around?