Performance Freediving Logistics?

[maytag]

Hello,

I'm curious about the PFI courses held in Malibu, Monterey, or Miami. If I may ask those who have attended the PFI in these locations or those who are familiar with these cities --- would it be feasible for someone to get around to the various sites and accomodations without driving? (Are things within walking distance of each other, or is there public transportation at these sites?)

Thanks in advance for any input! Cheers to all,

 

[wes]

We are doing the PF clinic in Kona Hawaii and will pick up a japaneese diver so they don't have to drive or rent a car. Mandy Rae, who organizes the PF clinic logistics e-mailed us to ask if this was OK and set this all up for the japaneese student so she would probably do the same for you. I dont know about specific logistics in those areas. Also the PF courses rock!!, Kona will be our second that we have done. Cheers Wes

 

[maytag]

Hello Wes,

Thanks so much for your helpful post. What a great organization to try coordinate things like that.

Your Vancouver B.C. PFI report was great! It's too bad Vancouver isn't on the list of 2007 sites. You mentioned you and your wife were "new" to the sport when you went, but it really sounded like you were both already pretty good/had some experience with freediving before you went (5+min static apnea - wow!). Were there others in the course who were even less experienced than you were?

Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Safe and happy travels to Kona! Will you be doing the advanced course? Hope to hear all about it when you get back!

Cheers, Maytag

 

[pkotik]

Miami, Malibu, Monterrey - undoable without a car. Fuggedaboutit. Must have wheels.

 

[Jon]

Maytag,

I did the Miami clinic about 5 years ago, and even though I did drive down there and had a car, I had a hotel that was in walking distance of the dive shop and boat. The pool was a bit further, but I am sure a short cab ride could have gotten me there. There were plenty of places to eat close to the hotel/shop.

I am no sure if this is still the case or not down there, but it would have worked for me at the time.

Jon

 

[pkotik]

Maytag,

I did the Miami clinic about 5 years ago, and even though I did drive down there and had a car, I had a hotel that was in walking distance of the dive shop and boat. The pool was a bit further, but I am sure a short cab ride could have gotten me there. There were plenty of places to eat close to the hotel/shop.

I am no sure if this is still the case or not down there, but it would have worked for me at the time.

Jon

OBSOLETE INFO.

The pool/classroom at the Florida International University Biscayne Campus and the Key Biscayne boat dock used now are about 50 minutes' drive apart. The FIU campus is so big that the parking lot and the classroom/pool are barely within walking distance ! Car absolutely mandatory for PFI Miami clinics.

 

[maytag]

Hi Jon and Paul,

I appreciate your collective information!! Bummer, but good thing I didn't sign up in my eagerness! Back to the drawing board...

Many thanks and cheers to both,
Maytag.

 

[pkotik]

Doesn't mean you shouldn't sign up. Means you should make arrangements for transportation, is all.

 

[DiverTodd]

I just did the Miami clinic that was held from last Sat to this Tues, and even with a centrally-located hotel, it was a lot of driving; north to the university, then south to the marina. SO worth it, though. So, SO worth it....I'm still glowing. Hmm, or maybe it's the sunburn. But, as Paul said, don't let the driving discourage you...freediving students tend to be a close-knit group, and you can probably find rides with your fellow students. Also can't wait to get my pics back tomorrow....I'll have a new avatar soon...

Todd

PS; Paul is a GREAT guy, too...he was there for my clinic!

 

[maytag]

DiverTodd and Paul,

Thanks for your posts. PFD sounds like a wise and wonderful investment in learning how to dive safely and properly. I need to look into some local transportation contingency plans at the different sites, but it is really helpful to get a sense from you who have been to PFD what the distances and travel times are like. Really, really helpful.

Welcome back, DiverTodd! I hope to read about your latest PFD experience!

I have to say *all* of you DB folks are AWESOME - Jon, Paul, DiverTodd, Naiad, Wes, Sedate and everyone ... I've learned a lot here (still much more to learn) and enjoyed a lot of laughs at the same time. What a great group of people! Much appreciation,

Maytag.

 

[DiverTodd]

Aw, thanks, Maytag! Always nice to get a compliment!

Todd

 

[wes]

Dear Maytag,

Sorry to leave the impression that I am a beginner and can now do 5 min breath holds!! This is not really the case, I have been able to do 4 min statics since high school and am now 42 years old and have snorkeled all my life. I guess I meant that I am new to this "free diving scene" with the internet and forums and courses and now some real free dive equipment and all.

We are set to go to Kona for the PF Intermediate (4 day) course in less than 2 weeks so are pretty excited. Martin said the cove where they dive in Kona is a very special place and wonderful for relaxed fun freediving with lots to see, there are even dolphins that come and go. I have seen dolphins many times of course, some even very close but never from underwater. I will be thrilled if I get to do this one thing. We will bring our underwater camera so will have some shots to share this time I hope also. Cheers Wes

 

[maytag]

Hi Wes,
Totally no worries - your posts and everyone else's have been interesting and informative! I am both new to the sport and to the scene, so it's great to get a sense of what I would be getting myself into. I've never traveled or planned a trip around an athletic course. Growing up, I studied ballet, but was REALLY bad in P.E. [dodge-ball (PTSD waiting to happen), kick ball, tetherball (is that a sport, or a lawsuit waiting to happen???) - you name it, I was probably bad at it]. Although I love physical exertion and am totally enthralled with learning to freedive as well as excited to plan such a trip, admittedly there's a bit of residual trepidation from my P.E. years, and I'm in my 30s! So, please don't even apologize - I am really glad and grateful for the input. If anything, I am sorry I misunderstood!

Safe travels to Kona and have a wonderful time! I hope you get to swim with the dolphins. Have you seen the video clip of Jacques Mayol diving with the dolphins? (http://www.divester.com/2006/09/15/dive-video-of-the-day-jacques-mayol-freediving-with-dolphins/)

Looking forward to hearing all about your trip. Take good care and cheers to all, Maytag

 

[pkotik]

Hi Wes,
Although I love physical exertion and am totally enthralled with learning to freedive as well as excited to plan such a trip, admittedly there's a bit of residual trepidation from my P.E. years, and I'm in my 30s! So, please don't even apologize - I am really glad and grateful for the input. If anything, I am sorry I misunderstood!

Safe travels to Kona and have a wonderful time! I hope you get to swim with the dolphins. Have you seen the video clip of Jacques Mayol diving with the dolphins? (http://www.divester.com/2006/09/15/dive-video-of-the-day-jacques-mayol-freediving-with-dolphins/)

Looking forward to hearing all about your trip. Take good care and cheers to all, Maytag

I'm 55 and it don't hurt me too bad.