Questions on PFI Basic/Intermediate classes

[jimqpublic]

For any of you out there who have done both the Basic and Intermediate classes from Performance Freediving:
http://www.performancefreediving.com/courses/index.html

Based on the description of course I should do the basic- but I really wish it had more water time. I'm comfortable snorkeling on the surface, I just tried timing my dry static breath hold and could do 3:15 on the second day of practice with some O2 tables. A dry dynamic walking down the street at a casual pace I did 2:00. I've never gone deeper than about 10' though. This weekend when I have access to a pool I plan to practice a little with clearing my ears in the limited depth available. After reading up about diving safety on this site I'm definitely not planning to go into the ocean solo.

So I guess the question boils down to- Is the Intermediate class mostly like the Basic + two extra days? I'm willing to risk being ejected if they feel I'm not ready for it. On the other hand I'm curious if it would be possible to move up after the second day if I sign up for the Basic.

I'm planning to ask the same question of Mandy-Rae at PFI, but she's obviously rather busy this week with the bubble man. (David Blaine)

My goal is to become adept at breath hold diving in the local waters- which around the kelp forests are usually under 50 feet. If I keep it up I see myself getting into spearfishing but mostly I want to just cruise around the ocean.

Jim
Long Beach, CA

 

[Morg]

I am in the same boat as you. I just recently signed up for the Intermediate class in October and I myself don't meet those 'requirements' yet. The only thing I haven't tested myself out with is the depth. I plan on taking the entire month of September and work on that issue.

Another thing that I would be unsure of is the safety aspect. I am sure I would pick up it up very easily however.

If you meet those requirements for the Intermediate then I would suggest just going that route. The depth issue can be over come with different equlization techniques.

I have an opportunity to get some ocean experiece on the 29th. Its going to be very difficult because I will be going with a group of people. I am not sure of how well they swim or anything like that, so I am prepared to go out solo. I won't be doing any max attempts or anything like that. I plan on just diving straight down and working on the depth issue.

 

[khel]

If you feel comfortable in water and have been snorkelling before - take intermediate. That is the course that gives most of the information that you'll use in training and diving.

p.s. there's several threads with the same question already, search it for more information

 

[smellsfishy]

Jim,

Take the Intermediate. When I took it I was a total beginner. 2:15 static hold max, 12 feet depth. If you email PFI they'll recommend the Intermediate. It's a great course.

I wasn't by any means "ejected", rather I got some additional attention where needed.

Enjoy !

 

[SanderP]

Hmm... the intermediate class is quite expensive. I wonder if you get something like a certification or anything if you complete the course. If you do, where and how can you use this certificate?

 

[smellsfishy]

There's no certificate for the class. I don't think there's anybody who recognizes freediving certificates in any official way anyways.

As far as the price of the class, it was well worth it and quite frankly I would have paid more. What other sport can you learn from the best in the world and pay so little ?

 

[jimqpublic]

Sander,

Both classes are quite expensive, but they're each about the same price per day. In my case the intermediate class also adds additional cost for ferry transportation and lodging on an offshore island- which is worth it to get away from ten million people in my city.

I've never spent money on training for any sport, but in this case I think it's a very good idea for safety. Also whether or not a certification is involved isn't critical- what is important is that I will be more likely to find local dive buddies if I am not such a rank beginner.

Cost wise though yes it will be a big bite. A month ago I was thinking that I could spend $250us for all the equipment I would need (inexpensive wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel) and I'd be set. Now I'm thinking I will be very lucky to spend less than $500 for basic equipment and another $350 to 900 for training.

I think it will be worth it.

 

[jimqpublic]

I just sent my payment so I'm officially committed. Now for the equipment...

For pre-class training I guess I'd better start practicing unlocking shackles underwaterrofl

Jim

 

[lungfish]

Hi Jimq... of course it will be worth it. Which class are you taking? I have taken their course and suggest that if you are at all serious, go for the intermediate class. As I said before, some folks get to 100ft during their first class. The discussion on training and physiology is priceless. It is a good program, founded on solid science and a lot of experience. I would have paid a lot more for it.
Let us know if you have any equipment questions.... I know where you can get inexpensive wetsuits, other stuff to start with or to move up to.
Lungfish

 

[jimqpublic]

Lungfish-

Thanks. I sent a query with my payment to ask if I could do the intermediate class. I'm sure PFI folks are rather busy today with clean up from the David Blaine show.

The price of the intermediate does add up though- both for the class and boat/lodging in Catalina.

Talk to me about wetsuits. I bought a 2/3 O'Neill thinking it would be good for summer and Baja, but after reading about freedive suits it seems too light, so back to SierraTradingPost it goes. Right now- literally this second I'm having a buddy measure me for a Diveskin suit. But Spiros was suggesting a 3mm high waist version with nylon exterior for durability. Now I'm more confused than ever.

My diving will be in So-California and some trips to Baja in winter. What "one suit" should I get? Ordering from Spiros I need to get the order finalized today in order to have it before Memorial Day.

Jim

 

[Erik]

. But Spiros was suggesting a 3mm high waist version with nylon exterior for durability. Now I'm more confused than ever.

My diving will be in So-California and some trips to Baja in winter. What "one suit" should I get? Jim

Jim, the 'one' suit will be a 5mm. In the winter or for over a few hours in the water there, you'll need a 5mm and maybe a vest on top. Get rid of the O'neill or keep it for surfing, especially with no attached hood.
A 3mm will be awesome for going up and down a rope, but a 5mm will be fine and a much better all-round suit. You can still do 40+ metre dives in a 5mm suit with 6 or 8 lbs of lead on.
If you turn into a rope-competitor, then a 3mm is a must.
At the moment I own a 3, 5, a 7mm and a few vests/hoods/boots/gloves depending on the time of year and the purpose.
Enjoy the course,
Erik Y.

 

[jimqpublic]

Thanks Eric. That's what I settled on- a 5 mm, unlined inside, nylon outside, high waist.

 

[smellsfishy]

Jim,

Sounds like a nice suit. I recommend you get a rubber weight belt to go with it. It prevents it from sliding down and around when you're diving.

 

[jimqpublic]

Okay folks, I'm officially signed up for the 4 day Intermediate PFI class. Once I get some fins, mask, snorkel, linecutter & weight belt I'll be at least $1300 into a sport that I was thinking would be cheap- and I haven't even set foot in the water yet.

(Actually I went kayaking with my family over the weekend and practiced capsize drills with my 5 year old. I am really looking forward to that wetsuit after hitting 58F water with just shorts on!)

 

[smellsfishy]

Don't you just love how it snowballs ? Money well spent though. I'm sure you'll enjoy.

 

[lungfish]

Hi,
All this gear adds up to a safety system. The weight belt is offset by the bouyant neoprene, the temperatures are managed for best metabolism, the fins offset the energy demands, gloves and linecutters are necessary....
So, now do your tolerance tables and get positive.
Lungfish

 

[jimqpublic]

I wasn't doubting the wisdom of the gear, just the cost compared to no training & gear from K-mart.

As I delve into this bizarre subculture I find there is actually a freedive shop within 15 miles of my house. As soon as I drop the rest of my family off at the airport Saturday I'll head over to spend way too much money on the forementioned gear.

Jim