Thinking of Umberto Pelizzari course - any feedback?

[saf40]

Hi,
As beginner I'm considering Umberto's course in English at Sharm el Sheik in early November. I was quite keen though have just read on the sign up form ('inscription form' on the right) that "Only the first 32 people will be inserted in the course" - this sounds a bit much, was I unrealistic in expecting fewer (nearer say for example 12?.. )


Would love to hear from someone who's been on the course or of any other feedback or tips anyone has- would be great!!


Thanks in advance,

Steffen Frost

 

[fabrice]

I'll tell you in a week, he's coming here to do a course with 20 students.

 

[sanso]

Umberto's courses are held by more than one instructor. An AA instructor's course for 29 candidates is held by about a dozen freediving instructors, a doctor, a yoga teacher and a psychologist and Umberto himself. The ratio is quite all right.
AA regulations also state that there be at least one instructor for every two students. - So no need to be worried.

Go there. It will be worth every second of Your time.

 

[jay cluskey]

make every effort to get on that course umberto is a living legend and, that man, was taught by THE MAN

 

[apneaboy]

Don't worry about the numbers. You get plenty of time with him and the instructors on my course included Will Trubridge and Davide Carrera as examples of the quality of the 'helpers'

You should defo take the opportunity he is a legend and he will put accross what freediving is in such a way that you will leave truly understandig the sport.

Hurry up, only 32 places to take up!

 

[sgnips]

well you just said everything, so i think i'm not gonna make any more Apnea Academy PR here

 

[saf40]

Dear all,
Many thanks for your kind advice and encouragement and my apologies for the lack of courtesy in not replying sooner (not aided by originally viewing the replies at work..!)
I'm very excited to do the course and have been to the doctors for the medical certificate and sent it off along with the sign up form to Stefania.

However I have been to the bank a couple of times (same staff member) to try to pay the deposit fee of €450 but have not succeeded as the bank say they require an IBAN number which Egypt apparently do not use...
Does anyone have any advice how to send the deposit money from a UK to an egyptian bank account? The details I have are:

"Notification of bank transfer of 450 Euro to Mr. Marco Nones (the person in charge of the stage with Apnea Academy Egypt). Details for the payment:

Marco Nones
ABC Bank - branch : Sharm el Sheikh
c/c : R12379
Swift Code : eaabegcx "

All help appreciated

Fabrice - how was the course? I trust you had a great time

Look forward to the chance of meeting people there, it sounds like quite a few are over for the general freedive week!? - and would probably make it worth flying back on sunday rather than saturday to squeeze in more time after the course

Cheers,

Steffen

 

[sgnips]

i had the same problem trying making the payment online
as egypt is not a UE member, it requires an "abroad payment", which requires the swift code and a special procedure
it cost me 9€ vs 0€, but i could do it by phone with my bank

it's strange your bank asks for an IBAN because there is no iban in egypt, are you sure they understood the payment shall go abroad?

maybe you can try contacting Marco Nones and ask him for an alternative way (like paypal or something else -not sure they can accept it, of course)

 

[cebaztian]

I can say the same positive things as the writers above, can only add:

You will have to endure a few sexistic jokes.
And italian bullying of other nationals (usually the french).

Otherwise they are quite mature

Sebastian

 

[glennv]

Maybe some last minute advise (I have done the stage 3 times !!). Make sure you are in shape. It is quite a demanding program, were if you are not in good physical condition you will start to brake down on day 3 or so.
This way you can enjoy and lean much more.

And like seastian said , bring a good dose of humor, which is one of the building blocks of apnea academy rofl

 

[sanso]

About payment:

I had the same problem for my instructor's course and then simply wrote to Umberto who then gave me his private bank account in Italy to transfer the money to. That way, the transfer was within the EU and much easier and cheaper.

As for the sense of humour: Yes do bring some. I won't go into this any deeper, as that would probably cost me the mentor-status.

 

[Dennis77]

Steffen, you will have so much fun, I promise you.

I´ll be there too. But I´m only going for recreational diving. I´ve done the course twice already.


Regarding the humor; in 2007, from the first five minutes on I´ve laughed so many times,...... Just fun.