Advanced Freediver Course in Monterey, California
Difficulty
expert
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in excellent physical condition with strong breath-hold capabilities and cardiovascular fitness.
Overview
Ready to elevate your freediving skills? Join Odyssey Freediving’s Advanced Freediver Course in Monterey and learn how to dive safely to 100 feet through expert-led sessions and hands-on ocean training.
Advanced Freediver Course
PADI Freediver Certification Course• 2 Day
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About This Adventure
Elevate your freediving skills in this immersive three-day course, where you'll learn advanced techniques and safety protocols to dive up to 100 feet. Experience a blend of academic learning, pool training, and open ocean sessions, culminating in a thrilling deep water adventure. Perfect for certified divers ready to push their limits!
Advance your Freedive Skills to the Next Level
About
Learn performance and safety protocols that enable you to confidently freedive depths of up to 100 feet (30 meters). This course is conducted over two days in three phases:
Duration
- 3 Day course: Saturday & Sunday Start
- Following Sunday for Odyssey DEEP Session
- 6 Hours per day
Day 1
1. Academic Start with online learning (completed before class) followed by academic lecture to understand Advanced concepts of freedive physics, underwater physiology, and technical skills to dive deeper. We'll also overview new specialized gear and have a stronger focus on stretching, relaxation, and equalization for depth.
2. Pool Pool training sessions are designed to refine your water skills in a controlled environment. You’ll reinforce buddy procedures for rescuing divers from black out, practice breathing techniques and perform longer static apneas, as well as refining skills like kick cycle and amplitude. We'll complete the session with max dynamic training to earn a new Personal Best performance.
Day 2
3. Ocean Put it all together for open ocean training. We’ll utilize a float and line to train for deeper depths. You’ll work in rotation with other freedivers to master your skills and equalization as we seek depth under the supervision of your instructor.
Day 3
3. Ocean/Deep Water Day 3 is an Odyssey DEEP session to be conducted at either Monastery Beach or Lake Berryessa. Depending on conditions, we will seek the best place to dive to a max depth of 30 meters/100 feet.
DIVER REQUIREMENTS:
Prerequisites
- Minimum age is 16 (parent signature required for those under 18)
- Must possess Freediver certification from a recognized agency.
Pool
- 200m swim without rest
- 10 minute safety float / tread
- 2:30 minute static apnea (STA)
- 50 meter dynamic apnea (DYN)
Ocean
- Minimum 20m (66') Depth
- Weight Belt Removal at 10+ meter Depth
- Mask Removal at 10+ meter Depth
- Underwater Rescue at 10+ meter Depth
- One Fin Ascent at 10 meter Depth
YOUR OWN GEAR IS REQUIRED FOR COURSE (POOL & OCEAN):
Can Be Rented at Bamboo Reef Monterey
- Open Cell Wetsuit
- Long Blade Fins
- Low Volume Mask & J-Tube Snorkel
- Weight belt & Weights
- 3mm Gloves
What to bring
- Swimsuit & towel
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
Equipment Purchase Discount Available for Participants Photo/Video Package Add-On Available Course Deposit is Transferrable but Not Refundable
Adventure Tips
Know Your Limits
Always listen to your body during training and dives; overexertion can be dangerous in freediving.
Use Proper Equalization Techniques
Mastering equalization early helps prevent ear discomfort and injury during deep dives.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water before sessions helps prevent dehydration, which can affect performance underwater.
Respect Local Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from marine animals to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- California sea otters
- Harbor seals
History
Monterey Bay has a rich maritime history, once serving as a key port during the 19th-century California Gold Rush.
Conservation
Local organizations work to protect marine habitats and promote responsible diving practices to preserve Monterey’s unique underwater ecosystem.
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Adventure Hotspots in Monterey
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Freediving wetsuit (5mm or thicker)
Keeps you warm during chilly open ocean dives, especially in cooler seasons.
fall specific
Freediving fins
Long fins help efficient propulsion underwater with less effort.
Freediving mask with low volume
A low-volume mask aids easy equalization during deep dives.
Surface buoy and reel
Safety gear that marks your position and supports depth-limited practice.