Adventure Collective
Advanced Freediving Adventure in San Diego, California - San Diego

Advanced Freediving Adventure in San Diego, California

San Diegoexpert

Difficulty

expert

Duration

2–4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in excellent physical condition with strong cardiovascular health and breath control.

Overview

Push your limits with an advanced freediving adventure in San Diego. Explore the underwater beauty of California’s coast with expert guidance from Just Get Wet.

San Diego, California

Advanced Freediving

Ages 15+ • 6 Days • Unforgettable experience!

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About This Adventure

Discover your natural freediving ability.

Duration

6 Days - 2 Weekends (Fri-Sun)

About

As a Molchanovs Lap / Wave 3 Master Freediver you are already halfway on your journey to becoming an aquatic mammal. You will be able to comfortably dive up to 40 meters deep, demonstrate proper technique in all pool and depth disciplines and you will develop an understanding of advanced physiological and mental implications. In this course, you will also reflect on ancient freediving practices and how these transformed into modern freediving.

You will expand your mental toolbox by learning how to use attention deconcentration, which is a completely different mental approach to your dives. Your deep diving will benefit from advanced equalization approaches that combine the Frenzel maneuver either with the mouth-fill or reverse packing. There will be plenty of exercises available for you to master both of them over time. You will also learn how to simulate depth with Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) dives and how to prevent depth-related injuries. Packing, reverse packing, flexibility training and the according knowledge when and how to apply these techniques (and when not to!) will enable you to expand your limits while staying always safe.

The Lap / Wave 3 is a semi-professional certificate that enables you to act as an assistant instructor and equips you with the according level of knowledge and skills. It is also the last step towards joining a Molchanovs Instructor Course if your goal is to make a career out of freediving.

PREREQUISITES:

  • Lap 2/Wave 2 certificate for Lap 3
  • Wave 2 certificate for Wave 3
  • OR completed crossover evaluation
  • AND active first aid certificate

POOL REQUIREMENTS

  • STA 3 min 30 sec.
  • DYNB 75m
  • DNF 50m

OPEN WATER REQUIREMENTS:

  • CWTB & FIM 34-40m
  • CNF 25m
  • CWTB Buddying 20m
  • Rescue 20m
  • Surface tow 20m
  • Retrieval of an incapacitated freediver from 30m

Course Outline

The course is conducted over 2 weekends with the following schedule for both weekends. This schedule can be modified as needed:

  • Friday: 5-7 PM Theory
  • Saturday: 0645 - 0930 Pool // 1100 - 1300 Open Water
  • Sunday: 0800 - 1100 Open Water

Equipment requirements

We have all of the diving gear to rent if you need it with the exception of the optional ear plugs. You will have the option to add rental gear to your order at checkout. It is not necessary to buy a new set of equipment prior to your course. However, if there is something you do need/want to purchase then please do not hesitate to call us to get recommendations.

Mask – A low volume spearfishing/freediving mask.

Snorkel – A simple J. style snorkel

Wetsuit – This is your most important piece of equipment. For San Diego, it’s highly recommended to have a 5mm proper spearfishing or freediving two piece, open cell inner/nylon outer suit. If you don’t have access to this suit, then a very well fitting 5mm full neoprene suit, preferably with a hood is OK. A proper freediving suit will positively influence your course experience.

Fins – Longblade freediving fins.

Weight belt – A rubber weight belt is preferred.

Weights – You will want more weight than you use for line diving…closer to 16-18lbs.

Spearfishing gear - speargun, stringer, and a dive knife

Optional Items – If you are sensitive to the cold water, you may want to consider purchasing some VENTED Docs Pro Plugs.

Adventure Tips

Stay Hydrated Before Diving

Proper hydration supports breath-hold performance and overall safety during freediving.

Practice Equalization Techniques

Mastering equalization will help avoid discomfort and allow you to dive deeper safely.

Buddy System Is Mandatory

Always dive with a partner trained in safety protocols to prevent risks underwater.

Prepare for Cooler Water Temperatures

Even in summer, water temperatures can be chilly; bring a wetsuit suitable for San Diego’s ocean.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • California sea lions
  • Garibaldi fish

History

San Diego’s coastline has long been a hub for marine research and underwater sports, contributing to freediving’s growing popularity here.

Conservation

Local organizations actively work to preserve kelp forests and marine habitats, encouraging eco-friendly diving practices.

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Adventure Hotspots in San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Freediving wetsuit (5mm recommended)

Essential

Keeps you warm in San Diego’s cooler ocean temperatures, especially in fall and winter.

fall specific

Low-volume freediving mask

Essential

Reduces air space for easier equalization and clearer underwater vision.

Long freediving fins

Essential

Provides powerful propulsion with minimal effort, essential for deep dives.

Dive computer with freediving mode

Helps track depth, time, and surface intervals to improve safety and performance.