Mastering Breath Control: SSI Freediving Level 1 Course in Oahu's Crystal Waters
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days, 12 hours total
Fitness Level
Participants should have good cardiovascular health and comfort in the water but no advanced swimming skills are required.
Overview
Dive into the vibrant underwater world of Oahu with the SSI Freediving Level 1 course. Learn essential breath-holding, safety skills, and mindfulness over two immersive days in Hawaii's crystal-clear waters.
SSI Freediving Level 1
Ages 16+ • 2 Day Course • 6 Hour Course Per Day.
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About This Adventure
Dive into adventure with our 2-day SSI Level 1 Free diving course in Oahu! Master essential skills like breath-holding, safety protocols, and buoyancy, while practicing mindfulness techniques. Experience the thrill of open water diving and prepare for future underwater explorations, from ocean clean-ups to photography, all in a stunning Hawaiian setting.
Duration
2-Day Course, 6 Hour Courses
About
Join us on Oahu and take the plunge with our SSI Level 1 Free diving course. These foundational skills will set the stage for your long-term free diving goals—from fun dives & ocean clean-ups, or competitive diving to learning underwater photography, this course will get you ready! The SSI Free diving level 1 program or certification course provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely participate in recreational free diving with an equally or more qualified buddy.
What to Expect
- Learn to dive up to 20 m/66ft
- Build your breath hold up to 1:30 min+
- Learn key safety and dive management skills and more! We learn the basics of free diving skills and review safety protocols, finning, duck dives, buoyancy, equalization, and recovery breathing. Next, we go in shallow water (hip deep) to practice relaxation skills with our dive buddies. We review buoyancy and flotation while incorporating mindfulness techniques. From there we practice our basic free diving skills focusing on streamlining, finning, breathing, and relaxation, recovery breath, and equalization. Then we take to the open water on the last day to test out your new skills! In our breath sessions, we cover how to engage the diaphragm and utilize our breath for relaxation, the true key to free diving. We also review and practice safety techniques, so you are a competent free diver. We learn about equipment, understanding currents and waves, the importance of dive buddies, and other regulations specific to diving in Hawaii.
What's Provided
- Fins
- Masks
- Other Snorkeling Gear
What to bring
- Reef Safe Sunscreen!
- Towels
Adventure Tips
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and after dives to aid recovery and maintain peak performance.
Equalize Early and Often
Practice equalizing your ears frequently during descent to avoid discomfort or injury.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Use breathing and mindfulness strategies taught in class to calm your mind before each dive.
Never Dive Alone
Always dive with a partner or instructor for safety, as freediving carries inherent risks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Hawaiian reef triggerfish
History
Freediving in Hawaii has deep roots in native Polynesian culture, historically linked to fishing and ocean survival techniques.
Conservation
The course promotes ocean stewardship, emphasizing the importance of protecting Hawaii’s fragile coral reefs and marine life.
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Adventure Hotspots in Aiea
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wetsuit (3mm or 5mm)
Helps maintain body temperature in Hawaii’s cooler ocean waters during dives.
Mask and Snorkel
Essential for surface breathing and underwater visibility during freediving exercises.
Freediving Fins
Long fins maximize propulsion with minimal effort, improving dive efficiency.
Surface Float Buoy
Increases visibility and safety while on the water’s surface between dives.