Resources : Courses

• Aquatech - Manchester

We teach freediving courses for beginners to advanced freedivers. Currently we run the AIDA 1,2 ,3 and 4* freediving courses. AIDA is the worlds largest freediving agency in terms of education and in its recogition of World records. All of our instructors are highly experienced in teaching freediving courses. Steve Millard, was a UK freedive Squad member in 2006 for the world championships in Egypt and was BFA (British Freediving Association) Training and Safety Officer 2007/2008. He was UK Head Coach in the World Championships in 2008. Sam Still was UK champion in 2004 and world pool champion in 2005. John Moorcroft was twice UK champion and held UK records.

You can learn to freedive at mutually convenient times for small groups and even sometimes 1:1 tuition. There is then an active freedive group who train in the lake district, North Wales and the North of england ( Manchester ) to ensure steady and safe progression through the sport. You will need to be at least 18 years old to freedive with us and you will also need to complete a Medical Form which requires a doctor's signature if you have any medical problems. This sport is not recommended for anyone without a good level of fitness.

Dates can be found on this link

The courses to learn to freedive are:

AIDA * Freediver course ( introduction to freediving )
On the AIDA * Freediver course, you will learn the very basics of freediving. What is freediving, what kind of equipment is needed. How to get started, what are the main risks and how to counter them. You will learn the basics of freediving in the pool as well as open water. AIDA * freediver is recommended for students with no previous diving experience.

AIDA ** Freediver course. Dates
The AIDA ** Freediver course is a natural progression of AIDA * freediver or a good starting point for those with previous freediving background or who feel at ease in the water. It covers the same topics as the AIDA * freediver course but more detailed and advanced. With more advanced techniques and performance, there are new risks and responsibilites the freediver must know to be safe.

Cost: AIDA 1* and 2* freediver course combined is £250 this includes equipment, certification, pool fees but not entrance fees for dive sites if incurred. AIDA 1* freediver course is £130 and suitable for learning to freedive in the winter months

Freediving Course Structure: There will be a theory session, two pool sessions and two open water sessions. These are arranged at mutually convenient times you will need to be at least 18 years old and you will also need to complete a Medical Form before you learn to freedive which requires a doctor's signature if you have any medical problems.

AIDA *** Freediver course ( advanced freediving course ) Dates
The AIDA *** freediver course introduces more advanced concepts and techniques of especially deep diving. The students will come to learn what physiological and physical aspects allow or limit our diving performance. The students are encouraged to take more responsibility and increase their awareness of them selves and their dive buddy. They will learn how to train effectively and performance oriented and learn advanced drills and equalisation techniques. Pre-requisite is the AIDA 2* freediver course.

Cost: AIDA 3* freediving course is £320 this includes equipment, certification, pool fees but not entrance fees for dive sites if incurred.

Freediving Course structure: Again pool and theory sessions alongside two days Open water training and you will need to be at least 18 years old and you will also need to complete a Medical Form which requires a doctor's signature before you learn to freedive if you have any medical problems.

AIDA **** Freediver Course ( expert freediving course ) Dates are mutually arranged on request.

In addition to complementing and further enhancing the skills already learned at this level, is recommended for those who wish to become active participants in organizing or leading freediving events and becoming apnea instructors. Besides learning the most advanced techniques and theory, the students will learn how to plan and execute training sessions, coach and support others and how to act responsibly as a freediver. Students will learn about fitness training for freedivers and nutrition, as well as very advanced depth diving and equalisation techniques and drills. After completing the course, students may act as assistants to an AIDA freediving instructor.

Cost: AIDA 4* freediver course is £400 this includes equipment, certification, pool fees but not entrance fees for dive sites if incurred.

Freediving Course structure: Again pool and theory sessions alongside two days Open water training and you will need to be at least 18 years old and you will also need to complete a Medical Form which requires a doctor's signature before you learn to freedive if you have any medical problems.

Arranged with sufficient students throughout the year.

Potential freediving course dates can be found here

Please e-mail apneaboy111@hotmail.com for details of the next course.

Freediving, when practised properly, is a very safe sport. However there are risks so always dive with the supervision of a QUALIFIED and competent buddy. Never hold your breath alone, even in water as shallow as your bath. Someone needs to be there who knows exactly what they are looking for and what to do in case of a blackout. A casual observer or even a lifeguard who hasn't been specifically trained in apnea would not be suitable.