Blog - One Breath Freediving

First Impressions: AIDA Depth Competition Safety Freediver Course

24/4/2024

The AIDA Depth Competition Safety Freediver Course (alongside the Pool version) is a new course from AIDA with the goal of updating and standardising the role of the competition safety freediver to ensure the highest safety standards for future AIDA competition events. Going forward, all future safety freedivers will be selected based on initially having this certification and then a subsequent points system that signifies experience gained from prior competition safety freediver participation.

Note:
This course is only taught by a limited number of AIDA Instructors who are also AIDA Judges

Who is this course for?

Those that want to be official safety freedivers in future AIDA competition events
Freedivers interested in the latest safety and rescue procedures to make their own training safer
Additionally, I would recommend the course for Athletes to better understand the role of the safety freediver which will give themselves greater reassurance that they are being professionally supervised when competing

What does the course include?

3x Open Water Sessions
4x Theory Sessions
1x Written Exam

What are the key physical and rescue components of the course?
Fulfil the following physical requirements:

35-40m CWTB dives (3x per session)
30m dive + 30” surface recovery + 20m dive
20m dives with 3-5 seconds notice, at fast pace (early turn simulation)

Course requirements:

20m solo rescue (as if only one safety freediver)
25m team rescue with 30 seconds notice (in all safety diver roles #1, 2 & 3)
Rescue from various depths (20-25m) in various simulated situations
Full rescue extraction

Initial impressions of teaching this course:

It is an intense course run over 2 days with a high amount of work needed to be completed in the sessions, both in and out of the water.
It is PHYSICALLY DEMANDING course with the number of deep dives and deep rescue dives needed to complete the pass requirements. An above average level of fitness and endurance is needed to complete the physical demands. (REMEMBER, you are training to be absolutely ready for when another person, the athlete, is in need of your help!).
Preparation for the course is recommended to include: Familiarity with the current AIDA competition rules. Teaching / assisting teaching is great to get used to focusing on another diver and diving when they are ready, not when you are ready. CO2 tables to get used to having contractions during dives. Practice rescuing someone after a short hang.
Being a safety freediver can be both GREAT FUN and rewarding and builds camoraderie among those who are the unsung heroes of freediving competitions.

By David Watson, Owner, Founder & Head Instructor / AIDA Instructor Trainer at One Breath Freediving

AIDA Competition Safety Freediver Courses Available at One Breath Freediving!

26/1/2024

AIDA is excited to announce a brand-new safety training program developed jointly with Vertical Blue!
AIDA Competition Safety Freediver by Vertical Blue Professional Safety Freediver® is the most comprehensive safety program available, comprising over 30 years of high level competition experience. The goal of this program is to standardise safety protocols for all AIDA competitions and set an example for freediving safety worldwide.

The AIDA Competition Safety Freediver course will allow prospective safety diving students to specialise in both pool and depth competitions and earn different certifications, enabling them to take part in a variety of AIDA events.

Specialties include:

Pool Competition Safety Freediver – All AIDA pool competitions
Depth Competition Safety Freediver - AIDA depth competitions limited to a depth of 80m maximum
Advanced Depth Competition Safety Freediver – All AIDA competitions at unlimited depth

The Advanced Depth Competition Safety Diver course will be taught by a select number of experienced safety trainers. The standard Pool Competition Safety Diver and Depth Competition Safety Diver courses can be taught by any AIDA Instructor with active judge status.

In conjunction with this new program, AIDA is rolling out a new experience point system for AIDA Safety Divers, following the well-established model for AIDA Judges. This will create objective measures and make it easier to select safety teams for AIDA competitions worldwide.

For more information go HERE

By David Watson, Owner, Founder & Head Instructor / AIDA Instructor Trainer at One Breath Freediving

"But Does It Really Matter Who My Instructor Is?" - Anon

15/11/2023

I wanted to address the topic of instructor choice as it has been mentioned in passing to me more than once, and it surprisingly seems to be of little consideration for many a potential student! Often the prospective student spends the time on choosing the freediving agency or the price of the course is a factor, but not really looking at the person that will teach them.

I covered this topic to a degree in the Blog post regarding 'Teaching Philosophy as an instructor'. This was more taken from the instructors perspective. But the student should also remember, this is fully in their control, and with a small amount of research and planning they can really make the most of their freediving course by taking a considered choice of instructor.

Things to look for from your instructor when making a choice for your freediving course:

Experience: Of course experience comes from time and practice. The instructor could be wonderful and have the best intentions, but if they are new they wont yet have all the tools to be able to fully spot and correct your mistakes, which is vital for a students learning progress.
Clear and positive Communication: This should come from the start via the first chat/message/email. Look for guidance and clear information without being pushed or rushed. The instructor should be accommodating to your desire for more information about the courses or training you wish to undertake. Communication is going to be vital during the course, so this is the first test.
Organisation & Planning: There should be a structure to the course but with flexibility to adapt to things like weather conditions. If, for example, a course is listed as 3 days why does this instructor insist 2 is enough? Are corners being cut or elements rushed or missed completely? Also look for clear instructions for PRIOR to the course so you can prepare and practice before starting for real.
Reviews: This is easy to check, though nearly every instructor will (should!) have 4.8-5 star review profile. But look beyond the surface and search for these key words, or similar, from past students: *PATIENT*, *SAFE*, *CONSCIENTIOUS*, *KNOWLEDGABLE*, *ATTENTIVE*, *CALM*.

I hope you found this blog interesting, and remember, not all instructor or teachers are equal!

By David Watson, Owner, Founder & Head Instructor / AIDA Instructor Trainer at One Breath Freediving

Why Take A First Aid & CPR Course as a Freediver

4/1/2023

Having prior knowledge of potentially life saving first aid education is one aspect of being a freediving instructor that I often take for granted. To maintain an annual AIDA instructor status it is necessary to also maintain certification in First Aid & CPR. Additionally for me, beyond that, I enjoy teaching and sharing this vital information with others, and so became a First Aid & CPR instructor, firstly with the PADI owned Emergency First Response (EFR), and once AIDA developed it's own freediving specific Emergency Medical Responder course, teaching AIDA FEMR.

So here are my top 5 reasons why as a freediver you should take First Aid & CPR course as early as possible in your freediving journey.

1) Help Others:
It should go without saying that by becoming first aid and cpr certified you have a much greater possibility to help out buddies or other freedivers in the unlucky event of an accident. Being someone with this knowledge could make a big difference for a positive outcome from a bad situation.

2) Help Yourself:
With the right knowledge we can recognise potentially harmful situations for or of ourselves, before they arise or before they create a bigger issue. You could be in a position to recognise a medical complaint or onset of a condition in yourself, and act upon it before it escalates in to a bigger, more serious problem.

3) Awareness:
This is an important quality for freedivers, but too often we get caught up in ourselves and our own minds while diving. To be a competent buddy and to qualify as a higher level freediver an emphasis is placed on buddying, helping and rescuing. So why not start on this path early and already be thinking about others and their wellbeing as a first level freediver?

4) Family & Friends:
Away from the world of breath holding, being someone with life saving knowledge could one day save a member of your family or a close friend. Don't be that person that has to stand by because of a lack of knowledge or training. Be proactive in helping the people you care about and learn life saving skills.

5) Extra Mile:
Having a qualification such as first aid and cpr makes you stand out among your peers, whether in your current workplace or if changing career. Such a commitment displays a desire for knowledge and a desire to help others, which of course are highly admirable traits.

EXTRA:
Next level learning. The AIDA FEMR course goes above and beyond a normal first aid course. It is the first ever freediving centred first aid and cpr course on the market, and includes skills beyond traditional courses, such as; intubation of airways, advanced spinal injuries, AED & O2 as standard, DCS and other diving specific illnesses.

Click HERE for more detailed information about the AIDA FEMR Course taught by OBF

Training CPR skills

By David Watson, Owner, Founder & Head Instructor / AIDA Instructor Trainer at One Breath Freediving

AIDA Monofin Course: Training Drill

16/4/2019

Monofin Training Drill:
Here Jose is using a kick board to help stabilise the upper body and a front snorkel to allow him to breath during the training exercise. This takes away the 'apnea' element away from this particular drill and allows him to focus on technique over breath hold while he adjusts to using the full sized monofin.

How do you think he is doing?

AIDA Monofin Course

6/11/2017

Courses running regularly, enquire to reserve your place and set free your inner dolphin!

Scuba Diver to Freediver Pt.3

10/1/2017

Day 1
There was a total of 3 of us doing the course, so after we did our introductions we started on some classroom work. We also practiced the correct technique for ear equalizing and did some timed breath holds. Around midday we went to Malta's national pool to do the required 40m underwater swim. This is called Dynamic Apnea and the main points of this involved correct weight and buoyency, pushing off from the side of the pool and doing the first arm stroke, turning at the other end of the pool and getting to 40m. All these parts were covered in detail and we practiced our techniques until we were ready for the 40m. Rescue diver procedures were also taught and practiced during this pool session.
After the pool we went back to the classroom for the final theory for day 1 and briefly went over what the plan is for the second day.

Day 2
After a brief classroom session we entered the very calm water of Cirkewwa and setup the buoys in 20m deep water. First we practiced Free Immersion where you pull yourself down the rope. There were a few things to get right, such as relaxation, initial accent technique, then equalising and pulling yourself down the line.
After this session we went onto constant weight where we used fins and the correct technique to efficient finning. The AIDA2 course requires a dive of 16m-20m.
The day was very calm and relaxed and this was clearly a major part of freediving. Not pressure or stress to get things done, take your time.

Day 3
We met at the dive centre and had a quick briefing for the day's events. First off was the static apnea discipline at a sheltered area near Bugibba. To pass the course a 2 minute breath hold was required. I managed 3 minutes and felt like I could manage a few more seconds, but I was more than happy with myself achieving this time. We also had a go at being the coach. This involved steadying the person, timing, communication and watching for signals.
Next up was a trip to Cirkewwa again for the final open water dives before the exam. We did the constant weight again, like on day 2, but a little deeper and also practiced using a lanyard to keep you secured to the line as well as being a rescue diver who meets the other diver half way. With all the open water requirements completed we all headed to the classroom for the written exam.

My Final Points From a SCUBA Diving Background.
Very interesting learning about ears, equalising, lungs in lots more detail.
Knowledge of what's involved in freediving will allow me to be more aware of freedivers when I'm scuba diving.
Being relaxed is very important.
Finding a competent buddy you can trust. This must work both ways.
Learning what your body and mind is really capable of.

Overall the course was very enjoyable. David, the instructor was very informative and knowledgable. Detailed instructions and techniques were demonstrated and personal feedback was given throughout the day.
The 3 full days were good fun, calm, knowledgable and were the ideal environment for pushing your mental boundaries to an area it's difficult to imagine before the course.

AIDA2 requirements:
Static: 2 minutes. I managed 3 minutes. (Holding breath floating on surface)
Dynamic: 40m. I managed 40m on my second attempt. (In swimming pool).
Constant Weight: 16m. My maximum depth was 20m.
The exam was a mix of multiple choice as well as full answers and was straight forward if you followed the manual and classroom ok.
here to edit.

Scuba Diver to Freediver: Pt.2

28/11/2016

The last few weeks I've been practicing my breathing with an app called STAmina. I was advised to follow the CO2 breathing sequence which will help build up resistance to the bodies natural warning of CO2 build up. I started on the app with 0:45 second breath holds, 1:00 minute breath holds, then worked up to 1:25. My breath holds are currently 1:25 and breathing sections starting from 1:30 and decreasing by 5 seconds to 0:55. It's 8 cycles and the total time of the exercise is 20 minutes.

One thing I noticed was that it was important to be relaxed with no interruptions. If I got interrupted then even at the first 15 seconds of my breath hold I'm thinking that I won't manage it, and towards the end of the hold it was starting to become uncomfortable. I had the app setup to beep every 15 seconds which seemed to help really well, as its difficult to judge how much time has passed. I've notice in the past that it can sometimes be difficult to judge time when relaxed. It currently feels good to know the elapsed time, but I can also see how it could be off putting as well.

In a few days I'll be in Malta with One Breath Freediving. So I need to keep up my breathing exercises and finish the last few pages of the AIDA2 manual.

Before doing any training I thought I may be able to hold my breath for 1 minute. But following the course manual and the breathing app I've surprised myself that I can do 8 cycles of 1:25 breath holds.

I'm a bit nervous about some aspects of the course. As a scuba diver I know I'm more comfortable and relaxed when under the water, rather than on the surface, so I'm currently wondering how well I'll be able to relax on the surface. I think of the transition between the surface and underwater to be the risky area when scuba diving..... probably due to possible kit issues rather than physical ability. Also, on the surface I feel more exposed and vulnerable and this only seems to be the case in the sea. Once under the water it's peaceful and calm.

Another issues is the feeling of being underwater on just a breath hold. Being at 15m without an air supply is very dangerous situation when scuba diving but is perfectly normal and safe when freediving. Although I held my breath when in a pool or snorkelling in the sea and felt ok

Scuba Diver to Freediver: Pt 1.

10/8/2016

Welcome to a series of new blog posts where we follow the experience of a scuba diver as he learns to freedive properly for the first time!
Here is part one:

I started scuba diving in September 2011 and have done 400 dives. I've completed the PADI divemaster qualification as well as the SDI Solo diver, PADI tec 40 and I'm currently studying for Tec 45.

I like to learn from every dive and always look at ways to improve. I'm currently working on kit configuration and practising technical diving procedures and methods. I've thought about doing a freediving course for the last 2 years, although I've not taken it any further than that.... until now. In about six weeks I'll be doing my AIDA2 with One Breath Freediving in Malta.

A couple of days ago I went to my local 6m deep pool where I was able to prepare for the course. I just wanted to practice The Frenzel Maneuver for equalising. This is how I equalise when scuba diving, but when scuba diving the decent rate is a lot slower and I'm horizontal, not head first.
After 15 minutes in the pool the equalising was going well and towards of the session I could manage 30-40 seconds under water. This was without knowing any relaxation, breathing techniques or how to efficiently duck dive. At this point I hadn't read anything about freediving. I used a 5mm wetsuit, 3kg weights, scuba fins and mask.

Over the next few weeks I'm going to be studying the AIDA2 manual and spend some time practising breathing and relaxation. I'll update my experiences here in a couple of weeks while I progress through the freediving manual.

- IAN

'Buoy oh Buoy'

7/8/2016

Great conditions at Cirkewwa as Vitalijus & Bruno complete the final open water requirements for the AIDA3 course.