For novices and moderately experienced freedivers (snorkelers). This course is not designed for advanced freedivers, though it is quite probable that they would learn something as it is based on experience rather than simply being a transfer of existing knowledge.
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There are a number of ways of fast-tracking your progress in any field:
So you are probably asking: "What qualifies me to teach this course?"
18 years of spearfishing and freediving experience as well as the fact that I have been teaching chemistry and doing research for 18 years.
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To help you decide if you want to purchase a course read my CV:
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The objectives
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The skills that you will learn for freediving will increase your physical ability but that need not apply only to freediving – you may also wish to take up photography, underwater hockey or spearfishing. The stealth of a skilled freediver will permit close-up photographs of fish and other oceanic creatures that would never approach scuba divers with their bubbles and their noise. On the other hand you may simply want to dive but not have to rent, buy or carry heavy scuba gear.
This course will take you through the necessary steps to achieve the objectives and hence the outcome. (You should, however realize that in freediving it may take quite some time to develop the skills so do not expect immediate massive success in the water.)
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A quote that is most apt to this course is “He who conquers himself is king”. We are up against both physiological and possibly psychological barriers in our desire to freedive. Persistence is the catalyst that will produce results.
Scope of the course:
First the history of diving and freediving will be briefly reviewed, then equipment you will require is described, then techniques to attract fish and other creatures. Methods of training are covered in detail, thereafter the conditions for improved diving conditions are covered with detailed descriptions of currents upwellings etc. that apply to divesites of Port Elizabeth and other similar bays, a section on cautions warns of potential hazards, and lastly shoredive sites of Port Elizabeth are detailed.
The course is designed to teach the basics but there is sufficient content that by reviewing the information after gaining more experience you will be able to further expand your ability.
Throughout the course I include quotes of, how should I put it, "genetically advanced", individuals that give some insight as to what attitudes will create success.
Course options
There are two options - either attend the course physically where you attend lectures and there is pool training included. Alternately can do it by correspondence - you receive an electronic copy and work through it yourself. Obviously the physical attendance is superior to the correspondence but then I feel there must be flexibility to cater for those unable to attend.
Also see the freedive mentorship option.
Cost
Option 1: Course attendance - R495 includes lectures as well as pool training. For pool training you should have a mask, snorkel, wetsuit optional but recommended, weightbelt, fins and booties or socks.
Option 2: Correspondence - R295 Here you can study at your own pace and at your convenience. This option excludes lecture attendance and pool training - those would be done by yourself in your own time. Obviously safety is a greater issue and must be carefully considered.
