Local Dive Company Offers PADI Level 1 Freediving Course

Freediving is becoming a popular sport across Hawai‘i that requires using advanced breathing techniques and diving skills to catch a glimpse deep beneath the water without the scuba gear.

Freediving is a form of underwater diving where the diver holds their breath until resurfacing rather than using a breathing apparatus such as scuba equipment. PC: Maui Dreams Dive Company

Maui Dreams Dive Co. is the only place on Maui that offers a PADI Level 1 freediver course and is South Maui’s only PADI 5-star instructor development center.

Freediving is a form of underwater diving where the diver holds their breath until resurfacing rather than using a breathing apparatus such as scuba equipment. Freedivers can ascend and descend as quickly as they please.

The PADI Level 1 freediver class at MDDC is ideal for people who are already comfortable with snorkeling in the open ocean and who posses a reasonable level of physical fitness.

By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills for basic static apnea, free immersion, and constant weight freedives to depths of 30-55 feet. Instructors will focus on refining your entries, making streamlined descents, and teach you how to freedive safely, both as a diver and a buddy.

Maui Dreams Dive Co. says the course is particularly useful for snorkel and dive boat crews who dive down and grab mooring lines. The company says the course is also ideal for anyone seeking to improve their skills, try something new, or are simply in search for silence underwater. The class is only for ages 15 years and older.

The class starts with a one-hour session with an instructor to get oriented, review academics, and discuss upcoming training. The first water day takes place in confined water, followed by a second day in open water to practice.

The maximum class size is only three students, so participants can receive the attention and instruction needed to succeed.

All classes include eLearning, use of any gear, briefing and instruction, as well as a freediver specialty certification card.

The PADI Level 1 Freediver course is $369. For the month of September, Maui Dreams Dive Co. is offering $20 off the course, for more information call 808-874-5332.

Maui Dreams Dive Co. is located at 1993 S. Kihei Rd.