What is freediving, and why should I take a course?

Freediving is a unique and immersive experience to explore the underwater world on one breath. It offers a profound connection between the diver's mind and body, creating a sense of oneness with the environment.
Taking a course is essential to learn proper techniques, safety procedures, and gain the knowledge needed to enjoy freediving safely.

Is freediving suitable for beginners?

Yes, freediving is accessible to beginners. Our courses cater to all skill levels, providing a structured approach to learning the necessary skills and safety measures for enjoyable and safe freediving experiences. We really pride ourselves on everyone getting the absolute most out of the course. With small student to instructor ratio’s, we tailor the coaching to each individuals specific needs.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a freedive course?

While no prior freediving experience is necessary, participants should be comfortable in the water and in good health. There is a medical waiver to sign, sometimes a sign off from your doctor is required to continue with the course. The bare minimum prerequisite is that you can swim.

How long does a typical freedive course last?

Course durations vary, however we spend 3 days with our level 1 students to ensure they get the absolute best out of our course. Each course includes a combination of theory, confined water (pool) sessions, and open water dives off our own boat. We find that by having two boat days, you have enough time to adapt and not rush through the course.

What will I learn in a freedive course?

Our courses cover essential topics such as breath-holding techniques, equalisation, safety protocols, yoga for freediving, and freediving theory. You'll also learn about different freediving disciplines, equipment, and how to use freediving skills in everyday life.

Do I need to have my own freediving equipment?

It is nice to learn and practise in the equipment you own. However we have freediving masks, snorkels, freediving fins, weight belts and weights for you to use. If you don’t own your own wetsuit, please get in touch and we can arrange a hire suit for you to use. We recommend a long wetsuit throughout the year.

How deep will I be diving by the end of the course?

A tough question! The depth achieved depends on the course level and individual progress. We recommend for beginners to start an equalisation practise at home prior to our time together. The requirement for our Level 1 courses is 10 metres. So we work a lot on our ears and technique to get comfortable there. You will be so surprised at how fast the body adapts and may find yourself diving deeper on our last day. For people who are already diving in the ocean, we are coaching you more on technique and bottom time. With the deepest we can dive in level 1 is 20 metres.

Advanced courses and beyond may include dives between 20 meters to 40.

Is freediving safe, and how do you ensure participant safety?

Safety is our top priority. Our courses are designed with a strong emphasis on safety, covering risk management, buddy procedures and safety dives, and rescue techniques. Our instructors are experienced and certified to ensure a secure learning environment along with our skipper maintaining surface watch at all times on the boat.

Can I freedive if I get seasick?

Yes you can. However keep in mind that we are freediving off of a boat in the ocean.. While we wish we had a super deep pool to train in, learning to adapt to the environment you will be using your new skills in is the best way to start. We move our boat schedule around to choose the best weather window to dive in, and are very lucky we have the Westside and the Exmouth Gulf to hide from wind in, it is still an ocean course and the ocean can be wild and raw.

If you get seasick, we recommend at taking natural ginger tablets to help you feel better and ginger tea.

Why choose Salty Hearts Freediving?

We are Western Australia’s only freedive school with a dedicated freedive boat. Operating all year round since 2019. We have many years prior to opening our doors, experience, owned by one of Australia’s first female instructor Trainers. We also have two boat sessions in our level 1 courses that you don’t always get everywhere else. Our course boasts extensive hours of theory, breath work, stretching for freediving, practical pool and ocean training.