If you're interested in learning freediving, the best place to start is with a qualified freediving instructor rather than trying to learn breath-hold diving on your own.

A good instructor will teach you proper technique, help you understand your limits, and introduce freediving safety from your first session.

What Should I Look for in a Freediving Instructor?

When choosing where to enroll, don't look only at the price or how deep the instructor can dive.

Look for an instructor who has:

• A recognized freediving instructor certification

• Proper safety and rescue training

• Experience teaching beginners

• Appropriate student-to-instructor ratios

• A clear safety protocol

• A teaching environment where you feel comfortable asking questions

Freediving certifications in the Philippines may be offered through organizations such as AIDA, Molchanovs, SSI, PADI, Apnea Total, and RAID. Different agencies have their own course structures and progression systems.

At Azul Freediving, our instructors have training and certifications from Molchanovs, AIDA, SSI, and RAID.

How Do I Check If an Instructor Is Certified?

Don't be afraid to ask.

Before booking, you can politely ask the school:

“Who will be my instructor, what agency are they certified with, and what is their instructor certification level?”

You can also ask for the instructor's certification ID, certificate, or verification details and check whether the certification is current with the respective training agency.

A professional school should be comfortable telling you who will teach you and what qualifications they hold.

You can also ask:

• Is the instructor currently certified to teach this course?

• What safety and rescue training do they have?

• How many students will be in the class?

• Is the session a certification course or a workshop?

• What happens if I am not comfortable with the water or depth?

• What equipment is included?

• What happens after the introductory class?

You are not being difficult by asking these questions. You are choosing the person who will teach you a breath-hold sport.

Should I Take a Private or Group Class?

This depends on your experience and what you want from your training.

Group classes are a good option if you want to learn the fundamentals while training with other students. At Azul, our general group classes are designed for students approximately 12 to 60 years old.

Private classes provide more individual attention and allow the instructor to adjust the session to your specific needs.

Private training can be particularly useful for students who are nervous in the water, have limited experience, have specific goals, or require a more customized approach.

Should I Start With a Pool Class?

For many beginners, a pool introduction class is a convenient way to start.

Azul Freediving offers Metro Manila pool classes at Blueworld, Dive Buddy, and Scuba Studio.

Your first session can introduce you to breathing, relaxation, equalization, body position, finning, breath-hold techniques, and basic safety.

After your introduction, you can continue with pool training, line training, open-water sessions, or a certification course depending on your goals.

What If I Want to Get Certified?

If you want a more structured path, consider enrolling in a freediving certification course.

A certification course provides structured education covering technique, knowledge, safety, and rescue skills appropriate to the certification level.

Workshops and non-certification sessions are useful for practice and technique development, but they are not a replacement for a complete certification course.

What Should I Tell My Instructor Before Class?

Be honest about your experience.

Tell your instructor if you are:

• A complete beginner

• A non-swimmer or have limited swimming experience

• Nervous in the water

• Returning to freediving after a long break

• Interested in certification

• Looking for a specific training goal

There is no need to impress your instructor.

The more accurately they understand your starting point, the better they can guide you.

Start With the Right Foundation

You don't need to be an experienced freediver to start lessons.

Find a certified instructor, verify their qualifications, choose the class that matches your experience, and learn proper safety from the beginning.

At Azul Freediving, we help students start where they are and progress at a pace that works for them.

Your freediving journey starts with learning the right way.