Freediver Course – Level 1

Progress during a Freediver course varies for each individual, and we tailor our approach to meet you at your current skill level while addressing your unique needs. Whether you’re overcoming hesitations, mental blocks, or refining your technique, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. At LFD, we view each student’s journey as a puzzle, adjusting our teaching style to fit your learning preferences and help you unlock your potential.

By the end of the course, the average student can comfortably hold their breath for 1:30–3:00 minutes and reach depths between 33–55 feet. However, the most important takeaway is not just the numbers but the confidence, knowledge, and comfort you gain in the water. Our goal is to help you feel at ease, build foundational skills, and foster a lifelong connection to freediving.

“I have trouble with my ears,” “I’ve never been able to equalize,” or “My ears always hurt, so I could never freedive”—sound familiar? You’re not alone! Equalizing is the #1 challenge freedivers face, and it’s often the key factor limiting depth.

At LFD, we extensively teach equalizing techniques specifically designed for freediving. You’ll learn practical tips and tricks to make equalizing easier and more effective. The discomfort you feel is simply water pressure pressing on your eardrums—a normal effect that your body is built to handle. With the right guidance, you can train your body to adapt.

If you can comfortably adjust to air pressure changes while flying, there’s a good chance you’ll quickly learn to handle water pressure while diving. We’re here to help you master this essential skill and enjoy freediving without discomfort.

Because Live Free Diving is committed to providing high-quality courses with small instructor-to-student ratios, we are unable to issue refunds for cancellations. This course is non-refundable under any circumstances. However, we can reschedule your course date with administration fees as follows:

• Reservations can be rescheduled with no fee when requested at least 14 days prior to your scheduled class, allowing us time to fill your spot.
• Rescheduling with less than 14 days’ notice: Students may reschedule for a $150 rebooking fee. This fee applies each time a course or portion of a course is rescheduled and is subject to availability.
• Cancellations or rescheduling made within 48 hours of the scheduled start time will be charged the full remaining balance of the course due to loss of business.
• A minimum 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due by the start of the course and will be automatically charged to the card on file.
• No-shows will be charged the full price of the activity, tour, or training. No refunds will be given due to the potential loss of business or incurred expenses.
• If you require MEDICAL CLEARANCE and fail to obtain a physician’s signature, you will not be able to participate in pool or confined water sessions. A $150 rescheduling fee will apply, and sessions must be rescheduled based on availability once proper documentation is provided.
• Although we plan our open water dive sessions from a boat, please note that sessions are weather dependent and subject to change. In the event of inclement weather, unfavorable sea conditions, or circumstances beyond our control, sessions may be moved to an alternate land-based location to complete your training. In this case, open water sessions will be held at Tiger Tail Lake.
• Please note that course pricing does not include a boat fee. When conditions allow and sessions are conducted from a boat, an additional $100 boat fee per person will apply.
• Cancellations due to weather are determined by the captain. These decisions are often made within a few days of the scheduled session. If offshore conditions are not suitable, sessions will be moved to an inland location.
• Following your pool session, our instructors will assess your comfort level and guide you toward one of two open water training pathways to best support your progress and safety.
• The Blue Heron Bridge (BHB) pathway is a land-based training option with no additional cost and will count toward your first open water session. This is tide dependent.
• The boat pathway is recommended for students who are comfortable and ready for offshore conditions. This option includes an additional $100 boat fee and may count toward one or both required open water sessions, depending on performance and course progression.
• Placement in either pathway is at the discretion of your instructor and is based on each student’s comfort level, ability, and overall readiness in the water.
• Due to the limited capacity of each class, we do not offer refunds or credits for partial course completion. If you need to repeat an open water session, the boat fee will apply if training is conducted offshore.
• If additional sessions are required due to seasickness or inability to complete necessary skills, students may reschedule based on availability and will only be responsible for the applicable boat fee.
• Private session cancellations or rescheduling require at least 14 days’ notice. Changes made within 14 days are subject to a $250 rebooking fee due to potential business loss. The full balance is due 7 days prior to your scheduled course. Cancellations or rescheduling made within 7 days will be charged the full course price.
• If renting gear, customers agree to reimburse Live Free Diving for the loss or damage of any equipment at its current replacement value.

We are a small team specializing in intimate group experiences. In order to keep our operations sustainable and provide the highest quality training, we must adhere to this cancellation policy. Thank you for your understanding.

To cancel or inquire about a reservation, please contact us by phone or email.

BY BOOKING YOUR TRIP ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE YOU AGREE TO ALL TERMS OF THE RESERVATION.

• Although we plan our open water dive sessions from a boat, please note that open water sessions are weather dependent and may change. In the event of inclement weather and/or sea conditions, or conditions beyond our control, this may force us to dive in an alternate land based location for the sole purpose of being able to complete your dive training. In this case, open water sessions will be held at Tiger Tail Lake, near Fort Lauderdale.
• Cancellations due to weather will be determined by the captain. The decision to cancel a trip due to bad weather usually cannot be made until a few days before. We will cancel all trips, and go to alternative in land site when rough seas and high winds are in the forecast or small craft advisories are in effect.
• Due to the limited capacity of each class, we do not offer refunds or credits if you only complete a portion of the class. If you need to complete the open water session again, you will need to pay the boat fee.
• If you need additional trips due to seasickness or inability to complete the necessary skills, you will be charge just the boat fee and can reschedule makeup sessions during availability.

Using gear designed specifically for freediving will help with your performance and comfort in the water. However, in the level one course you may be able to use snorkeling equipment you already own. If you have any questions about specific gear recommendations, check out our blog on freediving gear. Reach out to us if you have any further questions. We can help you find the right gear, specifically for freediving, that’s the right fit for you!