Quick Details
TOP REASONS TO FREEDIVE WITH LIVE FREE DIVING!
- Live Free Diving operates its own private 26-foot boat, ‘FINS UP,’ with a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and space
- We tailor our approach to each student, meeting you at your skill level and addressing your individual needs
- Our instructors create a fun, relaxed environment for effective learning
- The L.F.D. team consists of experienced, knowledgeable South Floridians
- Co-owner Kaleigh McBride is Florida’s only female PADI Freediving Instructor Trainer
- Our focus goes beyond skills and certifications—we aim to help you build a meaningful connection to the ocean and find peace within
- We believe freediving is a lifelong journey. Beyond certifications and depths, we offer ongoing opportunities to train and grow
- Enjoy clear, warm waters near Palm Beach, FL, thanks to the gulf stream
- New students receive complimentary temporary DAN dive accident insurance
- All LFD students gain access to our exclusive WhatsApp group, where you can connect with the community, enjoy early access to special offers, and more!
Year Round Pricing
Scheduled Group
Per Person
$ 500
Private Course
Up to 4 People
$ 3,000
Start your Freediving journey in Florida!
If you’re ready to dive into freediving, Live Free Diving is the place to start! With the most intimate class sizes and personalized attention on our private boat, FINS UP, you’ll get the hands-on experience you need to grow. We put a lot of love into our freediving curriculum, combining top-tier instruction with a fun, relaxed vibe. And with access to Palm Beach’s warm, clear waters, you’ll be learning in some of the best conditions around. Ready to dive in? We’ve got you covered.
Live Free Diving’s Freediver Course – Level 1 is a 2-day course that teaches the safety and science behind freediving, as well as how to increase confidence, train your mind, and boost mindfulness.
The course consists of four phases:
- Freediver Touch/E-Learning Modules
- Classroom session (knowledge development)
- Confined water session
- Open water sessions
On Day 1, you will participate in a classroom session to learn about the safety, science, physiology, and psychology behind freediving along with proper breathing techniques specific to freediving. We will review the Freediver Touch/E-Learning Modules and answer any questions you may have. In the afternoon, you will participate in a confined water session to learn about safety skills, static apnea, dynamic apnea, and how to make a proper water entry.
On Day 2, you will participate in two open water sessions to practice free immersion (pull downs), constant weight, duck dives, proper buddy procedures, and a rescue scenario at depth. Sessions will be held in the blue water of the Gulf Stream off South Florida, or at a spring fed lake near Fort Lauderdale (weather permitting).
The course tuition includes eLearning, pool fees, open water fees, instructor fees, and certification card upon successful completion.
The Instructors
- Our instructors bring a young and fun dynamic to freediving. While we understand that hard work pays off, we also believe that students learn best when they’re happy and relaxed!
- The L.F.D. team is made up of local, knowledgeable South Floridians with extensive experience teaching freediving.
- Co-Owner, Kaleigh McBride is currently one of the first, and only female freediving instructor trainers in Florida. You get to dive with the best!
- We offer the smallest class sizes in the industry, so you can be assured you will have the attention and space you deserve.
The Boat
Live Free Diving is the ONLY Freediving school in the Eastern United States to own and operate our own private boat, “Fins Up,” a 26-foot Aquasport Osprey. That means no crowded springs, no sharing the boat with SCUBA Divers during your open water dives. Just you, your instructor and your fellow classmates! One of our in-house U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains will accompany you on open water dives. If ocean conditions are too rough, a backup inland location will be used in order to complete the class and students will receive a credit to join a boat session at a later date.
The Journey
At Live Free Diving, we believe that learning doesn’t stop when the class ends—it’s just the beginning. Our philosophy is rooted in the idea that freediving is more than just a skill; it’s a lifelong journey best experienced with a supportive community. After completing a course, each student gains access to our private WhatsApp support group, a thriving space where like-minded people connect, buy and trade gear, share information, and receive first access to dives, trips, and exclusive discounts. “True community isn’t built on transactions, but on shared experiences, connection, and growth.”
Take it from our customers—Live Free Diving has earned over 200 5-star reviews on Google, reflecting our commitment to safety, fun, and meaningful experiences. Our mission goes beyond profits and certifications—our goal is to raise the collective consciousness within our community and spread the love and joy of freediving.
Dates Offered:
- March 1&2
- March 22&23
- April 5-6
- April 26-27
- May 10-11*Mothers Day*
- May 24-25
- June 14-15 *Fathers Day*
- June 24-25
- July 12-13
- July 26-27
- August 16-17
Frequently Asked Questions
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Freediving classes can be taken by anyone! All that is required is a can-do attitude! The minimum age is 12 years old for the PADI Freediver course or 10 years old for the PFI Freediver course. You must be at least 8 years old for the Advanced Snorkeler course.
All student divers must complete a medical history form that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while freediving. If none of these apply, sign the form and you’re ready to start. If there are any “YES”, your doctor must, as a safety precaution, assess the condition as it relates to freediving and sign a medical form that confirms you’re fit to dive.
You must be comfortable in the water and able to swim.
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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.
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“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.
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Because Live Free Diving has the highest commitment to quality courses with small instructor to student ratios we are unable to issue refunds for cancellations on the course. This course is non-refundable under any circumstances. However, we can reschedule your course date with administration fees as follows:
- Reservations can be re-scheduled with no fee with at least 14 days’ notice prior to your scheduled class to allow us time to book other clients.
- Re-scheduling reservations less than 14 days notice: Students may reschedule their class for a $150 “rebooking fee”, which will be processed each time a course or portion of a course is rescheduled. You can reschedule during availability.
- At least a 50% deposit is required in order to secure your spot. Remaining balance is due by the start of the course. Your card will automatically be charged the remaining balance.
- 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/expenses incurred.
- For private sessions, cancellations must be made at least 14 days prior to the scheduled date’(s) for the deposit to be refundable. Deposits made in advanced will be subject to a flat rate cancellation fee of $250. This fee will be applied to administrative expenses accrued by LFD and its affiliates.
We are a small husband and wife team of two who specialize in small intimate group settings, in order to keep our business sustainable and activities enjoyable we must adhere to a stern cancellation policy. Thank you for understanding.
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- 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.
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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!