Molchanovs Wave 1 Freediving Course

BEGINNER FREEDIVING COURSE
Location: Nelson Bay, NSW

Wave 1 is the course for you if you're looking to start your freediving journey. Whether you are a complete beginner, already a spearfisher, scuba diver, surfer or waterperson - this course will teach you the basics of freediving. You will learn techniques to help with the mental aspects of freediving, how to relax during breatholds and to trust your body's capabilities. You will learn how to properly equalise your ears and dive to depths up to 12m - 20m! Regardless of your experience, we will tailor our feedback to suit your individual goals. 

Our courses take place in the picturesque waters of Nelson Bay, just a 2.5 hour drive north of Sydney. We have 2 types of courses- a shore dive course and a boat dive course. The content in each course is exactly the same, just the location of the open water dive sessions differ. 

We don’t approach Freediving with any goals placed on numbers or times- and we will never put pressure on you. We pride ourselves on our welcoming,  fun and safe learning environments. Our experienced instructors specialise in fixing equalisation issues. 

The Molchanovs freediver certification for our courses are recognised worldwide. 

What's the difference between the Island Boat Course and Shore Dive Course?

The shore dive course conducts its two open water dive sessions at a beautiful protected cove in Nelson Bay with calm flat waters.

The island boat dive course includes a full day out on the boat with the two open water dive sessions conducted at the local islands of Port Stephens (either Broughton Island, Cabbage Tree Island or Fingal Island depending on conditions). This course also includes a fun freedive after the dive sessions with the chance to explore some of the best freediving spots in NSW and a shipwreck! For these boat courses, we're able to find the spots with the best visibility and dive conditions on the day. 

COURSE OUTLINE 

Theory 

Prior to the course, you will be given access to the Molchanovs E-Learning Manual. Following the course, you will have access to the Molchonovs Online Training Resources.

You will learn the following during the course:
- Physics and physiological basics of freediving
- Breath holding workshop & techniques
- Relaxation techniques 
- Equalisation basics & workshop
- Safety & potential traumas (blackouts, rescues, ear trauma)
- Multiple choice knowledge test

Pool Session
- Static breath holds (STA)
- Dynamic finning technique (body position, technique improvement)
- Dynamic swims (DYN)
- Buddy & rescue procedures

Two Open Water Dive Sessions
You will learn the following techniques:

- Buoyancy check, duck dives, line diving, equalisation & body positioning
- How to properly buddy another diver
- How to rescue a diver from a blackout
- Dive up to 20 metres deep (20 metres is the max depth, not the requirement to pass Wave 1) 

If for whatever reason you don't complete any of the course requirements, no problem. You can come back to us any time within 1 year of your course to tick off whatever requirement you may have to complete!

Equipment Required ($40 gear hire fee) includes 5mm freediving wetsuit.
- Mask & Snorkel
- Fins (these can be any fins, but we recommend longer freediving fins)
- Open Cell Freediving Wetsuit with hood (5mm recommended)
- Weight belt & weights