AIDA 2 – Open Water Freediver
Embark on an exhilarating underwater journey with the AIDA 2 Open Water Freediver course, this course is the ultimate stepping stone from our Introduction to Freediving course into the captivating depths of freediving!
The full AIDA 2 course is more comprehensive then similar courses offered by other providers, with training over 3 days broken down into 1 day in the pool and 2 days of open water training. Each course can be booked separately on dates that are convenient for you. You will delve further into the freediving disciplines of Static Apnea, Dynamic Apnea, Free Immersion, and Constant Weight freediving, laying the foundation for your underwater adventure. The course is your passport to exploring the pure joys of freediving without the focus on the competitive aspects of freediving – no intricate competition rules here!
The AIDA 2 Open Water Freediver qualification is split into two parts:
Part 1 – AIDA 2 Pool (1 Day Course)
Focuses on freediving theory and the development of the essential freediving skills necessary for safe underwater exploration, serving as a foundation for advancing to open-water freediving.
You will be provided with a comprehensive training manual when you book your course and live online knowledge sessions with your instructor who will prepare you for the online multiple choice exam before the date of your pool session.
At the pool session your instructor will introduce relaxation techniques, enabling you to perfect your breathing, breath hold, and master the finesse of finning and safety practices.
To successfully complete Part 1 of the AIDA 2 course and receive your certification, you are required to comfortably perform a 2:00 static breath-hold and complete a separate dynamic apnea swim of a distance of at least 40m underwater. Your instructor will support you through the course mentoring you at each step.
The AIDA 2* Pool elements of the course costs £160 and takes place at the Dolphin Centre, Poole the cost includes entry to the pool.
Part 2 – AIDA 2 Open Water (2 Day Course)
Having passed your theory and pool requirements you are now ready to venture into the open waters, you’ll merge these newfound skills with the essentials of open water freediving, from Equalizing and Duck Diving to Vertical Swimming, Body Positioning, Turns, and the mastery of Buoyancy. Your voyage into the mesmerising depths awaits – get ready to dive in and let the adventure begin! Immerse yourself in an experience like no other as you discover essential skills, knowledge, and safety protocols that ensure your freediving adventure is both exhilarating and safe.
The open water elements of the course normally take place at Vobster Quay or on one of our trips aboard.
The cost of the AIDA 2* Open Water element of the course starts at £220 depending on location. This does not include travel costs or entry to the location.
Once you have completed the both the AIDA 2* Pool course and the AIDA 2* Open Water Course you will receive your AIDA 2* internationally recognised freediving qualification from AIDA International.
PRE-REQUISITES
To enrol on the course you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older (16 years with parent/guardian consent)
- Be able to swim at least 200m non-stop without fins OR at least 300m non-stop with mask, fins and snorkel
- Have completed the AIDA Medical Statement
- Have completed the Liability Release
- Read and agreed to our Terms and Conditions
What kit do I need to bring with me?
For the course you will need fins, mask, snorkel, weight belt and weights and a freediving/spearfishing wetsuit.
If you don’t have any of these then, they will be provided to you as part of the course cost. Just let us know which items you require when you book your course.
Is freediving safe?
All sports come with inherent risk, freediving is safe when practiced correctly and responsibly. On our courses we will teach you how to progress safely and also how to minimise risk in freediving which includes diving with a trained buddy and diving within you limits.
I have a health condition can I still join a course or the club?
We are not doctors so we can’t give you medical advice. However, we will provide you with the AIDA medical form before you join the course to complete. If you answer yes to any of the questions or you are unsure then we recommend speaking to your G.P. You can also find your nearest dive doctor on this Website who is experienced in advising on freediving as some GP’s won’t sign medical forms off for SCUBA and freediving.
What level of fitness is required for freediving?
Being fit is beneficial for freediving like most sports, however freediving does not require the same level of aerobic fitness as running for example. So, as long as you are comfortable meeting the course pre-requisite then you should be fine on the AIDA 2 Open Water Freediver course.
Am I too old to start freediving?
Freediving can be enjoyed at any age, the oldest freediver we have been diving with is 84, and the world record holder in his age category for 100m is 60years old. So as long as you can meet the course pre-requisites and don’t have any health conditions that would stop you diving then you will be fine.
Does the course provide a recognised qualification?
Yes, the course provides you with an internationally recognised freediving qualification from AIDA International
Why does the course take place in a swimming pool and not in open water?
Have you head the phrase “walk before you run”? Whilst there are course providers that will take you straight out to sea or to a lake, these can overwhelm some students who may struggle to learn the basics in these environments and come away from their course disappointed.
Swimming pools provide a warm and controlled environment to learn key skills for freediving such as how to hold your breath, kick correctly and equalise. We start the course in 1m of water and finish the course in the 4m dive pool so regardless of your ability or water confidence you have time to gradually adapt to freediving.
I have been freediving for years but don't have a qualification can I skip the course and join the club?
It is important for all club members to have a solid foundation in freediving to enable them to safely buddy other students and our insurance requires all members to hold a freediving qualification therefore you will need to complete a freediving course before joining the club.
I'm a scuba instructor do I need to do a course to join the club
Although Scuba and freediving both take place underwater, this is where the similarities end therefore you will need to undertake a course before joining the club.
Pool Sessions
Join us in the pool for our Tuesdays sessions from at the Dolphin Leisure Centre, Kingland Rd, Poole BH15 1TN.
Vobster Sessions
From April through to September we run courses, coaching and also fun diving sessions at Vobster Quay, the UK’s leading dive location with depths from 5-36m.
