๐ Types of Freediving Certifications: Which Level Should You Get?
Curious about getting a freediving license but not sure where to start? Here’s a simple
guide to the most popular freediving certification systems and what each level actually means.๐คฟ✨
๐ Popular Freediving Organizations
There are several big names in freediving. You might have already heard of some:
| Organization | What They’re Known For |
|---|---|
| PADI | Super global, easy to find classes anywhere. Famous in scuba, but offers freediving too. |
| AIDA | One of the OG freediving groups. Big on competitions, depth, and technique. |
| SSI / CMAS | Similar structure to PADI/AIDA. Some countries mainly use these certifications. |
๐ก Tip: When choosing your first course, don’t obsess over which organization is “best.”
Choose a good instructor and a convenient location. That matters way more.
๐ Freediving Levels (Beginner → Master)
Here’s a simplified version of what most certification systems look like:
| Level | Skills You Learn | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
Beginner / Basic Freediver | Pool training, basic safety, breath-hold intro | First-timers, water shy, no diving experience |
Freediver (AIDA 2 / PADI Freediver / SSI Freediver) | Open water dives, static/dynamic apnea, basic equalizing | People who want to enjoy real ocean diving |
Advanced Freediver (AIDA 3 / PADI Advanced Freediver) | Deeper diving, rescue skills, advanced equalizing | Confident divers seeking improvement |
Master Freediver (AIDA 4 / PADI Master Freediver) | Strong technique, safety & rescue mastery, deeper dives with fins or no fins | Serious divers, record hunters, ocean addicts |
๐ซ Terms you’ll see:
Static Apnea (STA) = breath-holding without moving
Dynamic (DYN) = swimming while holding breath
CWT/FIM = vertical dives in open water
๐ฏ Which Level Should You Choose?
-
Just curious? → Beginner / Basic
-
Want to enjoy ocean diving safely? → Freediver (AIDA2 / PADI Freediver)
-
Already in love with the sport? → Advanced
-
Planning to dive deep, travel, or train long-term? → Master
๐ฌ Why Get Certified At All?
Freediving is not just “holding your breath and going underwater.”
You learn:
✔ Pressure & equalization
✔ Rescue & safety
✔ Proper breathing techniques
✔ How to avoid injury
✔ How to dive deeper safely
A good certification makes you a better diver, not just a deeper one. ๐
๐ Final Thoughts
Freediving isn’t about beating others — it’s about learning your own limits, relaxing, and discovering a different world underwater.
Start with the right level, find a good instructor, and take it slowly.
One day, you’ll look back and think:
“Wow, I used to struggle just holding my breath in a pool!” ๐
