Level 1 Freediver
Whether new to freediving or learning informally for years, the FII Level 1 Freediver course builds the foundation for safer, more efficient, and more capable diving while helping students refine technique, correct weaknesses, and progress with confidence
Goals
Through classroom, confined water, and open water training, students learn the fundamentals of the FII training and education system in a structured, easy-to-follow format. With strong emphasis on safety, technique, and skill development, Level 1 prepares students to freedive effectively and confidently up to 66 feet / 20 meters.
Level 1 was designed for the full range of freediving goals — from building confidence in the water to pursuing depth, line diving, spearfishing, competition, fitness, and general enjoyment of the ocean.
Because FII instructors teach through a shared system, students benefit from more consistent coaching, clearer skill development, and smoother continuity when training with different instructors or continuing their progress over time.
Course Syllabus
In Level 1, students develop the essential knowledge and skills needed to begin freediving safely and effectively, including:
- Level 1 safety & problem management
- Freediving equipment
- Physics and physiology for the Level 1 freediver
- Breathing for freediving
- Breath-hold/static apnea technique development
- Freediving technique development
To earn Level 1 certification, students must attend all sessions and demonstrate mastery of the required FII Level 1 Freediver skills and knowledge.
If a student is not yet ready to complete every requirement during the initial course, they have 12 months to finish at no additional tuition cost with any FII-certified instructor.
Facts
Course Duration:
2-day program, including a minimum of 4 hours of academic instruction, 3 hours of confined water training, and 1.5 hours of open water depth training (varies by location and class).
Prerequisites:
Participants should have competent swimming skills and be comfortable in open water.
Age Requirement:
Participants must be at least 16 years old.
Equipment:
Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt, weights and timing device
Learning Materials:
FII Level 1 Freediver manual and workbook. All course materials are provided by the instructor at the beginning of each course.
