First-Timer Guide • Metro Manila & Batangas
Your First Freediving Class: What to Expect, Step by Step
Exactly what happens in a beginner session — from the briefing to your first dives — so you can show up relaxed instead of nervous.
Short answer
A first freediving class takes about 2–3 hours and moves gently: a relaxed safety-and-breathing briefing, water-comfort practice in shallow water, guided breath-holds, then your first assisted dives — all in a small group (max 3 students per instructor). You don't need to be a swimmer, you don't need any gear, and underwater photos and videos of your session are included.
HOW THE SESSION FLOWS
Arrival & relaxed briefing (30–40 min)
You meet your instructor and your small group (max 3 students), get fitted with gear, and go through a calm, no-jargon briefing: how freediving works, the safety rules, how to equalize your ears, and how to breathe before and after a dive. Questions are encouraged — nervous beginners always have them, and that's expected.
Breathing & dry practice (20–30 min)
Before touching the water you practice relaxation breathing and a gentle breath-hold on dry land, so the feeling is familiar. You'll learn why we never hyperventilate and what a comfortable breath-hold actually feels like — it's calmer than most people expect.
Water comfort, shallow first (20–30 min)
You start in shallow water: floating, relaxing your face in the water, breathing through the snorkel. Non-swimmers spend as long as they need here with the instructor right beside them. Nothing happens until you're comfortable.
Your first dives (40–60 min)
With your instructor guiding every attempt, you try your first relaxed dives — duck dive, equalize, glide. In a city session this is in a 20ft (6m) deep pool; in open water it's a calm, protected area over the reef. One attempt at a time, with rest between, and the camera rolling underwater.
Debrief & next steps (10–15 min)
You wrap up with feedback on your technique, get your underwater photos and videos after the session, and talk through what's next if you enjoyed it — practice sessions, pool training, or a certification path like Molchanovs Wave 1 or AIDA.
WHAT TO BRING (AND WHAT NOT TO WORRY ABOUT)
Bring
Swimwear, towel, change of clothes, drinking water, and a light snack. Reef-safe sunscreen if you're joining an open-water session in Mabini.
Provided
All freediving equipment — mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit or buoyancy support when needed. Pool or resort fees are included in your session.
Skip
Heavy meals within ~2 hours of the session, alcohol the night before, and diving with a cold or congestion — blocked sinuses make equalizing hard, so it's better to rebook.
NERVOUS? THAT'S NORMAL.
Most first-timers arrive a little anxious — about breath-hold, about deep water, or about not being a strong swimmer. The class is built around that: small groups, shallow starts, one skill at a time, and an instructor beside you for every attempt. You set the pace, and there's no number you have to hit. Many of our calmest students started as the most nervous ones.
FIRST-CLASS FAQ
How long is a first freediving class?
Around 2 to 3 hours. That covers the safety and breathing briefing, water-comfort practice, guided breath-hold work, and your first assisted dives — with rest built in between each part.
What should I bring to my first freediving class?
Just swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. All freediving equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit if needed) is provided. Bring water and a light snack — and skip heavy meals within 2 hours of the session.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Non-swimmers are welcome in intro sessions. Basic water comfort skills are introduced first, in shallow water, with close instructor support, and you only progress when you're comfortable.
Will I go deep on my first class?
No — first sessions stay shallow and controlled. In a city pool session you'll work in a 20ft (6m) deep pool at your own pace; in open water you stay in a calm, protected area with your instructor beside you.
What if I get nervous or want to stop?
That's completely normal and completely fine. Classes are small (max 3 students per instructor), so the pace adapts to you. You can pause, rest, or stay shallow — there's no pressure to hit any number.
Do I get photos or videos of my first class?
Yes. Underwater photo and video coverage is included in your session, so you leave with shareable media of your first dives.
How do I prepare the night before?
Sleep well, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and don't dive with a cold or congestion (you'll struggle to equalize). Arrive a little early so you can settle in relaxed — relaxation is the real skill in freediving.
The takeaway: your first freediving class is gentler than you imagine — a guided, step-by-step session where comfort comes before depth. Show up rested and hydrated, and let your instructor handle the rest.