One of the most common struggles for beginner freedivers is equalizing. This is a great tutorial on equalization techniques from competitive freediver Adam Stern:
What experience do I need to take a freediver course?
Participants should be strong swimmers and be proficient using a mask and snorkel in the water.
All students will be required to complete a 300m swim (with mask & fins) or 200m swim (unassisted) PRIOR to attending the open water sessions.
What kind of equipment will you need to bring for the course?
- mask & snorkel
- wetsuit
- fins of any type (freediving, SCUBA, and snorkeling all work fine)
- weightbelt & weights
A wetsuit is REQUIRED for both safety and to keep you warm. We spend alot of time in the water during our course and being cold will not help you achieve your breath hold goals.
Check out Waihana Wetsuits for a local company with a wide range of sizes and wetsuit styles: 10% Discount for Waihana Wetsuits
A dive watch is not required however if you would like to purchase a watch, the Garmin Mk2s is the best freediving watch I’ve ever used.
Garmin is currently offering a $100 rebate on their Mk2s
Where is the course held?
The location for the course varies with the ocean conditions. Typically during the summer we will be on the North Shore of O’ahu. During the winter months we will be diving from Honolulu.
What is the cancellation policy once I’ve signed up for a course?
- Cancellation Requests: Participants who wish to cancel their enrollment in a Papaya Freediving Course must submit a cancellation request via email.
- Cancellations made at least 7 days before the scheduled start date of the course are eligible for a 50% refund of the course fee. No refunds will be provided for cancellations made within 7 days of the course start date.
- Non-Attendance: Participants who do not show up for the course without prior cancellation notice will not be eligible for any refund or rescheduling.
For PADI Courses, all of the following forms will need to be completed and signed PRIOR to the first day of class:
PADI Freediver Medical History Form