So, you’re thinking about learning to freedive?
Whether you’re dreaming of longer breath holds, exploring reefs without the bubbles and noise of scuba, or just getting more comfortable in the ocean, a first freediving course is a great place to start.
At Apnea Total, we do things a little differently. There’s no pressure, no competitive energy, and no “you must reach X depth” goals. Instead, we guide you step by step, at your pace, building confidence as your comfort grows. Every freediver is unique, and your journey will be too.
Here’s a look behind the scenes at what your first freediving experience with us actually feels like.
1. You’ll Meet Your Instructor (And Yes, They’re Totally Friendly)
From the moment you walk into the school, you’ll discover that freediving doesn’t have to be intense or intimidating. Our instructors are friendly, highly trained, and genuinely love helping people discover that they’re capable of more than they believed.
Before anything else, we talk.
We want to know:
- What brings you here
- What your relationship with the water is like
This helps us tailor the entire course around you, not some generic checklist.
2. Breathing, Relaxation, and Actually Enjoying Yourself
You’ll start on land, learning everything you need to take the plunge into freediving. Nothing complicated or mystical. Just the practical tools you will use to help you feel calm and in control when you’re in the water. The topics include:
- How to kick, duck dive and move through the water efficiently
- How to release tension in your entire body
- How to equalize your ears easily for comfortable dives
- How to breathe for relaxation, take a full final breath and recover after a dive
- How to stay calm and safe underwater
Starting with the theory means that you can dive into the water session empowered with knowledge.
3. Your First Open-Water Session: Calm, Low-Pressure and Fun!
Heading out on our beautiful speedboat is where the excitement kicks in. Koh Tao’s water is warm, clear, and the perfect training ground.
Once we’re anchored, your instructor will take you through the session one step at a time – starting with simply how to find comfort in the water and on the buoy. Then you will work through how to breathe-up calmly, and descend down the line slowly and with relaxation. As your confidence improves, your instructor will help you to find your rhythm underwater, until you feel like part of the ocean itself.
And here’s the part that surprises most students: We never tell you how deep you “have to” go.
Gentle increases in depth come naturally as your comfort grows. Some people reach 10-12 meters on the first day; some prefer staying shallower. Everyone progresses differently, and that’s exactly how it should be.
4. A Learning Environment That’s Supportive
Freediving can sound serious, but our sessions are filled with laughs, encouragement, and plenty of “wow, I can’t believe I just did that!” moments.
You’ll learn new skills such as:
- Equalization techniques
- Streamlining and finning efficiently
- Keeping your mind and body calm
- Buddying and simple safety skills
- How to dive in a way that feels easy rather than effortful
We’re right there beside you the whole time, giving personalized feedback after every dive to help you improve at a pace that feels good.
5. Your Second Day: Confidence Starts to Click
This is where students often notice the biggest shift. Today, the techniques feel familiar, calm comes more quickly, and your body suddenly understands what freediving is all about.
Your dives become smoother.
Your breath-holds feel easier.
Your mind is quieter.
Some students choose to explore a little deeper; others focus on technique and comfort. Both are perfect. The goal isn’t depth, it’s progress.
6. Leaving the Course Feeling Empowered (and Wanting More)
By the end of your course, you’ll walk away with so much more than you expected. Your relationship with the ocean will feel stronger and calmer, you’ll have a brand new skill set and you’ll officially be able to call yourself a Freediver!
Many students continue straight to the Advanced Course, or coaching sessions to keep practicing. But even just at the beginning of your freediving adventure, you’ll leave feeling proud, capable, and connected to the water in a whole new way.
Final Thoughts
Freediving isn’t about pushing limits, chasing numbers, or impressing anyone. It’s about discovering relaxation, awareness, and confidence in the water, and learning that your body is capable of more than you thought.
At Apnea Total, we’re here to guide you through that journey with patience, laughter, and a personalized approach that meets you exactly where you are.
Whenever you’re ready, the ocean is waiting.
WRITTEN BY: AMY RICHARDSON
