From £ 400
Portrush, Northern Ireland
From £ 403
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £ 215
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £ 210
Highlands & Islands, United Kingdom
From £ 195
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From Dhs 1700
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
From £ 350
Highlands & Islands, United Kingdom
From £ 180
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
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Guides and stories related to this certification.
The Level 1 Freediver course balances theory, technique, and practice. While content may vary slightly between PADI and SSI, the core structure remains similar and centres on three main components: knowledge development, confined water skills, and open water sessions.
Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by a certified instructor who will tailor the pace to your comfort level and experience. Most centres maintain small group sizes to ensure close supervision and personalised feedback. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in freediving technique, safety, and breath control – ready for recreational dives or further training.
Completing the Level 1 Freediver course from PADI or SSI qualifies you to freedive to depths of up to 10–20 m / 33–66 ft in open water under supervision. You’ll gain the essential skills to safely explore shallow reefs, practice breath-hold training with a buddy, and begin developing the body awareness and technique that more advanced freediving requires.
This certification opens the door to deeper personal exploration of the underwater world, as well as access to more advanced freediving courses such as PADI Advanced Freediver or SSI Level 2 Freediving. It also allows participation in recreational freediving activities and training sessions offered by many dive centres and clubs. Most importantly, it equips you with a strong understanding of safety procedures, buddy systems, and rescue techniques that are critical in breath-hold diving.
The Level 1 Freediver course typically runs over 2 to 3 days, depending on the training centre and conditions. It includes classroom theory sessions, confined water (pool or pool-like conditions) skills, and open water dives to practice depth techniques. Some centres may offer flexible scheduling across evenings or weekends.
The Level 1 Freediver course from both PADI and SSI uses a combination of knowledge development, confined water skills, and open water sessions to assess your readiness. You'll be evaluated on your ability to safely hold your breath underwater (static apnea), swim horizontally without breathing (dynamic apnea), and dive to a depth of 10–20 metres in open water. The course is performance-based, so most students progress at their own pace, with instructors offering additional coaching if needed. Safety, technique, and comfort in the water are all key assessment areas. Assessment criteria are clearly explained throughout the course, and you’ll get plenty of practice before attempting each skill. You can explore and book certified freediving courses on adventuro’s dedicated freediving pages.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesYou don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, but a basic level of comfort in the water is essential. You should be able to swim at least 200 metres unassisted and feel confident floating and treading water. The course includes water skills that build gradually, so your instructor will guide you through each step.
Both PADI and SSI offer very similar Level 1 courses, covering the same key skills: static and dynamic apnea, duck diving, equalisation, and safety procedures. The main differences lie in teaching style, digital materials, and certification platforms. Both are internationally recognised, so the choice often comes down to your instructor or dive centre preference.
The Level 1 Freediver course usually targets a maximum depth of 10–20 metres, depending on your comfort level and performance. Depth is introduced gradually under close supervision, and safety protocols are followed strictly. There’s no pressure to hit the maximum depth—comfort and safety come first.
Most centres will provide the essential freediving gear: long fins, low-volume mask, snorkel, wetsuit, and weight belt. However, if you have your own kit, you’re welcome to bring it. The instructor will check that it’s suitable for freediving. Some centres may recommend specific gear depending on local conditions.
Absolutely—when taught properly. Both PADI and SSI courses emphasise safety at every stage. You’ll learn how to dive with a buddy, recognise warning signs like hypoxia or shallow water blackout, and follow strict safety protocols. As long as you follow your training and dive within your limits, freediving is a safe and rewarding activity.
The course typically runs over 2 to 3 days, depending on the dive centre and local conditions. It includes theory sessions (which may be done online), confined water practice (pool or calm water), and open water dives. Some centres offer flexible scheduling or weekend formats to suit your availability.
Yes, many freedivers wear contact lenses under their masks. Alternatively, you can use a prescription mask. It’s important to have clear vision to read your dive watch or see your buddy underwater. Your instructor can help you find the best option if you’re unsure.
No problem—everyone learns at their own pace. The course is designed to be supportive and flexible. If you need more time to master a skill, your instructor can offer extra coaching or arrange additional sessions. You won’t be rushed, and safety always takes priority.
Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a Level 1 Freediver certification from either PADI or SSI, depending on your course. This certifies you to freedive with a buddy to depths up to 20 metres and is recognised worldwide. You’ll also gain access to more advanced training or specialty courses in the future.
You can explore and book certified Level 1 Freediver courses on adventuro’s freediving pages. We work with trusted, vetted centres across the UK and beyond, so you can find expert instructors and safe training environments wherever you are.
