This course is designed to elevate your freediving proficiency by teaching new techniques and enhancing safety awareness. It builds on earlier levels by introducing free-fall diving and Frenzel equalisation, along with an expanded knowledge of physiological risks. The training involves both theoretical lessons and practical sessions in pool and ocean environments.
You begin with detailed theory classes focusing on human physiology under pressure, equalisation methods, barotrauma, buoyancy, and safety risks such as shallow water blackout. This theoretical foundation prepares you for the practical challenges of deeper and longer dives. You will also study training concepts and the mammalian dive reflex to better understand your body’s responses.
Pool sessions develop your static and dynamic apnea skills, emphasizing breath control, relaxation, and efficient movement. You will also practice Frenzel equalisation, a technique that facilitates deeper and more comfortable descents. Open water sessions in North Sulawesi’s protected marine areas allow you to apply these techniques in real freediving conditions with coral reefs and abundant marine life as your backdrop.
Safety remains a central focus, with training on rescue protocols and recognising symptoms of potential issues. The course aims to develop both your technical ability and your understanding of how to manage risk effectively, enabling more confident and controlled freediving experiences.
This course is based at the main freediving centre in Manado, which is ideally situated on the coastline of North Sulawesi. The location offers immediate access to calm swimming pools for confined water sessions and is just minutes from excellent ocean dive sites. The resort’s house reef provides a convenient site for shallow skill development, while deeper water options are easily reached by boat for open water training.
During the course, participants can expect to freedive in the warm waters of Manado Bay, as well as sites around Bunaken Marine Park and Bangka Island. These locations offer drop-offs, coral walls, and sandy slopes with a mix of vibrant marine life and great visibility. With minimal currents and consistently warm conditions year-round, this region is perfectly suited for technical skill development and deeper freediving practice.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold an AIDA Level 2 certification or equivalent, and be able to swim 200 metres continuously.
Good health and physical condition are necessary. Medical clearance is recommended for those with any relevant health concerns before participation.
The centre is led by professional AIDA instructors with strong backgrounds in competitive freediving, including record-holding Indonesian athletes who have deep knowledge of local dive conditions. Their calm and clear coaching style supports steady development through each course level, with personalised attention tailored to your experience and comfort in the water.
Facilities at the base include easy access to boats, private gear areas, calm pool spaces, and fully equipped classrooms. The structure of the course is flexible, with plenty of surface interval time and opportunity for follow-up coaching. This attention to comfort, safety, and individual progress makes it a trusted environment for more technical levels of training like AIDA Level 3.
About the centre
Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi
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