Step into the underwater world with confidence and control on this beginner-friendly freediving course. You’ll learn how to extend your breathhold, move efficiently underwater, and explore quietly beneath the waves. No previous freediving experience is needed, making it perfect for those ready to take the first step toward full PADI Freediver certification.
The day begins with knowledge development using PADI Freediver eLearning and instructor-led sessions where needed. You’ll cover safety principles, breathhold techniques, and how to prepare your body and mind for freediving. These lessons provide a solid foundation so that the practical sessions are both safe and rewarding.
Confined water training follows, giving you hands-on experience with static apnea and dynamic apnea. You’ll practise staying relaxed and efficient in the water while developing proper finning and body positioning. Buddy techniques are integrated from the start, ensuring safety while building confidence.
Open water sessions let you apply your skills in a real coastal environment. You’ll learn free immersion and constant weight diving, gradually increasing depth while maintaining control and safety. By the end of the course, achieving a constant weight dive of 10 metres and completing dynamic and static apnea goals becomes realistic and satisfying.
Training is based at Scalloway Pool or Sandwick Pool, providing controlled, safe conditions to build confidence before venturing into open water. These pools are ideal for learning foundational freediving skills and allow personalised attention from the instructor.
Shetland’s coastline is a spectacular backdrop for open water training, with clear waters and abundant marine life. Practising in the sea provides context for your skills, connecting your pool training with real-world conditions and preparing you for future adventures.
Participants must be at least 15 years old, have adequate swimming skills, and be in good physical health. No prior experience with snorkeling, skin diving, or freediving is required.
General wellness is important for safety during breathhold diving. If any medical conditions exist, participants may need a doctor’s clearance before joining.
For all participants under 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to be present for the full duration of the course. This ensures a safe and supportive experience for younger divers.
The centre is led by an instructor with years of experience teaching freediving, scuba diving, and sea survival. Training is designed to be supportive and practical, helping you gain real skills while feeling safe and encouraged throughout.
Small groups and high-quality equipment ensure that each participant receives personalised attention. From pool practice to open water sessions, this course offers an approachable introduction to freediving in one of the UK’s most unique marine environments.
Anyone aged 15 or older with basic swimming ability can join. No prior freediving, snorkeling, or skin diving experience is needed.
Being in good general health is important for safe breathhold diving. Participants with medical concerns may need doctor approval before joining.
The full course runs for 8 hours, typically split between classroom, pool, and open water sessions. Each phase builds progressively on the previous one.
This structure allows time to practise skills safely and gain confidence before moving into the open water. Instruction is paced so you never feel rushed.
You’ll gain confidence in static and dynamic apnea, open water freediving, efficient finning, and body positioning. Buddy and safety procedures are emphasised throughout.
Breath control, relaxation techniques, and safe underwater communication are also covered, giving a complete beginner foundation in freediving.
All specialist freediving gear, including fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit, and weight belt, is provided. You may bring your own snorkelling gear if you prefer.
Using freediving-specific equipment ensures you experience proper technique and safety. Your instructor can advise if you plan to invest in gear for future courses.
All activities are supervised by a qualified instructor, with pool and open water sessions designed for controlled learning. Buddy systems are used at all times.
Following safety guidelines reduces risk and builds confidence. The course equips you with knowledge to enjoy freediving responsibly.
Suggested goals are 90 seconds for static apnea, 25 metres for dynamic apnea, and 10 metres for a constant weight dive. These are targets rather than strict pass/fail requirements.
Instructors focus on personal progress and comfort in the water. Even if you don’t reach the targets immediately, you gain all the skills to continue improving safely.
Yes, you only need basic swimming ability. The pool sessions are designed to introduce you to breathhold diving in a safe, controlled environment.
Pool training builds technique, body control, and safety awareness before you move to the open water, ensuring a smooth progression.
About the centre
13 Robertson Crescent, Lerwick, Shetland
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Freedive Shetland - Atlantica, a partner of adventuro.
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £350
