Gentle Introduction to Freediving: SSI Pool Freediver Course

The SSI Pool Freediver Course is the perfect introduction to the fascinating world of freediving/apnea.

What to Expect in the SSI Pool Freediver Course?

• Take the deepest breath of your life and feel what it’s like to have your lungs completely emptied.
• Learn how to achieve deep relaxation in minutes with a simple breathing technique.
• Feel your heartbeat and learn how to consciously slow your pulse.
• Hold your breath longer than you ever imagined possible.
• Float at the surface and experience your resting heart rate halving, like a marine mammal.
• With freediving fins and perfect buoyancy, swim a pool length or more effortlessly.
• Upgrade your course later to the Freediver course and dive vertically down a line to 10 meters in the Untersee.

Course Goals of the SSI Pool Freediver Course

You will acquire theoretical knowledge (via eLearning and in-person sessions) and develop fundamental skills for static and dynamic apnea in the pool.

You will be able to assist other freedivers in the pool and respond appropriately to emergencies. The theoretical and pool skills align with the SSI Freediving Course.

Prerequisites for the SSI Pool Freediver Course

• Minimum age: 12 years.
• Health: You must be in good health and provide a medical fitness certificate if required.
• Swimming ability: You should be able to swim 200 meters continuously.
• No prior experience in snorkeling, scuba diving, or freediving is required.

Upgrade Option

Within 6 months, you can upgrade your SSI Pool Freediver Course to the SSI Freediver course. The upgrade will teach you the skills needed for open-water diving.

Required Equipment

• Swimwear (women: bikini or one-piece; men: swim trunks, preferably speedos), including a towel.
• Open-cell freediving wetsuit (included in course fee).
• Low-volume mask (included in course fee).
• Flexible snorkel (included in course fee).
• Flexible weight belt (included in course fee).
• Coated weights (included in course fee).
• Neoprene socks (included in course fee and yours to keep).
• Freediving fins (included in course fee).

The course fee covers full equipment rental, food, drinks, and pool entry. My philosophy is that the freediving experience is only complete with the right equipment—no surprises or extra costs. You can purchase your equipment after the course at a fair price and start training immediately.

Course Location

Morning: Felben-Wellhausen, near Frauenfeld, for theory (20 minutes from Winterthur and 40 minutes from Zurich or St. Gallen).
Afternoon: Rheinau, Aquarina indoor pool for pool skills.

Schedule

Arrival between 08:30 and 09:00; course starts at 09:00 in Felben-Wellhausen.
Course ends around 18:00 in Rheinau.

Additional Information

To activate your eLearning, I need your name, first name, date of birth, and email address. If you already have an SSI certification, please send me a photo. To prepare your equipment, send me your height, weight, and shoe size.