Ocean Classes
Ocean classes take place at San Carlos beach in Monterey (aka "Breakwater"). This beach is uniquely sheltered from ocean swells because it faces east, and waves are never more than waist high. There is a kelp forest that is home to hundreds of fish, octopus and invertebrate species. We are frequently joined by seals, sea lions, dolphins and otters.
Location
We will meet on the grassy area in front of San Carlos Beach in Monterey. Look for the "Fins and Foam" banner, a big blue blanket and a bunch of freediving buoys.
Parking
There is a decent amount of parking around San Carlos Beach. If you can't find a spot in the lot next to the grass, check the other lots around. You can pay with card in any of these lots. Make sure to pay because parking enforcement is very active.
Schedule
Class starts at 9am and consists of two freediving sessions with a break on the grass to each lunch in between.
8:15
8:15
Collect gear from us or your rental shop
9:00
9:00
Briefing and preparation on the grass.
9:30
9:30
Morning freedive class.
11:30
11:30
Lunch on the grass.
12:00
12:00
Afternoon freedive class.
14:00
14:00
Class graduation.
Book an ocean day
FAQs
If you want to buy gear before your ocean day, check out the Gear Shop. It has the best choices of gear in each category. You can click "Read More" to learn about each piece of gear in more detail.
If you want to keep it simple, just order the Complete Starter Kit. It has exactly what you need to get started freediving here in California. You can try on items like the wetsuit for size before your ocean class.
If you want to keep it simple, just order the Complete Starter Kit. It has exactly what you need to get started freediving here in California. You can try on items like the wetsuit for size before your ocean class.
Yes. After completing your class you will be a certified Freediver. Certifications are from AIDA, the governing body of freediving, like PADI is for scuba. AIDA has four levels of certification: 1 (Beginner), 2 (Intermediate), 3 (Advanced) and 4 (Competitor / Assistant Instructor). If you complete your Beginner class and demonstrate that you know how to freedive safely, you are guaranteed to receive an AIDA 1 certification. You might also be eligible for AIDA 2 certification, if you are diving deep enough and comfortable with the challenges. If, after your Beginner class, you want to continue improving your freediving and upgrade your certification to a higher level, you can always come back for one or more Fins and Foam Deeper Diving classes.
No. In fact, it is ideal to leave a week or two between your evening class and first ocean day, so you can practice the skills you learned. In any event, scheduling for both classes is independent and flexible, so you can take them in the same week, or four weeks apart, or whenever works for your schedule. Evening classes happen almost every Wednesday, and ocean classes are every second Saturday, so you have plenty of dates to choose from.
Yes, you are welcome to upgrade to the Master course at any time during the Beginner course.
Aside from the course fee, all you need to budget for is gear and getting to ocean class (transportation is not provided). Course materials and certification are both included within the course fee.
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