If you’re an advanced freediver who wants to learn how to fine-tune your lifestyle and training so that you can approach elite freediving levels, then the PADI Master Freediver course is for you. Through focused sessions, you’ll bring your static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion and constant weight skills to the next level.

To enroll in a PADI Master Freediver course you must be at least 18 years old and have a PADI Advanced Freediver certification (or a qualifying certification from another freediver organization). You also need to have Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 months. You can complete this training during the course. Your instructor may also offer the PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider specialty diver course at the same time.

The PADI Master Freediver course consists of three main phases:

• Knowledge development about nutrition, relaxation and advanced breathing techniques. You’ll study independently using the PADI Freediver eLearning (or your instructor may conduct class sessions if not available in your language). You’ll also complete independent research as part of the Master Freediver Assignment.
• Confined water session to improve static and dynamic apnea attempts, including a no fins dynamic apnea. Goal – static apnea of 3 minutes, 30 seconds and dynamic apnea of 70 metres/230 feet.
• Open water sessions to practice mouthfill equalization and perform warm-up and workup dives for free immersion and constant weight freediving. Goal – constant weight freedive of 32 metres/105 feet.

Equipment

You need to have a freediving mask, snorkel, bifins, wetsuit and weight belt. Your instructor may allow you to use monofins. You’ll also need a surface signaling device and a freediving computer (or depth gauge and timer).