FREEDIVING GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS: How To Start Freediving, Dive Gears, and the Best Dive Spots
Freediving has changed my views on life. It brought a new level of presence and calm that I carry even when I’m back on land.
If you’ve ever looked at those incredible videos of freedivers gliding effortlessly through the ocean and thought, “I could never do that,” well, this freediving guide for beginners is for you.
Starting freediving is much simpler and more accessible than you think. It’s less about being a super athlete and more about learning to relax and listen to your body.
Here is my complete, no-fluff guide on how to take your first freediving experience.
HOW TO START FREEDIVING
It begins with calm.
The biggest secret to freediving isn’t having huge lungs; it’s about being completely relaxed. Fear and tension use up oxygen fast!
I remember the first time I truly understood the silence underwater. It wasn’t the kind of silence you hear in an empty room, but a full, peaceful quiet that wraps around you like a warm blanket. It was just me, the blue, and the beat of my own heart slowing down. That, my friends, is freediving.
Take an Introduction to Freediving Lesson
I cannot stress this enough! Please do not try to learn freediving from YouTube videos and dive deep alone. Trust me, I did this during the pandemic, and I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did. Freediving has serious risks, and you need professional guidance.
Find a certified freediving school (Molchanovs is highly recommended), and sign up for an introduction course. That’s the safest and best way to start!
Most beginner courses (usually 2-3 days) cover, and here’s what you can expect to learn:
- Breathing Techniques: Learning to breathe efficiently before a dive (the “full breath”).
- Equalization: Practicing the Frenzel technique until it becomes second nature.
- Static Apnea: Holding your breath while floating still on the surface (great for mental training!).
- Constant Weight: Actually diving down a line to a certain depth (usually 10-20 meters).
- Safety and Rescue: This is one of the most important parts! How to dive with a buddy, how to recognize and rescue someone experiencing a blackout.
When I took my first course, I was surprised by how much of it was mental. My instructor made me realize that my limitations weren’t physical—they were just thoughts! That shifted my perspective on everything.
Where to Take Intro to Freediving Lessons in the Philippines
Choosing where to start can feel a little overwhelming, and I’m a big believer in being totally honest with you all. I don’t want to recommend something I’ve never tried or don’t know, so I’m giving you a list of options where you can take your freediving introduction lessons near you.
This list is in no particular order or rank—just honest-to-goodness great places to start your journey!
Luzon Freediving Schools
If you’re based in Luzon, Batangas is the place to be. It’s the heart of the freediving community here, and there are so many schools that love teaching beginners.
- Freedive Tribe PH: This is actually where I did my very first intro to freediving lesson! It holds such a special place in my memory. You can read my first freediving experience here.
- Lakbay Freediving
- Maximum Freediving
Visayas Freediving Schools
Visayas has the widest range of freediving schools, probably because the water there is just so inviting! If you’re island-hopping through Visayas, these are the spots to check out:
- Pacific Blue Freediving (Cebu): I’d call this the “Home of Champions.” You’ll see a lot of freediving athletes training here. If you’re the type who eventually wants to compete, this is a highly recommended school.
- Tats Freediving (Siquijor): If you want to learn while truly living that slow island life, this is my top pick for Siquijor.
- Lawud Freediving (Dumaguete City)
- Anima Freediving Academy (Dumaguete City)
- Kauban Freediving (Panglao, Bohol)
Mindanao Freediving Schools
Mindanao has fewer formal schools compared to the other islands, but the community here is so tight-knit and welcoming. You can choose the one closest to your home base:
- BOYA Freediving (Zamboanga del Norte): While it’s technically a community rather than a formal school, this was my very first freediving family. I love them! If you start your journey here, I’d still recommend eventually taking lessons from a school with certified coaches to really polish your safety skills.
- Glide Freediving (Samal, Davao): A wonderful option if you’re near the Davao area.
You can always come back to this list whenever you feel that spark that you’re ready. Taking that first step is the hardest part, but I promise the community will catch you.
Essential Freediving Gears: What You Actually Need
Good gear doesn’t make you a better diver, but it does make the experience much safer and more comfortable.
While dive gears, such as fins and masks, are usually provided during the intro lesson, you also need to get your own if you wanna go fun diving to other places.
Don’t go buying everything at once; invest in these freediving key pieces first.
- Low Volume Mask – Low volume means it has a small air space to make it easier to equalize. Look for a soft silicone skirt for a good seal. Try it on and make sure you can pinch your nose easily!
- J Snorkel – Simple, basic, and no fancy purge valves needed. It should attach easily and be comfortable to breathe through on the surface.
- Long fins are the standard. They are stiffer and move you much further with less effort. Plastic long fins are the cheapest ones, but if you have extra budget, I personally recommend that you go for the fiberglass material, softer blade to start with.
Frequently Asked Questions Before You Start Freediving
When I was starting, I had a million questions buzzing in my head. Here are the most common questions I always get asked.
It is the best investment you can make to enjoy freediving. Taking this course is truly the moment everything clicks. You learn the science behind breath-holding and, most importantly, safety protocols.
Freediving is as safe as you make it. Diving alone is dangerous and non-negotiable—never do it. When you follow the safety rules, dive with a properly trained buddy, and respect your limits, it is very safe. The risks come when people skip the training and try to push too deep, too fast.
Definitely, not. I’m not a good swimmer myself! You should just be comfortable and confident in the water. The intro to freediving course will teach you proper finning and movement, which are more about efficiency and technique than raw strength.
It varies wildly, but your instructor will likely ask you to aim for 5 to 10 meters. Honestly, the number doesn’t matter. What matters is a comfortable, safe, and fun dive. Don’t compare yourself to others—your personal journey is what matters. My first successful dive was 9 meters, and I felt like I had conquered the world!
WHERE TO FREEDIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES? The Best Dive Spots!
Once you start freediving, I’m sure you’re excited to explore different dive spots. I totally get it—the moment you feel that confidence grow, all you want to do is see more of the blue world!
Being recognized as the “Asia’s Leading Dive Destination”, the Philippines is truly a freediver’s paradise. I’ve spent months exploring these islands.
Here are a few of my personal, tested freediving dive guides in the Philippines. Click through to read my freediving experiences, best dive spots with sample itinerary and expenses.
