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.
My First Freediving Experience at Tag-Ulo Dapitan
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 made this mistake when I started, and I don’t want you to make the same one. 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 where I did my very first intro to freediving lesson! It holds such a special place in my heart.
- Lakbay Freediving
- Maximum Freediving
FREEDIVE TRIBE PH: Camp, Dive, Yoga, and Work from the Beach in Batangas
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.
- Davao 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.
How to Know Which Kind of Freediving Gear to Buy
Good gear doesn’t make you a better diver, but it does make the experience much safer and more comfortable.
While most schools provide rentals, eventually, you’ll want your own kit. There’s something so special about having a mask that fits your face perfectly and fins that feel like an extension of your own body.
Here are some of my personal tips on how to choose what’s right for you.
Long Fins
Long fins are the standard. They are stiffer and move you much further with less effort. The cost of long fins usually depends on the material they’re made of. You don’t necessarily need the most expensive pair; you just need to know what kind of diving you plan to do—is it just a fun hobby for you, or do you want to take it to a competitive level?
Plastic Fins
These are the most affordable and are usually what you’ll use during your intro lessons. They are durable and great for practice!
Fiberglass
In my opinion, these are the best for beginners and casual trips. I use these on all my awra fundives! Since I don’t have plans to chase higher certifications right now, these give me the perfect balance of flexibility and “push” in the water.
Carbon Fiber
If you find yourself getting serious about the sport after your first few lessons, these are a fantastic choice. They are lighter and more efficient than fiberglass.
Pure Carbon
These are for the pros, the competitors, and the deep divers. They are the most expensive but offer the highest performance.
Freediving Masks and Snorkel
Choosing a mask is all about fit and volume. In freediving, we prefer “low-volume” masks.
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!
Double Pane Mask
This is the most common type you’ll see for freediving, scuba, and even spearfishing. If you want to feel more comfortable as you head into deeper water, this is a solid, reliable choice.
Oval Mask
In the Philippines, we lovingly call this the awra mask! It’s mainly for the aesthetic in photos and videos (because let’s be real, we all want those pretty dive shots!).
As a hobby freediver, I use this most of the time. Just a heads-up: it’s not always the most comfortable once you go past 15 meters. Mine is an Abyss brand that I picked up in Panglao years ago—it was a bit of an investment, but it’s the most comfortable fit I’ve ever found.
J Snorkel
Simple, basic, and no fancy purge valves needed. It should attach easily and be comfortable to breathe through on the surface.
Additional Accessories to Consider
- Weight Belt / Neck Weight: This is super important if you’re still learning to control your buoyancy. It helps you with your descent so you aren’t fighting the water. Just be careful—don’t get a weight that’s too heavy, or you’ll find it hard to come back up!
- Wetsuits: Trudive is one of the most famous brands in our community. A good suit keeps you warm so you can stay in the water longer, plus it looks great in the water. I love freediving in bikinis, though. 😉
- Fin Bags: Trust me, you’ll want one of these for dive days to keep your long fins safe and easy to carry while traveling.
Where to Buy the Best Freediving Gear in the Philippines
Ready to do a little “budol” and get your own gear? Here are the stores I personally know and trust where you can get the best equipment in the country:
Based in Dumaguete City, they have both a physical shop and an online store. The owner is a good friend of mine and is super active in the freediving community. They can give you amazing recommendations based on the designs and materials you like!
These guys are the OGs in the community, based in Cebu. I actually got my very first fins and masks from them, and I haven’t felt the need to upgrade since. They are a staple for a reason.
Budolero
This is one of the first stores I discovered when I started freediving. They have a huge selection, so you’re bound to find something that fits your style and budget.
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 freediving dive guides in the Philippines. Read my freediving experiences on the best dive spots with a sample itinerary and expenses.
