MOLCHANOVS L1 & W1 FREEDIVING COURSE
Take your first step into the world of freediving with the Lap/Wave 1 – Beginner Freediving course. This first-level certification introduces you to the essential theory, skills, and safety practices of freediving, whether you train online, in the pool, or in open water. Upon completion, you’ll be qualified to dive with other certified freedivers, join training sessions worldwide, and continue your progression into advanced freediving courses.
What to Expect
1. Online Independent Study:
Start your Molchanovs Beginner Freediving theory class, which will teach you the basics of freediving theory and get you started practicing skills immediately!
-Understand the basic principles of freediving physiology and physics
-Perform the correct freedive preparation, pre-dive breathing, and recovery breathing
-Explain the differences between each freediving discipline and understanding different types of freediving equipment
-Comfortably hold your breath for 1’30”
2. In-Person Orientation Session
Meet your instructors in the shop, and start exploring guided breathholds, learn about freediving equipment and get fitted for your pool session.
3. Lap 1 (L1) Pool Time
Develop your skills in a controlled environment as your instructor guides you through:
-Use proper dynamic technique to swim 30m (98ft) in the pool with fins (DYNB)
-Understand how to swim a horizontal distance without fins (DNF)
-Perform safety and rescue a freediver performing a breath-hold at the surface (STA) or diving horizontally in the pool (DYNB)
4. Wave 1 (W1) Open Water Training
Take everything you've learned in L1 and progress into:
-Efficiently dive down into the water from the surface (‘duck dive’)
-Comfortably dive 12 - 20m (39 - 66ft) deep with bifins (CWTB) and by pulling down and up the dive line (FIM)
-Safety freedivers in open water from 6 - 10m (20-33ft) with CWTB Buddying
-Rescue a blacked-out freediver at depth (CWTB Rescue)
COURSE SCHEDULE
This course includes 2-3 in-person components:
1. Orientation and fitting sessions (Various weeknights from 5:30-8pm)
2. L1 Pool Session (choose one)
-Sunday: 10am-2pm
-Wednesday: 7pm-10pm
3. W1 Open Water Session
One day of open water dives, typically near Hoodsport, WA
COST
$300: Molchanovs Beginner Freediving theory eLearning, In-Person Orientation Session and L1.
$450: Molchanovs Beginner Freediving theory eLearning, In-Person Orientation Session, L1 and W1.
REQUIREMENTS
Swim 200m non-stop and unassisted in a pool setting.
LOCATION
Orientation Session: 12170 SW Main St. Tigard, OR 97223
L1 Pool Session: 1070 Eisenschmidt Ln. St. Helens OR 97051
W1 Open Water: Hoodsport, WA
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Whats include:
Molchanovs Beginner Freediving theory eLearning, all in-person, pool time, and open water time, wetsuit, hood, and gloves for open water dives.
Additional Costs:
L1: Students must have their own freediving mask (approved by instructor if not purchased at Under Water Works) and snorkel. Freediving fins can be rented for $10; thermal protection can be rented for $30/pool session.
W1: Students must have their own freediving mask (approved by instructor), snorkel, freediving fins and cold water appropriate socks, and a freediving weightbelt. All required equipment is available at Under Water Works, students have access to student packages and discounts.
All students are responsible for costs associated with gas, food, and accommodation.