PADI BASIC FREEDIVER COURSE
Discover the fundamentals of breath-hold diving with the PADI Basic Freediver Course—the perfect introduction for anyone looking to explore the underwater world with confidence, comfort, and control. Guided by certified instructor Justin, this course blends online learning, hands-on coaching, and real-world practice to build a strong foundation in freediving technique and safety.
What to Expect
1. Online Independent Study
Start your journey at your own pace with the PADI eLearning component. You’ll learn the core principles of freediving, including:
-The physiology of breath-hold diving
-Proper breathing and relaxation techniques
-Equalization methods
-Essential safety practices and buddy procedures
2. In-Person Orientation Session
Meet your instructor and fellow students for a classroom-style briefing. Justin will review key concepts, answer questions, demonstrate skills, and ensure you feel fully prepared before entering the water.
3. Confined Water (Pool) Session
Develop your skills in a controlled environment as Justin guides you through:
-Effective breathing and relaxation drills
-Static apnea practice
-Streamlining and efficient kick technique
-Proper duck-dives and body positioning
-Safe freediving buddy skills and rescue basics
4. Open Water Training Day
Take everything you’ve learned into the open water, where you’ll:
-Practice free immersion and constant weight dives
-Work on equalization and depth adaptation
-Build comfort while descending along a line
-Strengthen your safety and surface procedures
Justin’s supportive, safety-first approach ensures you progress at a comfortable pace while gaining the confidence and skills you need to freedive safely and enjoyably.
COURSE SCHEDULE
This course includes 3 in-person components:
1. Classroom and fitting sessions (Various weeknights from 5:30–8:30pm.)
2. Pool sessions (choose one)
- Sunday, 10am–2pm
- Wednesday, 7pm–10pm
3. Open Water Dive
- One day of open water dives, Hoodsport WA or Yale/Merwin Lake, WA.
COST
$300 for pool only. This includes the PADI eLearning, in-person orientation session, and a pool session.
$450.00 for the full course. This includes the PADI e-learning, in-person orientation session, pool, and checkout dives.
REQUIREMENTS
Must be 15 years or older
Must be comfortable in water
Must be able to continuously swim 200 yards
Must be able to tread water for 10 minutes
Must fill out a medical and liability release. Some answers on the liability release will require a release from a physician prior to in-water activities.
LOCATION
Orientation Session is held at Under Water Works, 12170 SW Main ST. Tigard, OR
Pool sessions are held at the Saint Helens, OR Swim Center, 1070 Eisenschmidt Ln. St. Helens, OR
Open Water Dives are near Hoodsport, WA.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
PADI Beginner Freediving eLearning, all in-person, pool time, and open water time, wetsuit, hood, and gloves for open water dives.
Additional Costs:
Pool only Students must have their own freediving mask (approved by instructor if not purchased at Under Water Works), snorkel and freediving weightbelt. Freediving fins can be rented for $10; thermal protection can be rented for $30/pool session.
Open Water 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.
Students are also responsible for the costs for the open water weekend, including but not limited to: gas, food, and accommodation.