In-Water Course · Beginner Level

Your first real
certification.

The beginner course is where freediving properly begins. Over 2.5 days you will develop real breath-hold technique, learn to equalize, and complete your first open water dives. leaving with an internationally recognised certification from either AIDA or Molchanovs.

2.5
Days
20m
Max Depth
None
Prerequisites
330€
Price
What You Will Learn

Theory, pool work,
and open water.

The beginner course covers everything from the ground up. You will learn the full freediving breathing cycle, how your body adapts to breath-holding, safe freediving practices and how to be a competent buddy for another freediver.

Theory covers: the freediving breathing cycle, basic physiology of breath-holding, equalization, freediving techniques, safety procedures, equipment, and an introduction to the main freediving disciplines. In the water you will work on static apnea, dynamic apnea, duck dives, finning technique, turns, buoyancy and open water depth dives.

Agency Comparison

AIDA 2 vs Molchanovs Wave 1

Both courses deliver a solid beginner certification and cover the same core material. The differences are subtle but worth understanding before you choose.

AIDA

AIDA 2. Freediver

Molchanovs

Wave 1. Beginner Freediver

Duration
2.5 days minimum
2.5 days
Max Depth
20m
20m
Water Sessions
Minimum 5 sessions (2 pool, 3 open water)
Pool and open water sessions over 2.5 days
Performance Requirements
Static Apnea: 2:00 min
Dynamic Bi-fins: 40m
Constant Weight Bi-fins: 12m
Rescue: buddy rescue at surface and horizontal pool rescue
Theory exam: 75% pass rate
Static Apnea: 1:30 min
Dynamic Bi-fins: 30m
Constant Weight Bi-fins: 12 to 20m
Free Immersion: 12 to 20m
Open water safety from 6 to 10m
Rescue: blacked-out freediver at depth (CWTB rescue)
Theory exam required
Equalization Focus
Basic equalization introduced, Valsalva and early Frenzel
Strong emphasis on Frenzel technique from the start
Prerequisites
None. Must swim 200m non-stop without fins or 300m with mask, fins and snorkel. Minimum age 18.
None. Must swim 200m non-stop. Minimum age 18.
Next Level
AIDA 3 Advanced Freediver
Molchanovs Wave 2
Philipp's Take

Which one should you choose?

Both certifications are internationally recognised and will open the same doors for you. Here is how I think about the choice.

Choose AIDA 2 if...

You want the most widely recognised certification globally. AIDA is the larger organisation and the certification is accepted everywhere. If you plan to dive with rental shops or join group trips around the world, AIDA 2 is the safe choice.

Choose Molchanovs Wave 1 if...

You care more about the quality of technique than the name on the card. Molchanovs places a stronger emphasis on Frenzel equalization and body mechanics from day one, which tends to build better habits for long-term progression. If you are serious about going deep, this methodology pays off early.

My personal preference leans toward Molchanovs for students who want to progress beyond recreational depth, but both agencies produce competent freedivers when taught well.

Ready to Start?

Book your Beginner Course

Courses run at locations based on demand. Get in touch to discuss dates and availability.

330€

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