In-Water Course · Intermediate Level

Go deeper.
Stay longer.

The intermediate course is where recreational freediving ends and something more serious begins. Over 3.5 days you will develop Frenzel equalization, learn free-fall, refine your technique across multiple disciplines and push your depth to 30m with proper training and guidance.

3.5
Days
30m
Max Depth
AIDA 2 / W1
Prerequisite
430€
Price
What You Will Learn

The techniques that unlock
real depth.

The intermediate course introduces the skills that separate recreational freedivers from those who progress consistently. Frenzel equalization is the single biggest unlock for most divers at this level. understanding and training it properly changes everything.

You will also develop free-fall technique, learn to use CO₂ and oxygen training tables effectively, understand the risks associated with increasing and decreasing pressure, and refine your performance across static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion and constant weight.

Theory at this level covers: advanced physiology, equalization and barotrauma, lungs at depth, buoyancy, shallow water blackout, training concepts, the mammalian dive reflex, decompression sickness, surface intervals and the freediver's code of conduct.

Agency Comparison

AIDA 3 vs Molchanovs Wave 2

At this level the differences between the two agencies become more meaningful. Both cover the same depth range and core skills, but the methodology and emphasis differ in ways that matter for long-term progression.

AIDA

AIDA 3. Advanced Freediver

Molchanovs

Wave 2. Intermediate Freediver

Duration
3.5 days minimum (min. 6 water sessions)
3.5 days
Max Depth
30m
30m
Performance Requirements
Static Apnea: 2:45 min
Dynamic Bi-fins: 55m
Constant Weight Bi-fins: 24m
Free Immersion: practiced, no fixed target
CNF: not required
Rescue: solo rescue from depth required
Theory exam: 75% pass rate
Static Apnea: 2:30 min
Dynamic Bi-fins: 50m
Dynamic No Fins: 35m
Constant Weight Bi-fins: 24 to 30m
Free Immersion: 24 to 30m
Constant Weight No Fins (CNF): 15m
Safety from 10 to 15m depth
Rescue: advanced rescue techniques including from depth
Theory exam required
Equalization
Frenzel mastered. Reverse packing introduced.
Frenzel improved and mastered. Reverse packing introduced. No mouthfill at this level.
New Techniques at This Level
Free-fall, Frenzel equalization, reverse packing, training tables, barotrauma awareness
Free-fall, improved Frenzel, reverse packing, CNF, mental training and mindfulness, advanced rescue from depth
Prerequisites
AIDA 2 certification (or crossover evaluation from another agency)
Molchanovs Wave 1 (or equivalent from another agency)
Next Level
AIDA 4 Master Freediver (38m, mouthfill, FRC diving)
Molchanovs Wave 3 (deeper, mouthfill mastery, advanced training)
Philipp's Take

Which one should you choose?

At the intermediate level, the choice of agency starts to have a real impact on how you develop as a freediver.

Choose AIDA 3 if...

You are already AIDA certified and want to stay within the same system. The AIDA 3 is a rigorous course with clear performance standards and is recognised globally. It is also the better choice if you are thinking about moving toward competition or instructor level down the line within AIDA.

Choose Molchanovs Wave 2 if...

You care about getting deeper with better technique. The Molchanovs system introduces CNF and has mandatory Free Immersion requirements from this level, building a more complete skill set. The emphasis on technique quality over hitting numbers tends to serve divers better at the levels that follow. Reverse packing is trained in both agencies at this level, but the overall Molchanovs methodology tends to build more transferable depth skills.

If you did your beginner course with one agency, you can crossover to the other at this level. it requires a short evaluation session. I am happy to advise on whether that makes sense for you.

Ready to Go Deeper?

Book your Intermediate Course

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

430€

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