PADI Basic Freediver
Why train with us?
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Low student to instructor ratios : 3 or 4 students per instructor both in the pool and ocean
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Our retail store is located downtown.
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Diving courses available all year-round. Private courses available.
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We teach children 10 years and older.
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Passionate team of Instructors and Divemasters who love to teach.
PADI Basic Freediver Course | Learn Breath-Hold Diving in Vancouver
Our adventure begins sooner than you think — register for the PADI Basic Freediver Course at Diving Sports Canada in Vancouver. This beginner-friendly course is the perfect first step into the world of freediving, teaching you essential breath-hold skills, safety techniques, and water confidence in a controlled pool environment.
Whether your goal is to explore the underwater world on a single breath or prepare for future ocean freediving, this course gives you the foundation you need. No prior snorkeling or diving experience is required — just bring your curiosity and a readiness to learn.
What’s Included:
- PADI Freediver course material (eLearning access)
- 1 evening classroom session for orientation, skills review, and knowledge development
- 2 full days of confined water (pool) training
- Transportation to the pool from our Vancouver shop (limited seats)
- Certification fees upon course completion
- All basic rental equipment from our freediver wetsuit package
- Digital PADI Basic Freediver certification (physical card available at extra cost)
What’s Not Included:
- Personal mask, snorkel, neoprene socks, and neoprene gloves (must be owned by student)
- Additional pool sessions if required — View rates
Prerequisites:
- Minimum age: 16 years old (with parent/guardian permission if under 18)
- Ability to swim 200 m / 655 ft continuously without fins or flotation aids
- Ability to tread water or float for 10 minutes without aids
- Completed diver medical form — Download here
- Completed eLearning before the course start date
- All prerequisites met before training starts (rescheduling may be required if not met) — View policy
Equipment Rental:
All basic freediving gear from our wetsuit rental package is included. A personal mask, snorkel, neoprene socks, and gloves are required and must be purchased before the course.
Transportation:
We provide transport from our Vancouver shop to the pool in our shop van (maximum 7 passengers). Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policy:
Please review our full cancellation and rescheduling policy before booking: → View Our Policy
Join our passionate and supportive freediving community — start your breath-hold adventure today with Diving Sports Canada.
PADI Basic Freediver Course in Vancouver
Skills You Will Master
At the end of the PADI Basic Freediver course, students will be able to perform essential freediving skills safely and confidently, including:
- Safety skills as a buddy
- Perform a 1:30 minute static breathhold in the pool, with opportunities to increase up to 4:30 minutes
- Dive with proper technique: constant weight and free immersion with proper recovery breathing
- Dynamic apnea of 25 metres
- Prepare freediving equipment independently
- Proper entry procedure (choosing the best local option)
Certification Requirements
- Demonstrate safe buddy rescue skills per PADI standards
- Perform minimum 1:30 min static breath hold, aiming to increase
- Use proper technique for constant weight and free immersion dives
- Complete dynamic apnea of 25 metres
- Swim 200m continuously without fins, snorkel, wetsuit, or flotation
- Tread or float for at least 10 minutes without aids
- Master snorkel blast clearing and recovery breathing
- Perform at least four consecutive static breath-holds without hypoxia symptoms
Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment
At Diving Sports, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality instruction and support. We tailor the course to your progress, offering additional training as needed to ensure you graduate confident and prepared. Our instructors provide honest feedback and foster a welcoming, inclusive diving community that supports you beyond certification.
Why Choose Diving Sports Canada?
We prioritize your growth as a safe, competent freediver. Our passionate instructors adapt to your learning style, track your progress closely, and offer ongoing mentorship after your course. Join our community of divers dedicated to safe and enjoyable underwater exploration.
Location and Contact
Diving Sports Canada
4578 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R5
Phone: (604) 694-1886
Email: customerservice@divingsports.com