Puerto del Carmen: AIDA Freedive Level 1 Course

Starting a freediving journey can be both exciting and a little intimidating—especially if you’ve never held your breath underwater before. The AIDA Freedive Level 1 Course in Puerto del Carmen offers a structured, beginner-friendly way to learn the fundamentals of breath-hold diving while emphasizing safety and technique. Over three days, you’ll explore static, dynamic, and constant freediving, all within a small group setting that prioritizes personalized instruction.

One thing we especially appreciate about this course is the comprehensive approach—covering theory, practical skills, and real-world open water practice—making it a solid choice for those keen to get certified. A potential consideration is that while the course is designed for beginners, it does require participants to be comfortable swimmers and to present a recent medical statement, which might be a hurdle for some.

This experience suits adventurers eager to understand their breath and physical limits, those curious about the physics of freediving, or anyone looking to add a new aquatic skill to their vacation repertoire. Whether you’re after a new hobby, or thinking of pursuing freediving further, this course provides a meaningful start.

Key Points

• Structured learning with a focus on safety and technique.
• Small group size (max 4 participants) for personalized attention.
• Includes all necessary equipment and insurance, reducing extra costs.
• Course duration of 3 days balances comprehensive education with manageable time.
• Digital certification and manual included, perfect for future reference.
• Suitable for beginners aged 18 and above, with prerequisites like swimming ability and medical clearance.

What to Expect from the Course

The AIDA Freedive Level 1 Course is designed to guide beginners through the essentials of freediving in a safe, controlled environment. Held at the Centro deportivo Fariones in Puerto del Carmen, the course features a mix of classroom learning, pool practice, and open water sessions. The overall setup ensures you understand both the theory and practice behind safe freediving.

Day 1: Theoretical Foundations and Equipment Introduction

Your journey begins with two classroom-style sessions, where you’ll learn about safety protocols, problem-solving in apnea, and the physiology and physics behind breath-hold diving. Expect thorough explanations of how your body reacts underwater, which is vital for safe practice. The instructor will introduce you to specialized apnea equipment, explaining what each piece is for and how to use it properly.

From reviews, we understand that instructors like Deep Lanza Freedive have a reputation for clear, friendly teaching. They emphasize safety and correct technique, making sure you feel confident before moving to practical sessions.

Day 2: Pool Practice – Static and Dynamic Apnea

The second day concentrates on breath-hold techniques in the pool. You’ll participate in one static apnea session, where the goal is to hold your breath as long as possible in a relaxed state, and one dynamic apnea session, focusing on swimming a set distance underwater on a single breath. These are crucial skills that help you understand your limits and improve your efficiency underwater.

Participants mention that the pool sessions are well-organized, with detailed coaching on breathing and relaxation techniques. A reviewer highlighted that “the instructors are attentive and make sure everyone is comfortable,” which is essential when practicing breath control.

Day 3: Open Water Practice and Rescue Skills

The final day is dedicated to open water sessions, typically in the calm waters around Puerto del Carmen. Here, you’ll practice rescue techniques, monitor your dive partner, and refine your diving skills at depths of up to 10 meters. Having the chance to apply what you’ve learned in real water makes a difference; it turns theoretical knowledge into practical confidence.

Participants appreciated the safety focus here, with many noting that the instructors emphasize pair safety and rescue as core parts of the training. One reviewer mentioned that “the rescue skills were thorough and felt applicable,” which is reassuring for beginner divers.

The Course Content in Detail

Theoretical lessons cover safety procedures, problem-solving, and the physiological effects of breath-hold diving. You’ll learn about proper breathing techniques—like diaphragmatic breathing—and equalization methods. These are fundamental for avoiding issues like barotrauma or blackouts and are well-explained by instructors.

Equipment included involves a variety of specialized freediving gear—mask, fins, snorkel, and wetsuits—so you don’t need to bring your own unless preferred. Reviewers mention that the equipment is well-maintained and suitable for all levels, making the experience smooth and focus on learning.

Safety is a major theme, with rescue techniques and partner monitoring emphasized throughout. You’ll practice monitoring your dive buddy, recognizing signs of distress, and effectively executing rescue procedures—all essential skills for safe freediving.

Certification and Manual: Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital certification and access to a digital student manual—great tools for future training or casual reference. The certification is valid internationally, allowing you to pursue further courses if you wish.

The Location and Facilities

Puerto del Carmen’s Centro deportivo Fariones offers a convenient, accessible setting for this course. The venue provides comfortable classroom facilities and a well-maintained pool for practice, within close proximity to the ocean. The coastline here is known for its calm waters, making it a safe environment for beginners.

Participants have noted that the group sizes are small, with a maximum of four students, which means personalized attention and more hands-on coaching. This intimate setup is especially helpful for beginners who may feel shy or nervous about their first breath-hold sessions.

Pricing and Value

At $399 per person, the course offers excellent value considering the comprehensive curriculum, all equipment, insurance, and certification included. The fact that you get access to all necessary gear and personalized instruction means there are no hidden costs or surprises.

In terms of worth, this price is quite reasonable compared to other beginner courses, especially given the level of safety focus and the quality of instruction that comes with small-group settings.

Who Should Consider This Course?

This course is ideal if you’re curious about freediving but don’t have experience, or if you want a thorough introduction with a focus on safety. It’s suitable for adults aged 18 and over, but children over 12 can participate with parental consent. You should be able to swim comfortably and have a recent medical statement—important for ensuring your safety during breath-hold activities.

People with heart, respiratory issues, or who are non-swimmers are advised against participating, which underscores the safety-first approach of the program.

Final Thoughts

The AIDA Freedive Level 1 Course in Puerto del Carmen is a well-rounded, beginner-friendly option for anyone wanting to learn the fundamental skills of freediving in a safe, supportive environment. The small group size and professional instruction make it feel personalized, while the inclusion of all necessary equipment and digital certification adds convenience and value.

Whether you’re seeking a new hobby, a unique experience during your Canary Islands holiday, or a stepping stone for deeper freediving pursuits, this course provides a solid foundation. The calm waters of Puerto del Carmen, combined with expert guidance, make it an appealing choice for novices ready to explore the underwater world with confidence.

This course would suit adventurous travelers who are comfortable in water, eager to learn new skills, and want a safe, structured entry into freediving. It’s especially ideal for those who prioritize safety, personalized attention, and certification that’s valid internationally.

FAQ

Is the course suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for beginners and covers all the essentials to start freediving safely.

What equipment is included?
All necessary freediving gear—mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit—is provided, ensuring you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer.

Do I need a medical statement?
Yes, a recent medical certificate (max one year old) is required to participate, to ensure you are fit for breath-hold activities.

What is the maximum depth I could reach during the course?
Participants typically learn to dive safely up to about 10 meters, with open water sessions allowing practical experience at this depth.

Can I get certified after completing the course?
Yes, upon successful completion, you receive a digital certification recognized internationally.

What if I want to cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This thoughtfully designed course offers a blend of safety, education, and practical experience—perfect for anyone ready to start a new underwater adventure in the Canary Islands.