PADI Advanced Freediver

More control. Better preparation. A clearer next step.

For certified freedivers who want to refine the skills they already use. Build consistency rather than chasing a depth or time because someone else reached it.

Take your foundations further

Develop your knowledge, refine relaxation, preparation and equalisation, improve efficient movement and practise buddy and rescue skills. Your training is shaped around your starting point, the applicable PADI standards and the conditions.

What you need before joining

You must be at least 15 years old and hold PADI Freediver certification or a qualifying freediving certification from another organisation. Medical screening, swimming confidence and individual suitability are reviewed before acceptance. Obtain medical clearance where indicated. Parent or guardian involvement is required for minors.

PADI recommends current CPR and first aid training completed within the previous 24 months. Talk to us about your existing training before the course.

What you will work towards

Adults, 18 and over

• Static breath hold: 2 minutes 30 seconds.
• Dynamic underwater swim: 50 metres.
• Constant weight depth dive: 20 metres.

Freedivers aged 15 to 17

• Static breath hold: 2 minutes.
• Dynamic underwater swim: 40 metres.
• Constant weight depth dive: 15 metres.

These are supervised performance targets worked towards during the course, not a set of tests to attempt alone before joining. Static means holding your breath while stationary; dynamic means swimming underwater on one breath. Both are practised in confined water before you apply appropriate skills in open water.

Certification also requires the knowledge assessments, buddy procedures, rescue techniques and all other applicable skills. A time or depth alone is not enough. Your instructor applies the current standards and age specific limits. Never practise underwater breath holding alone.

Wellington or Taupō

Dates TBC. Please register your interest. Options are available for private and catered courses, with the venue and timetable confirmed for each intake.

NZ$800 per person, minimum 4 participants

Ask for the full course offer before committing. eLearning, certification, equipment, venue charges and any travel requirements will be itemised. No payment is taken until dates, suitability, the total payable and booking terms are confirmed.

Register your interest

Requirements checked against PADI Advanced Freediver and PADI’s Advanced Freediver overview, September 2026. This summary does not replace the full course standards.