PADI Freediver

Less guesswork. More confidence in the water.

Learn the foundations that make time underwater more rewarding. This course suits new freedivers and spearos, along with divers who have taught themselves and want a fresh look at their habits.

What you will work on

Knowledge development, pool or confined water practice and open water training. Breathing and relaxation, equalisation, efficient movement, buddy procedures and rescue skills all have a place. This is freediving, not scuba.

What you need before joining

You must be at least 12 years old, have adequate swimming ability and meet the medical requirements for freediving. No previous freediving qualification is required. Parent or guardian involvement is required for minors, and we confirm individual suitability before accepting a booking.

The water skills assessment includes a continuous 200 metre swim, or 300 metres with a mask, fins and snorkel. There is no time limit and you may use any swimming stroke.

Complete the diver medical screening before training. Where the screening requires it, obtain medical clearance before taking part.

What you will work towards

• Static breath hold: 1 minute 30 seconds. A supervised breath hold while stationary in confined water.
• Dynamic swim: 25 metres. A supervised underwater swim on one breath in confined water.
• Depth dive: 10 metres. A constant weight freedive in open water, using the skills taught during the course.
• Knowledge, buddy and rescue skills. Complete the learning and assessments, and demonstrate all required practical and safety skills.

These are course completion targets, not achievements you need to demonstrate before enrolling. We teach and assess them with you. Do not test underwater breath holds alone to prepare. Reaching a time or depth by itself does not earn certification, and paying for the course does not guarantee a pass. Your instructor applies the current PADI standards and any age specific limits.

Where and when

Wellington, in association with Dive Wellington. Enquire for the next intake and full timetable.

NZ$500 per person

The full offer will confirm equipment requirements and whether eLearning, certification, pool entry and gear hire are included or additional. Dates, suitability, the total payable and booking terms are confirmed before any payment. An enquiry does not reserve a place.

Ask about the next course

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