Discover Your Inner Dolphin: Two Days of Pool-Only Freediving in San Diego

SAN DIEGO FREE DIVING FIELD GUIDE

Discover Your Inner Dolphin: Two Days of Pool-Only Freediving in San Diego

A two-day, classroom-plus-pool course on Mission Beach that teaches fundamentals, gear use, and relaxed breath-hold technique for beginners.

Discover Your Inner Dolphin: Two Days of Pool-Only Freediving in San Diego.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
San Diego
Operator
Just Get Wet
Category
Free Diving
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This pool-only freediving course in San Diego strips the sport to its essentials: classroom theory followed by guided, hands-on practice in a controlled pool environment. Over a day and a half you’ll learn breathing and relaxation techniques, ear‑clearing, and how to move efficiently with long freediving fins — all without performance pressure or certification requirements.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FORMAT

Classroom to Pool in Two Focused Sessions

The course is delivered across two sessions: an evening classroom to cover physiology, breathwork, and equalization, followed by a morning pool session where techniques are applied under instructor guidance.

THE EQUIPMENT

Gear You’ll Use — and Can Rent

Participants can rent almost all required equipment at checkout; the course expects a low‑volume freediving mask, a J‑style snorkel, a longblade freediving fin, and (strongly recommended in San Diego) a 5mm freediving or spearfishing wetsuit.

THE SETTING

Mission Beach: Classroom at HQ, Practice at The Plunge

Instruction starts at Just Get Wet HQ in Mission Beach for the classroom session, with the pool practice held at The Plunge the following morning — scheduled on weekdays and weekends to suit most calendars.

What the day feels like

What the Weekend Feels Like

Expect a deliberately paced course: an evening of explanation and breathing drills, followed by an early morning pool session where instructors tailor exercises to your comfort level. The emphasis is on relaxation, familiarization with equipment, and enjoying breath‑hold movement rather than chasing numbers or certifications.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who will get the most from this pool-only freediving introduction.

1
Absolute BeginnersIdeal — the course is designed to introduce fundamentals in a supportive, low‑pressure setting with no performance or certification requirements.
2
Nervous or Inexperienced SwimmersA good match — instructors tailor exercises to personal needs and the controlled pool environment removes open‑ocean variables.
3
Experienced Freedivers Seeking CertificationNot ideal — the program focuses on fundamentals and comfort rather than performance metrics or formal certification.
4
Those Prone to SeasicknessCaution advised — while the course is pool based, the operator notes seasickness is common on tours and recommends proactive measures if you are sensitive.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Schedule

Two sessions across a day and a half: classroom on Friday evening (5:00–7:00 pm) and a pool session on Saturday morning (around 6:45–10:00 am). Classes run on weekdays and weekends.

What to Bring

You can rent most gear; recommended personal items include a low‑volume freediving mask, J‑style snorkel, longblade freediving fins, and a 5mm freediving or spearfishing wetsuit (or a well‑fitting 5mm full suit with hood if needed).

Gear & Rentals

Rental equipment is available at checkout except for optional earplugs; contact the operator if you plan to purchase gear and want recommendations.

Health & Comfort Tips

If you are prone to motion sickness the operator recommends starting dramamine the night before and avoiding citrus; eat something small and bland before diving.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the course?

The program runs two days across a day and a half: an evening classroom session followed by a morning pool session.

Do I need my own gear?

No — almost all diving gear is available to rent at checkout, though participants may bring personal equipment if they prefer.

Will I earn a certification or be pushed to hit depth/time goals?

No — there are no performance requirements or certifications; the course emphasizes comfort, relaxation, and learning fundamentals rather than numbers.

What kind of wetsuit should I wear?

A 5mm freediving or spearfishing two‑piece (open cell inner/nylon outer) is highly recommended for San Diego; a very well‑fitting 5mm full neoprene suit with a hood is an acceptable alternative.

I get seasick — is that a problem?

While this is a pool course, the operator notes seasickness is common on tours and recommends taking dramamine the night before and avoiding citrus; eating something small and bland before diving can help.

Where do the sessions meet?

The classroom meets at Just Get Wet HQ in Mission Beach and the pool session takes place at The Plunge in Mission Beach.