SAN DIEGO FREE DIVING FIELD GUIDE
Learning to Breathe Under Pressure: A Level‑1 Freediving Primer in San Diego
A compact 2.5‑day Level 1 freediving course that takes students from online theory through pool practice to open‑water dives to 20 m — an authoritative primer for divers seeking skill, safety and confidence in San Diego waters.
Learning to Breathe Under Pressure: A Level‑1 Freediving Primer in San Diego.
Adventure brief
Learning to Breathe Under Pressure: A Level‑1 Freediving Primer in San Diego
Just Get Wet’s Introduction to Freediving Course is a focused Level 1 program that blends online study, confined and pool practice, and open‑water depth sessions off San Diego to develop breath‑holding, equalization and basic rescue skills while building confidence in ocean conditions.
Experience the thrill and tranquility of freediving with Just Get Wet’s Introduction to Freediving Course in San Diego, California. This unique outdoor adventure blends online theory lessons with practical pool training and open water sessions in the Pacific Ocean. Designed for beginners and intermediate divers, the course covers essential freediving techniques, breath-hold safety protocols, and even basic spearfishing skills. San Diego’s clear, calm waters offer an ideal environment for learners to build confidence while exploring underwater landscapes and marine life. Along the way, connect with passionate freedivers and create lasting memories in a supportive and engaging setting. Whether you’re hoping to improve your swimming ability, explore a new underwater sport, or enhance your connection with the ocean, this course provides expert instruction in a private, small-group format. The combination of detailed preparation and hands-on experience makes this an ideal entry point into the world of freediving.
Route Schematic
Itinerary & Training Schematic
The course moves through a predictable sequence of learning environments—online study, pool drills, confined water, then open‑water depth work—wrapping up back at the operator’s headquarters.
Online Learning (Day 1, evening)
Theory, physiology, breathing and equalization modules followed by the course exam delivered through the operator’s online materials.
Pool Session — The Plunge, Mission Beach (Day 2, morning)
Equipment introduction, static breath holds, finning, dynamic disciplines and rescue procedures conducted in a controlled pool environment.
Confined Water — Mission Bay (Day 2, afternoon)
Practice duck dives, body positioning, equalization techniques and basic rescue drills in confined ocean or sheltered bay water.
Open Water Sessions — La Jolla Shores (Day 3, morning)
Beach swim to a mooring for open‑water work using free immersion and constant weight, training to depths up to 20 m.
Course Completion — JGW Headquarters (Day 3, afternoon)
Final administrative wrap‑up and course sign‑off back at the operator’s headquarters.
Participants should be comfortable in the water and preferably have open‑ocean experience; the open‑water session requires roughly a 10‑minute swim out from La Jolla Shores—if that is too much, consider the Lap 1 (Theory and Pool) option and add open water later.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
From theory to 20 m open‑water work
The course scaffolds learning: evening online theory, a pool session and confined‑water drills, then open‑water training using free immersion and constant weight to depths up to 20 m.
Buddy systems and rescue skills at every step
Instruction emphasizes breathing, relaxation, equalization and explicit buddy and rescue procedures so students gain both technique and the safety practices critical to freediving.
Equipment support and rent‑to‑own choices
Students can access equipment rentals and rent‑to‑own options, reducing the barrier to entry while they learn the fundamentals and test gear in pool and ocean settings.
What the day feels like
What the Course Feels Like
Expect a compact rhythm: an evening of online theory and testing, a full day of pool and confined‑water practice sharpening static holds, dynamic finning and equalization, then a morning open‑water session where you’ll practice free‑immersion and constant‑weight techniques and work toward 20‑meter depth profiles before returning to headquarters for course completion.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should consider an alternate path.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 2.5‑day course that begins with prescribed online learning (evening) followed by pool and confined water practice on Day 2 and open‑water depth sessions and course completion on Day 3.
Equipment rentals and rent‑to‑own options are available through the operator.
Classes start and finish at Just Get Wet headquarters: 4901 Morena Blvd Ste 309, San Diego, CA, 92117. Ensure your contact email and phone number are provided so the instructor can notify you of any schedule or location changes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Introduction to Freediving Course?
The course runs 2.5 days, combining evening online theory, two days of in‑water sessions and final course completion at headquarters.
What environments will I train in?
Training includes online theory, a pool session, confined‑water practice in Mission Bay and open‑water depth sessions at La Jolla Shores.
How deep will we train in open water?
Open‑water training works up to 20 meters using free immersion and constant‑weight techniques.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
Equipment rentals and rent‑to‑own options are available through the operator; bringing personal gear is not required.
Are there age or experience restrictions?
Students should have water experience, preferably open ocean. Participants 16–17 must have a guardian’s signed consent form; those 15 and under should enroll in the Junior Freediver course.
Where do we meet for the course?
Class will start and finish at Just Get Wet headquarters: 4901 Morena Blvd Ste 309, San Diego, CA, 92117; provide your phone number so the instructor can update you with any schedule or location changes.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-02T05:12:30.047Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.