Learning to Breathe Under Pressure: A Level‑1 Freediving Primer in San Diego

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.

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

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.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE PROGRESSION

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.

SAFETY FIRST

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.

GEAR & OPTIONS

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.

1
Experienced Ocean SwimmersWell suited: swimmers with some ocean experience who can manage the beach swim to the open‑water mooring and who want to progress to 20 m depth training.
2
Teens (16–17)Eligible with conditions: 16–17 year‑olds may participate but must have a legal guardian’s signed consent form.
3
Children and Young TeenagersNot ideal for participants 15 and under in this course; students that age should enroll in the Junior Freediver course tailored to younger divers.
4
Beginners or Pool‑only LearnersA good introductory pathway: those uncomfortable with the ocean swim can complete the Theory and Pool (Lap 1) option and add the open‑water portion later.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Schedule

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.

What to Bring & Gear

Equipment rentals and rent‑to‑own options are available through the operator.

Meeting Location

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.

Booking Notice

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.