SAN DIEGO FREE DIVING FIELD GUIDE
Three Days of Deep Breath and Blue Water: Leveling Up Freediving Into Spearfishing Off San Diego
A three-day Molchanovs Wave 2–based course that pairs pool and open-water progression with a boat spearfishing day — useful for intermediate freedivers ready to apply depth skills to hunting and blue‑water diving.
Three Days of Deep Breath and Blue Water: Leveling Up Freediving Into Spearfishing Off San Diego.
This three‑day program takes Molchanovs Wave 2 curriculum out of the classroom and into the Pacific: evening online prep, pool refinement, open‑water technique work at La Jolla, and a final boat day for depth practice and guided spearfishing. The schedule blends technique, safety drills, and immediate application in a variety of San Diego waters so you can build depth, confidence and practical hunting skills under supervision.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Boat charter to offshore hunting grounds
Sunday’s boat trip takes the group offshore for depth work and spearfishing; when conditions allow the operation will run to the Coronado Islands, prized for clearer water and a wider range of hunting locations than the local kelp beds.
Molchanovs Wave 2—structured pool to open‑water progression
The course follows the Molchanovs W2 framework, emphasizing statics and dynamics in the pool, open‑water equalization and free‑fall technique, and safety/rescue repetition in real diving conditions.
Move from drills to hunting with an expert guide
Beyond certification goals, the program pairs freediving instruction with spearfishing guidance from experienced local instructors so participants can immediately apply breath‑hold techniques to productive, guided hunting sessions.
What the day feels like
What the three‑day progression feels like
The course is a deliberate ramp: an evening of online material and classroom review, a Saturday of pool statics/dynamics and a La Jolla open‑water session, then a full Sunday devoted to open‑water depth work and spearfishing from a boat launched at Shelter Island. Expect focused drills, repeated rescue practice, and coached depth sessions that aim to translate pool skills into safe, effective open‑water performance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should wait.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Participants must obtain a Mexican Fishing License to spearfish in Mexican waters; personal spearfishing and freediving gear are not included but some equipment is available to rent.
Included are the Molchanovs Wave 2 course, spearfishing and diving instruction, boat charter and a biosphere permit — personal licenses and gear are excluded.
The operator does not include personal spearfishing and freediving gear in the base price; however, some equipment is available to rent from the provider.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need prior certification to enroll?
Yes — successful completion and certification of a Molchanovs W1 (or equivalent) course is required before participating.
What happens if I don't pass the Molchanovs W2 requirements during the course?
If you don't pass, you will receive two line‑diving or pool training sessions to continue working toward certification.
Is a Mexican Fishing License required?
Yes — the offshore spearfishing day will require a Mexican Fishing License when diving in Mexican waters.
Are spearfishing and freediving gear provided?
Personal spearfishing and freediving gear are not included, though the operator has some equipment available to rent.
Will we definitely go to the Coronado Islands?
Not guaranteed — the boat trip location is determined by local conditions; if conditions are good the trip will go to the Coronado Islands for clearer water and varied hunting locations.