CHARLESTON SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Freediving & Swimming — CHARLIE: From Beginner Laps to Open‑Ocean Encounters
A Trident Tactical Academy progression of open‑water swim and freediving training (ages 18+, sessions 1–3 hours) that scales from basic water safety to advanced breath‑hold and rough‑water skills.
Freediving & Swimming — CHARLIE: From Beginner Laps to Open‑Ocean Encounters.
These Charleston‑based CHARLIE classes move swimmers from basic water safety and stroke work through high‑performance training—up to triathlete, lifeguard and military‑level standards—then into open water freediving and snorkel trips that place you alongside reef fish and large marine animals.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Progress from Beginner to Operator
CHARLIE courses cover a full progression: learn‑to‑swim fundamentals up to triathlete, lifeguard, rescue swimmer and military‑grade competencies, with skills and drills designed to increase confidence, dive time and fitness levels.
Swim and Snorkel with Open‑Water Animals
The program includes open‑water sessions and travel to exotic snorkeling locations where participants may swim with whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, sea otters and reef fish as part of guided dives and swims.
Breath‑hold and Rough‑Water Training
Train open‑water breath holding (commonly 2–3 minutes in CHARLIE levels; advanced work reaches 3–5 minutes) and practice rough‑water, black‑water and swift‑water techniques used by lifeguards, rescue swimmers and combat free divers.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
Sessions blend pool or shore drills with direct open‑water application: reading beach, surf and open‑water conditions, shore and boat diving practice, and structured skills to expand breath‑hold, confidence and situational awareness while working around animal behaviors.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this is for — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sessions run approximately 1–3 hours per outing; program scales in intensity and duration across CHARLIE levels.
Instructor will confirm the meeting point and any required equipment with participants prior to the course.
Your instructor from Trident Tactical Academy will be in contact with the meeting location prior to the course to coordinate logistics.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages are eligible to participate?
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
How long are individual sessions?
Individual sessions run roughly 1–3 hours.
Will I train my breath‑hold?
Yes; CHARLIE levels include open‑water breath‑hold training—commonly 2–3 minutes, with advanced work extending to 3–5 minutes.
Do classes include encounters with marine animals?
Yes; the program includes swims and snorkels with reef fish and, in relevant sessions, encounters with whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks and sea otters.
Where do we meet for the course?
Your instructor will contact participants with the specific meeting location prior to the course.