AIEA WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Breath, Balance, Blue — Two Days to SSI Freediving Level 1 in Oahu
A focused 2‑day SSI Level 1 freediving course in Aiea that teaches breath‑hold technique, safety and open‑water application to prepare you for recreational freediving.
Breath, Balance, Blue — Two Days to SSI Freediving Level 1 in Oahu.
On Oahu’s nearshore blue, Affinity Freediving’s SSI Level 1 condenses foundational free‑diving instruction into two intensive days. The course teaches breath‑holding, safety and buoyancy skills, pairs practical shallow‑water drills with mindfulness and recovery breathing, and culminates in open‑water application—skills that set the stage for recreational freediving and future underwater pursuits.
Highlights
Course Highlights
Technique, Safety and Breath Work
Students learn key free‑diving skills—finning, duck dives, equalization, buoyancy management—and safety and dive‑management protocols that underpin responsible recreational freediving.
Shallow‑Water Practice and Mindfulness
Sessions include hip‑deep relaxation drills and breath work to build diaphragm control and recovery breathing, integrating mindfulness to improve relaxation and streamline performance.
Depth and Open‑Water Application
On the final day participants take their skills into open water, practicing streamlined finning and equalization with the aim of safe recreational diving to established depth and breath‑hold targets.
What the day feels like
What the Two‑Day Course Feels Like
The course moves from classroom and dry‑land breath sessions into shallow, hip‑deep water drills where relaxation, buoyancy and partner safety are rehearsed; it culminates on day two with open‑water practice that tests diaphragm control, equalization and recovery breathing while reinforcing equipment use and local diving regulations.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two‑day course with approximately six hours of instruction each day.
Fins, masks and other snorkeling gear are provided by the operator.
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen and towels.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the SSI Freediving Level 1 course?
The course runs two days, with approximately six hours of instruction each day.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 16 years old.
What depth and breath‑hold targets are covered?
The course teaches students to dive safely up to 20 m (66 ft) and to build breath‑holds to approximately 1:30 minutes or more as part of training.
Is equipment provided or do I need to bring my own?
Fins, masks and other snorkeling gear are provided; participants should bring reef‑safe sunscreen and towels.
What will I be ready to do after certification?
SSI Level 1 prepares students with foundational skills and safety knowledge to participate in recreational freediving with an equally or more qualified buddy and to pursue activities such as ocean clean‑ups or underwater photography.