SSI Performance Freediver · Bay of Islands

Freedive Course · Level 3

The technical level. Past 40m, into mouthfill and FRC dives, in a small group over four days.

$1,500 or start with your online learning · $100

Course

SSI Level 3 · Bay of Islands

People

How would you like to start?

Pay in full · $1,500 eachYour date is locked in. Buy your online learning now · $100Get started today and pick or request your date later. Not sure when yet? That's fine. Pay the rest of the course before your date.

Hire the full kitSuit, mask & snorkel, fins & booties, weight belt, gloves. Pick your days.

1 day$65 · usually $902 days$120 · usually $180

Buy it as a gift voucherValid for 3 years from today. They can pick or change the date later.

I've read the health & safety and disclosure of risk I've read the cancellation & refund policy I agree to the terms & conditions

Next, fill in the self-check medical form. We'll be in touch to lock in your date.

What to expect

The technical level

Level 3 is the SSI Performance Freediver: technical work in a small group, with longer rests between sets and steady progression to 40m.

Full mouthfill, an introduction to FRC and variable weight dives, and the rescue skills that go with diving deeper.

Included with your course

Coached, one on one

This isn't a one-size-fits-all course. When you book, you get:

A personal 1:1 online meeting with Sacha, the instructor trainer who trains the instructors, and a professional diver for over 26 years
A personal, tailored training programme built around where you're at
Your training blueprint: breath, equalisation, mindset and mobility, step by step
Our free monthly video chat in the online community, with insights and the inside goss

We'll go through it all together, so nothing feels overwhelming.

Who it's for

For divers who train

You'll hold SSI Advanced Freediver or equivalent, with a verified depth log to 25m or more, and you'll be training on your own between courses.

Not sure you're ready? WhatsApp us and we'll talk it through.

How the course runs

Before
At home
Buy your online learning for $100, do it at home, and fill in the self-check medical form.
8am
Meet at the studio, Paihia
Boat days start at the Clubhouse, 30 Selwyn Road. We load up and head out to offshore depth sites.
Morning
On the line
Mouthfill, FRC dives and depth protocols, with long rests between sets.
Afternoon
Safety and rescue
Self-rescue and team rescue at depth, and setting up your gear for deeper diving.
Recovery
Sauna
Two recovery sauna sessions across the four days.
After
Certified
Your SSI Performance Freediver certification.

OffshoreFour days, small groupBoat fees for our offshore depth sites are included.

What to bring

A few basics for days on the boat. Need gear? Add Full Kit Hire when you book.

Togs

Towel

Warm clothes

Snacks & lunch Water bottle too

Seasick? Take something before

Wetsuit Up to 5 mm in the ocean

Before you come

Swim 400 m

Any stroke, no time limit, no fins or floats. Floating to rest is fine. Then tread water or float for 2 minutes.

How to book

Hold your place

We go out weekly. Request a date, or pick one that suits, and we'll choose the best weather window with you.

Start now: buy your online learning for $100 and get going at home. Then fill in the self-check medical form and we'll email your date and plan.

Book →

What you'll learn, and what's included+

What we cover

Full mouthfill technique
FRC (functional residual capacity) dive introduction
Variable weight introduction
Advanced depth protocols and safety
Equipment set-up for depth
Self-rescue and team rescue at depth
Depth progression to 40m

Included

Four days of instruction
SSI Performance Freediver materials and certification
Boat fees for offshore depth sites
Two recovery sauna sessions

Taught by Sacha Williamson, NZ's first female freediving instructor trainer, with 26+ years of professional ocean work in 45 countries.

Commonly asked questions+

What do I need first?

SSI Advanced Freediver or equivalent, a verified depth log to 25m or more, and current medical clearance for freediving past 30m. You should be training on your own between courses.

I trained with another agency. Can I join?

Yes. We're an SSI Freediving Instructor Training Centre and welcome divers from every agency. Bring your certification card or app.

Is there a swim test?

Yes. Swim 400m, any stroke, no time limit, no fins or floats. Then tread water or float for 2 minutes.

What if the weather's bad?

This isn't a theme park: we're out in the wild, so we can't promise the marine life, the visibility or the weather. We check conditions 48 hours out and sometimes make the final call the night before. If we cancel, it's for your safety, and you choose a new date or a refund.

Can I get a refund?

Tell us 7 or more days before and you get a full refund, minus the $100 SSI e-learning on courses, which is yours to keep. Inside 7 days we can't refund, because boats and crew are booked, but you can move your date or transfer it to a friend. Unwell? Talk to us and we'll move you. Full policy.

Something else? Message us

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