Freedive Workshop — Ocean Safety, Kai Collection & Catch and Cook
Freedive Workshop — Ocean Safety, Kai Collection & Catch and Cook
Description
This is a full day in and around the ocean — built for people who are already in the water and want to go home safer, more confident, and better connected to the sea.
You'll leave with an internationally recognised SSI Foundations Freediving certification — a real qualification, not a participation certificate. And if you want to keep going, there's a clear pathway to become a qualified freediving instructor and teach in your own whānau, hapū, or community.
Supported by Water Safety New Zealand — Kia Maanu Kia Ora
What the day looks like
Morning — Classroom
Shore safety, ocean reading, breath-hold physiology, blackout prevention, buddy systems. The knowledge that keeps you and the people around you safe. This session always proceeds regardless of weather.
Mid-morning — Breathwork
Nervous system regulation, diaphragmatic breathing, mental preparation for the water. This session always proceeds regardless of weather.
Late morning — Pool Skills
Breath-hold, surface dives, buddy rotation, rescue recognition. Confined water, step by step. This session always proceeds regardless of weather.
Afternoon — Ocean
Shore entry. Real conditions. 10–15 m depth. Site assessment, supervised free dives. Ocean session subject to weather — rescheduled if conditions are unsafe.
End of day — Catch & Cook
Sustainable kai collection — sizes, depth limits, season, species. What you gather, you prepare and share together.
What you leave with
- SSI Foundations Freediving certification — internationally recognised, yours to keep
- Breath-hold and ocean safety skills for immediate use
- Sustainable kai collection knowledge
- Connection with others doing the same kaupapa
- A pathway to become a qualified freediving instructor — teaching in your own community
Sessions & dates
Select your date above. All community wānanga are held at Freedive Aotearoa Studio, Paihia, and a local ocean site. Instructor courses are five-day residentials in Paihia.
| Date | Location | Who it's for | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 24 Oct 2026 | Waitangi catchment | Waitangi / Bay of Islands community | $85 |
| Sat 7 Nov 2026 | Waitangi catchment | Waitangi / Bay of Islands community | $85 |
| Sat 13 Feb 2027 | Kaitaia — Te Hiku o te Ika | Open — Māori community, dive buddies, Far North whānau | $85 |
| Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Bay of Islands | Open — all welcome | $85 |
| 16–20 Nov 2026 | Paihia, Bay of Islands | Instructor candidates (Assistant or Full) | $900 / $1,800 |
| 7–11 Apr 2027 | Paihia, Bay of Islands | Instructor candidates (Assistant or Full) | $900 / $1,800 |
Who this is for
Spearfishers. Kai gatherers. Dive buddies. Anyone who goes in the ocean — experienced or not. Primary cohort is Māori males 34–55 and their dive buddies, but sessions are open to all. You must be 18+ and a basic swimmer.
Want to become an instructor?
After completing this workshop, you can progress to the Blue Pathways Instructor Course — a five-day residential in Paihia where you qualify as an SSI Freediving Instructor and return home to teach in your own community. Select an Instructor Course date above, or contact us to discuss your pathway.
Before you book — pre-screening questions
At checkout you'll be asked:
- Full name and date of birth
- Phone and WhatsApp number
- Swimming ability — can you swim 25 m unaided?
- Any heart, lung, ear, or medical conditions we should know about?
- Medical declaration (tick-box)
Instructor course candidates must also complete the full SSI Diver Medical form — details sent on booking confirmation.
Questions? info@freedive.co.nz · 027 373 3348 · freedive.co.nz
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