Hey everyone!
I’m planning a trip to the Andaman Islands in December 2026 and want to learn freediving. I’m hoping to complete both the beginner and advanced courses during the trip, preferably around Havelock (Swaraj Dweep).

I’ve come across schools like DIVEIndia, The Dive Master and Temple Adventures, but I’m finding it difficult to judge which one is genuinely good.

I’d especially love to hear from:
People who live in the Andamans and know the local dive schools or instructors.
Anyone who has personally completed a beginner or advanced freediving course in Havelock or Neil Island.
People who have trained with these schools and can share honest feedback about their instructors, safety practices, training quality and pricing.

A few questions:
Which school and instructor would you personally recommend?
Has anyone completed beginner + advanced freediving courses in one trip? Is it realistic?
What did you pay, and is there a good package price for both levels?
Are there any lesser-known local instructors or schools worth checking out?
I’m happy to pay more for quality instruction and safety. I’m mainly looking for genuine firsthand experiences rather than generic tourist recommendations.

If you’re local or have done the courses yourself, I’d really appreciate your advice. Thanks! 🙏

Hey guys, my GF and I will be traveling to Riviera Maya in Mexico for about a month.

We are going with instructors on a couple of weekends but we also want to go by ourselves on the other 2 weekends for some extra training.

I've been told that for most of the places there, you need to be a formally registered instructor to get in and freedive.

Just curious if you guys know of anywhere were that's not needed?

I've got the AIDA 4 certification btw and my GF is AIDA 3.

Not looking to do any really deep dives. Cenotes with 20-30m depth would be more than enough.

Thanks!

Hey everyone! I’m a high school engineering student at SATO Academy researching how underwater refraction causes accidental undersized catches. Could you take this quick 5-minute anonymous survey to help with our capstone project?

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Hi all, first time poster here.

Thinking of learning to free dive at some point. The only dive capable watch I have atm is the Amazfit T Rex 3. Would it be sufficient for what I’m looking to do? Thinking of doing AIDA2 or something similar.

I’m thinking of learning to do recreational dives (reefs, fish, maybe shipwrecks at some point) but also to try and improve my fitness and mental health as I hear these are perks of the sport.

Also is there any point down the line when I would need an upgrade?

Thanks!

Hi all,

For full disclosure my friend and I are planning a small place (a couple of villas and a caf) on the east coast of Bali between Amed and Tulamben, opening in 2028. Nothing to sell yet, no name (this isn’t promotion). I'd rather build something people actually want than guess, so I'd love to hear from anyone in the community or had even stayed in the area.

The questions I have are:
(Answer as many or as few as you like)

Why did you go: diving, freediving, snorkelling, a quiet escape, something else?

Who were you with, and how long did you stay?

Where did you stay and what did you love about the area?

What was missing or frustrating? Food, accommodation, things to do, getting there?

If you went with someone who didn't dive, how did they find it?

Roughly what did you pay per night, and did it feel like good value?

If there'd been a place that was perfect, what would have?

Thanks in advance! Constructive criticism is supper helpful!

Best,
Ben

I am recently started freediving and got my Wave 1. Looking to find some good spots in or near Dublin to go?

Reportedly they can hold their breath for 15 minutes!

Does anyone use 29/71 fins with a different footpocket? As much as I want their foot pockets to work, Its not happening.

Bonus points- affordable, shipping time in US less than 1 week.

Looking at cressi turbo pockets, or mako foot pockets but unsure if they will fit the blade

Hey everyone!

I'm moving to Dahab in early November, although I've never been there before. I don't have any freediving certifications yet, but I'll probably complete my AIDA 4 certification in the next two weeks, although I'm not entirely sure I'll manage to, since my instructor and I just can't seem to find a time that works for both of us. But to be honest, I'm doing it mostly because I want to face fewer obstacles there.

Either way, I'll be starting a new chapter of my life in Dahab in early November.

I guess my main question for those who have lived and trained there is: how would you recommend approaching my development as a freediver in Dahab?

I assume there's a pretty tight-knit freediving community there.
How easy is it to connect with other freedivers there? And how welcoming is it to newcomers?

Which area would you recommend renting a place in to make it convenient to dive, rent a buoy, etc.? Any recommendations for areas where I could find a place with nice sea and mountain views?

I'd appreciate any advice, recommendations, or personal experiences from people familiar with this legendary place.

Beginner here. I live in a landlocked state with nothing deeper than 10 within hours of me, but im trying to do some static apnea training to get ready for spearfishing trip. Ive been doing apnea training daily for about 3 months. No formal program just basic co2 tables, some walking apnea, and some single-breath tables that Molchanev recommended in a YouTube video. My problem is… my single breath hold max is terrible still. I can do co2 tables with 1:30 holds fairly easily, just a few contractions on the last few. But my max hold is only 2:00. What would you recommend to get that up?

So I've recently completed my Molcha W1 course and I am highly passionate about the competitive sport of freediving. I'm considering taking freediving more seriously, in terms of being an instructor (though i don't see myself being a great teacher lol), athlete or being a member of the safety team in competitions.

The pathway to become a instructor and athlete is pretty straight forward so my question is how do you become part of the safety diver team? I live in Australia, so the freedive community is not as big and mainstream compared to say countries in South East Asia so it is hard for me to be in this environment. I know freediving in general takes a lot of time, effort and money (and also travel for training etc.) but i think i am more than passionate to overcome that. Hehe

What are the usual pathways, and recommendations from fellow freedivers/safety team out there?

Thanks all!

If sleep apnea's so bad for you, and lactic acid build up is carcinogenic or something, where does that leave us for freediving?

Hey there,

I have a very weird experience I wanted to share to see if people experienced something like that or maybe we have experts that can advise.

I am diving for quite some time but recently I have issues that might end the hobby for me entirely.

3 months ago I had a fun dive with friends in a nearby lake. I had issues equaizing so I did not go down at first. Later it got better so I could go. We dived around 10-12m, not a depth I would struggle with (I am comfortable around 30m).

Then something strange happened. On the pre-dive EQ I felt a sharp pain so I aborted the dive. On checking I realized bubbling and whistling noises. Shocked from that we stopped the activity and I checked my ear with a camera but couldn't spot anything. At the evening everything was back to normal so I had another try the next day on a line. Dive went normal but back on the surface the same kind of noises on EQ. No pain or something. I got upset stomach but I was nervous and that is normal for me when I am. Either way I stopped diving again.

Back home the next day I had two ENTs checking my ear during EQ, measured pressure and so on. Nothing could be found. They said the sound probably came from light barotrauma and fluid build up in the tube.

Convinced I went last week to a diving trip to Cyprus. Had my first dive 3 days ago to the Zenobia (18-22m). I went down a couple of times all went well. No squeezing noises or pain or whatever. Slight pops all the way down. After 6 dives or so that noise again. Went down for a last diving "knowing" it's nothing bad. Ended the dive as normal, cleared my ears with fresh water and all good except that I still heard bubbling or whistling when I EQ at land. I literally felt the pressure loss and how the air through my drum let it vibrate...

In the evening it all was normal again, could EQ even harder, no issues. So I had the plan to do the ultimate test on my next dive which was planned for tomorrow. I wanted to please someone take a video as there must be bubbles coming out of my ear. However I just checked the ear with a camera again and this time I see a red crack across the small window of my ear drum so I better stay out of water for the rest of my time (and maybe life 😭).

I am so devastated, I mean obviously my ear drum can break at any time without me realizing or being able to do something about it. I really don't know what to do. Do I have to stop diving forever?

If anyone had a similar experience I'd be curious to hear about it. Or if anyone with a medical background may have advice I am happy to hear it too.

I actually wanted to go to Dahab for training in December but I don't think I can do that. Of course I will go to the ENT again as soon as possible but I don't have much hope they can help. I probably reach out to DAN as well if they can recommend any specialists near me.

Stay safe out there fellow divers. I hope there is a way out of this misery.

EDIT : Please note that this is not a seek for medical advice. If you have an injury always see a doctor first! I have seen an ENT and rather wanted to exchange long term advice.

Je serai à mallorque la semaine prochaine et aucun club d’apnée m’a repondu pour faire des sorties avec eux. Tout est déjà fermé à cette saison ? Vous avez des contacts svp ?

As time goes on I slowly decrease my training volume as it might be too much, but I’m now in a point where I really don’t think it’s too much, but some days I just wake up like “nah I’m not really up to feeling the discomfort of breath holding right now” and I give up way before my limit. My max static is around 4:00. I do 5-6 CO2 tables and around 2 max holds per week. I hate this feeling of “I know I can do more but I just don’t want to” even though I really want to so I can proceed. Should I lower even more volume or should I change my approach? Thanks :)

My table is:
1:25 rest/2:20 hold
1:10 rest/2:20 hold
0:55 rest/2:20 hold
0:40 rest/2:20 hold
0:25 rest/2:20 hold
0:10 rest/2:20 hold

Got the freediving bug, having always loved snorkelling and the underwater world. Started an AIDA course however I'm having to re-attempt the depth element because I absolutely could not equalise upside-down at any depth. I can frenzel at surface but each dive attempt led to the same outcome - cannot unblock my right ear (with no mucous / inflammation that I'm aware of).

I'm already having such difficulties, will it be this hard at each depth going forward? I would love to get into this long-term, but don't want to set myself up for heartache. If you struggle with EQ from the outset, will it always be an uphill battle?

In my last depth lesson, after completing all the requirements, I did a no-fins dive to 20 m (I was still wearing my socks, hadn't removed it). It was my personal best depth to reach without fins. I didn't use a wetsuit or any weights as well.

https://reddit.com/link/1x4f5qr/video/l33zkl0zx3vh1/player

Hi all,

I’m looking at getting a chest strap HR monitor that I could use for both freediving and cycling, and I’d like some real-world feedback before buying.

My situation: I do both pool and depth, usually diving to around 20 m. For cycling I use a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v2 (ANT+ and BLE), so the strap needs to pair with that.

What I’ve figured out so far:

• Bluetooth/ANT+ doesn’t transmit underwater, so a strap needs internal memory to record the dive and sync afterwards.
• Cheap straps without memory (Polar H9, Coospo H808S) seem useless for this.
• Polar H10 seems to be the usual choice (30 m rated, memory, works with Polar Beat), which should cover my depth.
• Suunto Smart Sensor looks like a cheaper option with memory, but BLE only.
• Garmin HRM-Pro Plus is rated to 50 m, but I’m not sure its memory works without a Garmin watch.

My questions:

1. What do you actually use for HR tracking while freediving, and are you happy with it?
2. Do you get reliable readings in salt water, or does the signal get noisy?
3. Any tips for getting good electrode contact (wetting, gel, strap position) so the signal doesn’t drop during the dive?
4. Honestly, is it useful? Does seeing your HR curve help with training (bradycardia, diving response, recovery between dives), or is it more of a gimmick?

Thanks in advance, any experience welcome!

I took a beginner course 2 years ago that included a couple days in a class room and learning in a pool. I haven’t had a chance to really try it out since and I am looking to go somewhere for about a week to learn and experience more. I live in California and am preferably looking for something not too far and on the more affordable side. Somewhere with accommodations and food inclusions would be great. If anyone has done something similar, please let me know!

Why is she moving her hands like that in the six minutes mark onwards? I thought it was from the discomfort but there are so much more theories in my head

As the title says. I did my first dive in a wetsuit and was having major abdominal and ball cramps. Was it just because I’m not used to it or maybe I’m not wearing my suit right? It fits me well so I’m not sure.

First of all, thank you for the advice you gave me before. Over the summer, I trained with a freediving instructor for about two months and learned the fundamentals. I’m genuinely grateful to everyone here who encouraged me to get proper training.

I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask, but sometimes while diving I get a strange involuntary urge to inhale. It seems to happen especially right after equalizing. My nostrils almost feel like they’re automatically trying to breathe in, and lately it has started to make me a little nervous.

The strange part is that I’m not actually running out of air when this happens. I’ve usually only just started the dive and I’m still early in my breath-hold. It doesn’t feel like a genuine need for air, more like an involuntary breathing reflex through my nose.

This might sound like a weird question, but does anyone else experience this? Especially after equalizing?