Overview
Lap 1 is the pool course: all of the same theory as the depth course, spread over two nights and taught exclusively in the pool. It is the right fit if you want to freedive but are not interested in going deep.
You build the fundamentals in calm, controlled water, with safety and rescue procedures from day one.
What's included
- Two evenings of instruction
- Pool fees and learning materials
- Mask, fin, and weight belt rentals included
What you'll learn
- Learn to freedive in the pool
- Learn safety and rescue procedures
- Begin to master breath control and moving underwater
- Hold your breath for more than 1 minute 30 seconds
- Swim underwater horizontally for more than 30 meters
Who it's for
Swim 200 m nonstop and have your doctor confirm there are no medical contraindications to freediving. Not a strong swimmer yet? Jake recommends a few swimming lessons first to build skills and confidence in the water.
Gear
Mask, fin, and weight belt rentals are included in the course fee. In Ottawa, Jake keeps a good stock of wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels and weights for students to use.
Location
Lap 1 runs in a pool in Ottawa over two evenings. Ask Jake for the venue and times of the next course.
Payment & cancellation
Message Jake to reserve your spot. For group courses, payment and cancellation terms are listed on the Wave 1 page; ask if anything is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible for anyone to try freediving?
Yes! If you can swim 200 m nonstop and your doctor says you have no medical contraindications, then you should definitely try freediving.
I'm not a good swimmer, can I still try freediving?
We recommend that you invest in a few swimming lessons to build your skills and confidence in the water before signing up for the course.
I want to freedive but I have no gear.
In Ottawa, our coach keeps a good stock of wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels and weights for you to use. The price of rental is included in the course fees. If travelling abroad, contact Jake ahead of time to secure gear rentals, either an entire set or just what you need.
I want to dive, but I'm not interested in going deep.
You may be more interested in our pool courses! Spread over two nights, they cover all of the same theory but are hosted exclusively in a pool, where you learn to hold your breath for more than 1 minute 30 seconds and swim underwater horizontally for more than 30 meters.
I didn't pass my course! What should I do?
No worries! There are lots of different reasons why people don't pass their first course. Listen to what your coach tells you to work on, practice at home, and come back out for an individual or group coaching session to practice more. You have one year to pass the course from when you registered.
I want to sign up with some friends, is there a discount?
Yes! Get in touch to discuss discounted rates.
I want to learn without a crowd. Do you offer private courses and coaching?
Absolutely. Get in touch to discuss pricing for private courses and training sessions.
When do you announce courses in Ottawa or abroad?
Course dates are typically announced on the @jake.freedives and @FreediveOttawa Instagram accounts. You can also subscribe to the email newsletter.
Next dates
Upcoming Lap 1 dates
Dates are announced on Instagram (@jake.freedives and @FreediveOttawa) and by email newsletter.