Overview
Wave 1 is the Molchanovs depth course: two days that take you from the classroom to the water, in the pool and to depth, with solid safety and rescue skills behind you.
Both days include theory lectures, dry skills training and open water sessions. A separate pool session is held during club nights (typically in September or October) and scheduled based on your availability. The cost is $550 all-in and includes gear rentals.
What's included
- Two days of instruction
- Quarry fees and learning materials
- Wetsuit, mask, fin, and weight belt rentals included
- Theory lectures and dry skills training
- 3 open water sessions
- A separate pool session, scheduled around your availability during club nights
What you'll learn
- Learn to freedive in the pool and to depth
- Learn safety and rescue procedures for all disciplines
- Begin to master equalization, breath control, and moving underwater
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
Wetsuit, mask, fin, and weight belt rentals are included. The wetsuits are 5 mm thick, two-piece, open-cell freediving wetsuits in a variety of sizes from TruDive, featuring Yamamoto 45 neoprene, one of the leading materials in the industry. There are also Molchanovs fins, masks and snorkels, plus neoprene socks and gloves to stay as warm as possible in the water.
Location
Open water sessions are at Morrison's Quarry, just south of Wakefield, QC, about 30 minutes' drive from downtown Ottawa. You need your own transportation (carpooling is encouraged).
Payment & cancellation policy
- Full payment is required in advance to reserve your spot, due to the limited number of spots (4 students max) and the limited number of weekends available before winter.
- Cancel more than 30 days before the course: full refund, minus the $50 online registration fee.
- Cancel within 30 days of the course: no refund can be given due to the limited spots.
- Medical emergency: we can work out a fair deal between us.
- If Jake needs to cancel a course, you get a full refund (minus the $50 online registration fee, which applies to future registrations).
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.
Do I need a vehicle to access the quarry for Wave 1 courses?
Yes. Morrison's Quarry is about a 30 minute drive from downtown Ottawa and you must provide your own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged.
What should I bring for lunch?
Lots of foods can make freediving more challenging, but you need to eat to keep your energy up during the day. Sugary juices, crackers, hard boiled eggs, and some light fruits are great. Avoid dairy, heavy proteins, green vegetables, and, surprisingly, bananas!
I'm really tired after my course! How come?
Freediving puts a lot of stress on your body, more specifically your nervous system, which is difficult to gauge when having fun in the water. You're also outside all day long. We recommend lots of water, electrolytes, a good meal, rest, and a good sleep after both days of the course.
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.
My friends and I are in a different city and want to try freediving, will you come visit?
Get in touch to discuss the possibility of having us come out to visit you, either in Canada or elsewhere abroad. We are excited about freediving and will happily travel to meet you there!
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.
From the blog
Next dates
Upcoming Wave 1 dates
Dates are announced on Instagram (@jake.freedives and @FreediveOttawa) and by email newsletter.