This is an incredible opportunity to learn the basics of freediving and immediately apply that to spearfishing when we take out a local charter boat with a spearfishing guide. Getting this type of spearfishing from someone who has been doing it professionally for decades is THE best way you can start your spearfishing career.
Friday night and Saturday will follow the normal Molchanovs Wave 1 curriculum (see below), but on Sunday when we would normally do a depth session in La Jolla, we will take Matt's boat to the Coronado Islands to do a little depth work, but a lot of hunting! You will need a Mexican fishing permit ($13), an FMM Visa ($30), and a Biosphere permit.
In order to get a Molchanovs W1 Freediver certificate there are some requirements you need to pass, and usually Sunday is the day we would focus on those depths. That being said, we want you to focus on enjoying the sport more than anything else. If you purchase this class and don't pass, you will get 2 line diving or pool training sessions to use so that you can work out the kinks and get certified.
The following is the Wave 1 cirriculum:
Discover your natural freediving ability.
Join the Molchanovs Wave 1 Course with Just Get Wet, and you will see how comfortable you can be in the water! You will learn the basics of freediving and all the techniques you need to dive down to 20 meters in the safest and most comfortable way.
In this course, we will also introduce you to the basics of freediving, including diving without fins and developing your skills to become a reliable freediving buddy.
MOLCHANOVS WAVE 1 COURSE OUTLINE
Online Learning
By means of online videos and a course manual, you will learn:
- Physics and physiological basics of freediving
- Relaxation and breathing techniques
- Mental techniques/relaxation
- Introduction to equalization
- Mamalian Dive Reflex
- Potential trauma
- Multiple choice exam
One Pool Sessions
In these sessions you will learn:
- Introductions of freediving equipment
- Static breath holds (STA)
- Techniques: Finning technique, body position and turns
- Dynamic diving (DYN)
- Introduction to Dynamic without Fins (DNF)
- Buddy and rescue procedures
Two Open Water Sessions
In the open water sessions you can apply all that you have already learnt from the theory and pool sessions!
In open water you will learn:
- Introductions of techniques: Duck dives, body positioning, equalization
- Basic safety and rescue: Buddy and rescue procedures
- Freediving techniques: Free Immersion (FIM) & Constant Weight (CWT) to 12-20m depth.
- How to spearfish...what gear you need, how to use it, what fish to look for, and how to hunt them
As a certified Molchanovs Wave 1 freediver you will be able to meet the following requirements:
- 1:30+ min static breath hold
- 30m diving horizontally in the pool
- Diving 12 – 20m depth in open water
With this class you'll also know how to put food on the table ;)
Course Schedule and Locations
- Friday 1700-1900
- Online Materials Classroom Review
- Solana Beach
- Saturday 0800-1100
- Pool instruction (statics, dynamics, technique)
- Carmel Mountain
- Saturday 1300-1600
- Open water diving - familiarization, technique
- La Jolla Shores
- Sunday 0700-1700
- Open water diving - Spearfishing!
Equipment requirements
Almost everything can be rented from J&J Spearfishing Supplies except for a mask and snorkel! Total cost of freediving and spearfishing gear is $65 for the weekend. Contact Damien at J&J ahead of time to get your sizes dialed in, and show up 45 minutes before class to get your gear!
Mask – A low volume spearfishing/freediving mask. A standard snorkel/scuba mask is OK for the Level 1 Freediver course.
Snorkel – A simple J. style snorkel
Wetsuit – This is your most important piece of equipment. For San Diego, it’s highly recommended to have a 5mm proper spearfishing or freediving two piece, open cell inner/nylon outer suit. If you don’t have access to this suit, then a very well fitting 5mm full neoprene suit, preferably with a hood is OK. A proper freediving suit will positively influence your course experience. James & Joseph offers freediving wetsuit rentals, and you will have time between the classroom and pool portion to rent one if needed. You will need your wetsuit for the pool and the open water portion!
Fins – Longblade freediving fins. Standard snorkel/scuba fins are acceptable for the Level 1 Freediver course. We do not accept “split fins” or the full open heel and bootie style. J&J has fins available for rent if needed.
Weight belt – A rubber weight belt is preferred. A standard webbing weight belt is OK for the Level 1 Freediver course. J&J has weight belts available for rent if needed
Weights – A selection of 1lb and/or 2lb weights, most people use 5-10lbs. J&J has weights available for rent if needed
Freediving Computer/Timing Device – If you don’t own a freediving computer (eg. Aeris F10/Suunto D4F) then please bring a waterproof stopwatch for the day 1 afternoon session.
Spearfishing gear - speargun, stringer, and a dive knife
Optional Items – If you are sensitive to the cold water, you may want to consider purchasing some VENTED Docs Pro Plugs.
Throughout your Wave 1 Freediver course you will be instructed on what to look for when purchasing new equipment. It is not necessary to buy a new set of equipment prior to your course. However, if there is something you do need/want to purchase then please do not hesitate to call me to get recommendations.
Looking forward to getting out there with you!
Not Included: Documentation...including fishing license, and if we go to the Coronado Islands you will also need a biosphere permit, a Mexican fishing license, and a passport.
