Molchanovs Certification
The Molchanovs Freediving Education program is based on the learning philosophy and expertise of some of the world’s best freedivers, including Natalia and Alexey Molchanov, Adam Stern and Goran Colak.
We choose to teach Molchanovs courses as their content is the most comprehensive of all the systems, and is constantly reviewed and updated. The requirements to become a Molchanovs instructor are also the most rigorous of all the freediving organisations, so you can be sure your instructor knows what they are doing. On completion of your course, you have the opportunity to continue your progress and development by joining the global Molchanovs Base Training Community.
Whether you are a recreational freediver or have competitive aspirations, we believe that the Molchanovs program is the best way to learn and progress in your freediving journey.
Beginner's Freediving Course (Molchanovs Lap 1)
This course provides an excellent basic introduction to freediving, great for those who want to test the waters (pun intended) before enrolling for the depth component, or for those who are only interested in pool training.
It consists of theory lessons via a series of engaging online videos where you learn directly from the world's best freedivers on topics such as breathing technique, physiology and safety.
During the following practical session, you will learn the key breathing techniques to prepare for a breathhold dive. Relaxation, finning technique, how to dive efficiently without fins and safety principles are important components that you will be taught.
The duration is half a day (with the theory portion completed before the course) and the cost is $260 per person for a group lesson.
On the successful completion of this course, you will have the option to continue to complete the open water component (additional $290) to receive a Molchanovs Wave 1 certification.
Prerequisite: Able to swim continuously for 200m
Introduction to Freediving (Molchanovs Wave 1)
Probably the most rewarding and challenging course which covers the core fundamentals of freediving, following the Molchanovs Wave 1 syllabus.
A great starting point for people who are already very comfortable in the water. For example, you may want to consider this course if you are an experienced snorkeler, scuba diver or swimmer.
You will learn the physiology behind freediving in greater depth. You will also be introduced to the various disciplines of competitive freediving with the aim of honing your technique and relaxation. It will also cover freediving safety and rescue procedures.
The course will begin with a theory session covering the physiology, equipment, disciplines and safety of freediving along with depth and pressure (via independent study through online videos). From there we will move to a pool session where we will be conducting breathing and equalisation exercises, as well as practising static and dynamic disciplines.
The second day of the course we will travelling to Lazarus Island to have an open water session, where we will be practicing depth and equalization. On the successful completion of the course, you will receive your Molchanovs Wave 1 freediver certification.
The cost is $550 per person for a group lesson, This includes the cost of transportation to and from Lazarus Island, and use of equipment.
Prerequisite: Able to swim continuously for 200m
Intermediate Freediving (Molchanovs Lap/Wave 2)
In this course, you will learn to safely extend your limits further in all disciplines, become more proficient in no-fin techniques, and learn about the monofin technique which is fastest and most powerful way to navigate the underwater world. You will learn the history of freediving, how it all started, where, why and how we got where we are now. You will dive deeper into the physics of freediving, how it affects your body, learn about Dalton’s law and Henry’s law, and their relation to safe freediving. You will go into detail about depth and distance dives and understand the main differences and adaptations of our bodies. You will continue your breathing education and improve the Frenzel equalization maneuver with specialized drills, tips and guidance.
As you progress with your technique skillset and performance, you also work further on mental training introducing mindfulness techniques tailored to different contexts. You will also be introduced to injuries related to freediving in the middle ear, inner ear, sinuses, and lungs, learn how to prevent and treat them. Safety is also brought up to a new level with details on blackouts, decompression illness, learning how to avoid them, and mastering advanced rescue techniques.
Advanced Freediving (Molchanovs Lap/Wave 3)
In this course, you will develop an understanding of advanced physiological and mental implications, and demonstrate proper technique in all pool disciplines. In this course, you will also reflect on ancient freediving practices and how these transformed into modern freediving.
You will expand your mental toolbox by learning how to use attention deconcentration, which is a completely different mental approach to your dives. You will learn advanced equalization approaches that combine the Frenzel maneuver either with the mouth-fill or reverse packing for deeper dives. You will also learn how to simulate depth with Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) dives and how to prevent depth-related injuries. Packing, reverse packing, flexibility training and the knowledge of when and how to apply these techniques (and when not to!) will enable you to expand your limits while staying always safe.
The Lap or Wave 3 is a semi-professional certificate that enables you to act as an assistant instructor and equips you with the according level of knowledge and skills.