How much can I expect to imptove at the freediving intro course?

[ironic lettuce]

Hi everyone

Me and a mate of mine are going to be booking a place on the introductory freediving course either in May or June, and I was just wondering how much progress people normally make at the course? I know it depends on the individual, but do you have any ball-park figures? I'm really excited about the course, I can't wait!!

[icarus pacific]

The results you will see are enormous. I cannot emphasize attendance at one of these courses enough. I know what I'm doing, real well, and Kurt put me deeper and longer with less effort. Have fun!

[cdavis]

Ditto what he said. What you get depends on you. Most people get way deeper and learn a ton of technique. I only got 2 feet deeper, but I learned what the problem was(along with figuring out that I didn't know jack before the course)and was much deeper soon after. Along the way I learned some stuff that saved my buddies life.

Guaranteed, you will not regret taking a course.

[Spaceboy1017]

Is the course you are refering to for absolute beginners (such as myself) or should you have prior freediving experience? I have alot of scuba diving experience, and used to be a lifeguard, so I'm really comfortable in the water. But I have only been freediving once (with CDavis from this site- I can't believe I got to 70 ft my first time diving!) Any help you could offer would be appreciated, as I'm looking into taking this course in S Florida.

-Mike D

[azapa]

if you can get to 70ft already and you are comfortable in the water you should probably do a level II course IMHO. Have fun!

[ironic lettuce]

I personally have no freediving experience, which is why I'm taking the very first course

I do have another question about it. I'm really self conscious of my body and was going to wear a rash vest during the course, but my friend tells me the water is heated and wearing a rash vest would be uncomfortably hot! Is this the case? Or would I be ok wearing it? ALso, I don't have any actual swimming shorts, I only have board shorts. Should I get some proper swimming shorts for the course?

Cheers!

[samdive]

where are you doing it? which course? we can't really help unless we know a bit more....

[ironic lettuce]

Originally Posted by samdive

where are you doing it? which course? we can't really help unless we know a bit more....

Ah, sorry about that!

I'm doing the introductory course at the S.E.T.T tank in Portsmouth

[samdive]

OK - well in that case, yes you could definitely do with some proper swim shorts. Boardies will create too much drag.

You'll learn a lot but as for depth and time, that's a bit "unreal" in the SETT due to the perfect conditions. A 30m dive in the SETT doesn't always equate to that back in the real world - but it's a great start

My advice would be to LISTEN, LEARN and don't get too hung up on times/depths achieved. If you listen to the training advice, there is plenty of time for working on that later, in the real world!

You'd be OK in a rash vest if you felt more comfortable - just as long as its a tight fit. Don't be self conscious though. Everyone will be in their own little freedive world, not looking at you!

have fun, the SETT is gorgeous.

Sam

[ironic lettuce]

Brilliant, thanks mate Yeah my rash vest is nice and tight so it won't produce much drag

I have one last question about it. I've read the welcome pack thing and it says not to eat dairy products in the build up to the course because it produces mucus. But why should I avoid wheat? What is it in wheat that would affect my freediving?