PADI Freediver
Why train with us?
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Low student to instructor ratios : 3 or 4 students per instructor both in the pool and ocean
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Our retail store is located downtown.
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Diving courses available all year-round. Private courses available.
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We teach children 10 years and older.
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Passionate team of Instructors and Divemasters who love to teach.
PADI Freediver Course | Learn the Art of Breath-Hold Diving
At Diving Sports Canada, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality freediving instruction in Vancouver. Our experienced instructors focus on safety, skill development, and confidence so you can enjoy freediving for many years to come. We don’t rush through the minimum training requirements — we take the time you need to master your skills and truly excel in the water.
The PADI Freediver course is your first step into the world of breath-hold diving. Learn the discipline, control, and techniques that make freediving one of the most rewarding ways to explore underwater. Whether your goal is recreational freediving, underwater photography, or spearfishing, this course will give you the foundation to succeed.
What’s Included:
- PADI Freediver course material
- 1 evening classroom session for orientation, skills review, and knowledge development
- 2 full days of confined water (pool) training before ocean dives
- 1 full day of ocean training
- Transportation between pool and ocean locations
- Certification fees upon course completion
- All basic rental equipment in our freediver wetsuit packages
- Digital certification (physical card available at extra cost)
What’s Not Included:
- Mask, snorkel, neoprene gloves, and neoprene socks (must be personally owned)
- Additional pool or ocean training sessions if required (View rates here)
Prerequisites:
- Minimum age: 16 years old (with parent/guardian permission if under 18)
- Ability to swim 200m/655ft continuously without fins or flotation aids
- Ability to tread water/float for 10 minutes without aids
- Completed diver medical form (Download here)
- Personal mask, snorkel, neoprene socks, and gloves
- Completed eLearning before the course start date
- All prerequisites met before training starts — otherwise rescheduling may be required (See policy)
Equipment Rental:
All basic freediving gear from our wetsuit rental packages is included. Personal mask, snorkel, neoprene socks, and gloves are not included and must be purchased before the course.
Transportation:
Transport is available from our Vancouver shop to dive sites in our shop van (maximum 7 passengers). Seats are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policy:
Please review our full cancellation and rescheduling policy before booking: → View Policy
Join our passionate and supportive freediving community — start your breath-hold adventure today.
PADI Freediver Course in Vancouver
Master the Art of Freediving
Our PADI Freediver Course in Vancouver is the perfect introduction to the world of breath-hold diving. Whether you dream of exploring deeper waters, improving your snorkeling skills, or challenging yourself physically and mentally, this course provides the essential techniques and safety procedures for diving on a single breath.
What You Will Learn
- Essential safety procedures for breath-holding at the Freediver level
- Proper breathing techniques for freediving and snorkeling
- Confined water skill development
- Open water skill development
- Equalization techniques for deeper diving
- Equipment selection for freediving and snorkeling
- The fundamental physics and physiology of freediving
Course Structure
The PADI Freediver Course consists of three main phases:
- Knowledge Development – Learn beginner freediving techniques and equipment use through PADI Freediver eLearning.
- Confined Water Sessions – Practice breathing, relaxation, static apnea (goal: 1:30–2:00 minutes), and dynamic apnea.
- Open Water Sessions – Master proper diving technique, buddy procedures, and rescue skills. Goal: constant weight and free immersion dives to at least 10m/33ft.
Certification Requirements
- Swim 200m/655ft continuously without fins or flotation aid
- Float/tread water for 10 minutes without flotation aid
- Demonstrate safe buddy and rescue skills to PADI standards
- Perform a minimum 1:30 static breath hold in the pool
- Complete at least 3 proper dives to 10m/33ft
Why Choose Diving Sports Canada?
We provide more than just a course — we offer a community of passionate divers. Our classes are tailored to your learning pace, with experienced instructors who ensure you master each skill before moving forward. We adapt our schedule to your needs, offering additional pool or ocean sessions if required. By training with us, you’re investing in your long-term safety, skill, and enjoyment in the water.
Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment
We are committed to producing confident and competent divers. We track your progress, provide honest feedback, and welcome you into our diving community. Even after certification, you’ll have access to ongoing support, mentorship, and future diving opportunities.
Location and Contact
Diving Sports Canada
4578 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R5
Phone: (604) 694-1886
Email: customerservice@divingsports.com
