SSI Freediving

SSI (Scuba School International) has been one of the leading Scuba Organizations for many years and was the first organization to recognize that freediving has the potential to become a very popular activity and was not destined to remain a fringe sport.

SSI has developed a solid program consisting of courses which cater for a wide range of individuals from snorkelers to scuba divers and even for athletes who aspire to high level performances. In addition to this for those who aim to make Freediving a profession, SSI has developed three different levels of instructor courses. Here you can find a description of all SSI courses:

SSI level 1 course:
The SSI Level 1 Freediving course is an introduction to the purest form of diving. Here you will learn the proper breathing techniques, familiarize yourself with diaphragm breathing and take a deep breath like you never have before. In the SSI level 1 Freediving course you acquire the proper skills and knowledge to partake in Freediving to depths up to 20mtrs.
The course includes:
-2 theory sessions to understand the freediving physiology, afety aspects pressure related issues.
-1 breathing and dry breath holding session to learn breathing, relaxation and to experience the sensations associated with the urge to breathe.
-2 confined water sessions to teach finning technique and safety procedures and all skills that will be required during the OW session.
-2 open water sessions to practice duck diving, body positioning, streamlining with the purpose to allow the student to Freedive safely to a depth of 10/20 meters.
Prerequisites: Be 18 years of age or older (14 years with parent or guardian consent).
Be able to swim at least 200m non-stops without fins.
Duration: 2 days

SSI level 2 course:
Level 2 Freediving will equip you with further knowledge of the mammalian diving reflex and how to initiate the best response for Freediving. You will learn new advanced equalization techniques to carry you past 30mtrs and develop the skills necessary to go deeper.
The course includes:
-3 theory sessions to achieve a deeper understanding of the physiological changes happening to the body in a high pressure environment and how to use these changes in order to improve performance.
-1 practical session to practice stretching in order to improve physical, thoracic and abdominal flexibility in order to adapt to the high pressure environment.
-2 pool sessions to improve the breath holding time ability, and practice proper techniques for dynamic and dynamic without fins.
-4 open water sessions to master how to equalize using “frenzel” technique, and to learn the advantage and skills of freefalling in order to improve relaxation, save oxygen and increase dive times and depth.
Prerequisites: To enroll in the SSI Level 2 Freediver course, an individual must:
-Be 18 years of age or older (16 years with parent or guardian consent).
-Be able to swim at least 400m non-stop without fins.
-Have completed the SSI Level 1 Freediver course (or Equivalent) and logged a minimum of 15 Freediving Sessions (SSI Freediver Log book).
-CPR first aid.
Duration: 3 days

SSI level 3 course:
The Apex of the SSI Freediving Program, Level 3, will take you to depths of 40mtrs. Freediving well below the residual volume of the lungs, this is the specialist deep diving course and will equip you with the proper knowledge to take you into the deep blue and beyond. Level 3 develops the proper knowledge, skills and safety for you to Freedive well beyond what was once thought impossible.
The course includes
-3 theory sessions during which you will learn the theory behind the mouthfill technique, and understand the deep equalization theory and its relation with pressure and lung measurements. You will learn about exhale diving, its risks and its benefits. Also we will speak about other depth related issues, such as DCS and nitrogen narcosis.
-2 pool sessions during which you will train maximum performance in STA, DYN and DNF.
-6 open water sessions to learn how to perform and use the mouthfill technique in an efficient way. you will also practice FRC diving to increase body adaptation to depth and as a tool to practice mouthfill more efficiently. You will also practice FIM technique and more safety and rescue scenarios.
Prerequisites: To enroll in the SSI Level 3 Freediver course, an individual must:
-Be 18 years of age or older (16 years with parent or guardian consent).
-Be able to swim at least 400m non-stop without fins.
-Have completed the SSI Level 2 Freediver course (or Equivalent) and logged a minimum of 25 Freediving Sessions (SSI Freediver Log book).
-CPR first aid
Duration: 4 days

Linda and Lotta are both SSI Freediving Instructor Trainers since 2010, and will run several Instructor Training programs during 2012.

For info on anything regarding the SSI Freediving system contact info@freediveinternational.com