PFI 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.
Explore the Ocean on One Breath | Learn Freediving the Right Way in Vancouver
At Diving Sports Canada, we are committed to offering the most thorough and high-quality freediving training in Vancouver. Our approach goes beyond certification—we train, mentor, and support aspiring freedivers to become confident, safe, and highly skilled. We believe that well-trained freedivers are those who can enjoy the sport safely and incident-free for many years to come.
Why Our Freediving Training Is Different
Many freediving schools in Vancouver cut corners by compressing course durations to lower costs. At Diving Sports, we believe this approach shortchanges both students and instructors. Instead, we’ve redefined how freediving education should be delivered—by giving students ample time to develop strong techniques, learn proper safety protocols, and truly understand breath-hold diving.
Our courses may take longer and cost slightly more than other programs, but they’re designed for maximum benefit. With decades of combined experience, our instructors ensure you gain the knowledge, skill, and confidence you need to thrive in your freediving journey. We believe this structure produces safer, more capable divers who can succeed in British Columbia’s unique underwater environments.
Freediving Courses Built Around Your Progress
Our PFI Freediver courses are scheduled based on how long it typically takes most students to master key freediving skills—not just the bare minimum hours set by certifying agencies. We don’t rush training. Instead, we allow for flexible pacing so each diver gets the time they need to absorb knowledge and refine their technique.
If needed, we offer additional pool or ocean sessions before certification to ensure complete readiness. While not always required, some students benefit from extra time on skills like equalization, breath-hold techniques, and safety protocols. Our goal is simple: help you become a confident, prepared freediver ready for deeper challenges.
Supportive, Inclusive, and Passionate Freediving Community
When you take a freediving course at Diving Sports, you’re joining more than just a class—you’re becoming part of an inclusive, passionate freediving community. Our instructors are open, honest, and dedicated to helping you progress. Whether you’re a beginner or advancing to deeper dives, our team is here to guide you through every stage of your freediving journey.
We also offer private freediving instruction in Vancouver for students who prefer one-on-one coaching. This option allows for customized pacing, deeper skill development, and more personalized support.
Train with Vancouver’s Most Trusted Freediving Instructors
Our instructional staff includes some of the most experienced freediving educators in British Columbia. Their expertise ensures that your course is not only informative but also transformative. From the classroom to the pool and open water, you’ll be supported every step of the way by professionals who are passionate about your success and safety.
Choose Diving Sports Canada for your freediving certification in Vancouver—and experience a program that puts quality, safety, and long-term success first.
What’s Included in Your PFI Freediver Course
Our PFI Freediver certification course in Vancouver is designed to give you everything you need to train safely, effectively, and confidently. We’ve structured the course to provide full immersion in both theory and in-water skill development.
- PFI Freediver digital course materials
- 1 evening classroom session covering orientation, theory, and freediving safety principles
- 2 full days of confined water (pool) training focused on breath-hold technique, body positioning, and safety skills
- 1 full day of open water freediving training in the ocean
- Transportation provided between pool and ocean training locations
- PFI certification fees included upon successful course completion
- Rental of freediving wetsuit packages and basic equipment (excluding personal gear)
- Digital certification card (eco-friendly format)
For those who prefer a physical certification card, one can be requested for an additional fee during certification processing.
What’s Not Included
To ensure proper fit and hygiene, students are required to provide their own personal freediving gear:
- Mask and snorkel
- Neoprene gloves
- Neoprene socks
These essential items are not available for rental and must be owned prior to the course. Any additional training sessions—such as extra pool or ocean days—needed for certification are not included in the base course fee. You can view our pricing options for group and private training here.
Your adventure begins sooner than you think: Register for a PFI Freediver Course
Diving Sports in Vancouver offers specialized Freediving courses and Spearfishing charters on Vancouver Island.
Course Description
Freediving is all about inner strength, discipline, and control. If you’ve always wanted to explore the underwater world on your own terms, staying as long as your breath allows, then freediving is for you. The PADI Freediver course is the perfect way to begin your journey and discover why freediving is becoming a popular choice for those eager to explore beneath the waves.
Prerequisites for the PFI Freediver Training:
- Minimum age: 16 years old (with parental/guardian permission).
- Ability to swim 200m (655ft) continuously without fins, snorkel, or flotation aid.
- Ability to complete a 10-minute tread/float without any aid.
- Medical form filled out and approved by a physician (when applicable). View the Medical Form here
- Personal Mask, Snorkel, neoprene socks, and gloves required.
- All eLearning course material must be completed before starting the course. Rescheduling Policy
What is Included:
- PFI Freediver course material.
- 1 Evening classroom session for orientation, skills review, and knowledge development.
- 2 full days in confined water pool training before ocean dives.
- 1 full training day in the ocean.
- Transportation between pool and ocean locations.
- Certification fees after course completion.
- Basic rental equipment in our freediver wetsuit packages.
- Digital certifications (physical card available upon request for an additional fee).
What is Not Included:
- Mask, Snorkel, neoprene gloves, and neoprene socks. These must be owned by the student.
- Additional pool or ocean training, if required. Rates for Group and Private Training
Course Coverage:
Your PFI Freediver course will cover key aspects of freediving, including:
- Safety procedures for breath-holding at the freediver level.
- Breathing techniques for freediving and snorkeling.
- Confined water skill development.
- Open water skill development.
- Equalization techniques for depth diving.
- Freediving and snorkeling equipment.
- The physics and physiology of freediving: what happens to your body at depth.
PFI Freediver Course Phases:
- Knowledge Development: Study independently using the PFI Freediver eLearning program.
- Confined Water Sessions: Learn relaxation techniques, static and dynamic apnea, with a goal of reaching a minimum static apnea of 1:30, progressing toward 2 minutes.
- Open Water Session: Practice proper diving techniques, buddy procedures, and rescue techniques, with a goal of diving to a minimum depth of 12m (40ft).
PFI Skills:
To receive certification, students must:
- Demonstrate safe buddy skills and perform a rescue to PFI standards.
- Perform a static breath hold of at least 1:30 in the pool.
- Dive with proper technique to at least 10m (33ft) using both constant weight and free immersion techniques.
Classroom:
- Complete the manual or eLearning program.
- Pass the final exam with a minimum of 80%.
- Participate in workshops on stretching, equalizing, CO2/O2, and other essential topics.
Watermanship and Stamina:
- Prepare freediving equipment independently.
- Perform a continuous 200m (655ft) swim without fins, snorkel, or flotation.
- Complete a 10-minute tread/float without assistance.
- Achieve a 25m (82ft) no-mask snorkel swim.
- Perform multiple static breath-holds with a minimum of 1:30 duration.
Open Water:
- Recovery breathing and coaching (hook breathing).
- Complete six constant ballast dives to a minimum depth of 10m (33ft).
- Perform four free immersion dives to a minimum depth of 10m (33ft).
- Participate in emergency rescue scenarios, including handling LMCs and blackouts, and practicing self-rescue techniques.
Medical Form:
Before enrolling, please ensure you are cleared to dive by reviewing and completing the Diver Medical Form. View the Freediver Medical Form
Student Discount:
Enroll in the PFI Freediver Course and receive a 10% discount on a customized Mask, Snorkel, and Fins package when purchased together!
Equipment Rental:
Basic gear is included in our Wetsuit rental packages. Mask, snorkel, neoprene socks, and gloves are not included.
Transportation:
We offer transportation from our shop to the dive site (limited to 6 passengers). Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Please review our Cancellation and Refund Policy before signing up.
Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment:
At Diving Sports, we prioritize safety and provide high-quality instruction. Our instructors tailor courses to fit individual student needs and adapt to personal progress. Additional training dives may be scheduled to ensure you’re confident and prepared. When you choose Diving Sports, you join a passionate and supportive diving community that’s committed to your long-term success.
