This August we had two students who reached their PB in static apnea and constant weight! It always amazes me to see what people bring to a class as far as skills go. Both students had a bit of experience in the water but both in different capacities. In the end, both students demonstrated safety procedures and proper diving technique. I am truly glad that I could show these two what makes this sport so great and see their progress from day one to day two.
This summer we had some great opportunities for students to learn one on one with really good conditions. I always listen to students as they start the class to learn a bit about them and their experiences or lack of in the water. I quickly learn their strengths and challenges and use this to direct my teaching practices.
Activating the mammalian diving reflex! This was such a great day..too bad my battery died. This student had to overcome some equalizing issues and was nervous she would not be able to pass this course. It was an awesome moment when she dove down past 33 ft and showed her kicking technique during the appropriate times and passed this section (and later the course)!
Communication underwater sometimes has to be repeated so that the safety can clearly see that you are ok.
Sometimes students must find their own way to equalize when all else fails. This student had to turn upright to equalize and wiggle her jaw but it worked!
Practicing your kicking is a great way to âcheck yourselfâ. Often we lose our good technique and have to go back and practice to make sure that we are as efficient as possible.
Nice and wide up high and small and less down belowâĻ.unless your going up that is.
Amazing conditions! Summer is here! This two day Level 1 Freediver course started summer off just rights. We had FLAT water, a very lights breeze, and nothing but time. These two students showed up with a bit of experience and walked away with a lot more. Congrats to two new certified students!
Fall is upon us! We had just dodged one of the biggest rains of the season and also the murky conditions that come with it. Large (30 ft) waves on the north side made currents strong and navigating back in was a bit of extra work :-) These freedivers worked hard during our practice sessions to improve their freediving skills. Among other things, practicing and then critiquing each other helped these divers to learn from one another in a comfortable environment and make the appropriate changes.
Toward the end of summer we have had many classes. Some classes were without a camera and some with. Each class students showed hard work and pushed through. All of our experiences are unforgettable and I know that each student left my class as a better diver.
This student demonstrates how to properly ascend during a warm up exercise.
One of the most important parts of your dive is the surface entry. This student demonstrates her form as she begins her dive.
This student is most likely reciting her movements in her head while at the same time physically preparing her body for the dive.
If you think you should go faster..go slower. This student breaches high out of the water which is an ingredient for a blackout.
This student is on her way back up from a dive. She does a great job sticking to the line and showing her understanding of safety and technique.
One week the water is perfect and the next you need a 13 lb anchor plus a 25 lb weight to keep your spot for static apnea!
The day your out doing a class a large school of about 20 or more Mahi Mahi decide to come check you out.
Floating with phytoplankton as students breath up and prepare for the dive.
This student demonstrates her wide kicking during our open water session. Being able to determine the change in buoyancy and apply proper kicking tecnique is key to being an efficient driver.
Capturing the moment when students finish their first day. After a long day of learning and practicing students feel successful.
We all patiently watch while remaining proactive in our safety management. We all watch for the signs of hypoxia after breathhold during static apnea during our Level 1 Freediver course.
You are in debt! Repay that O2!
This student is demonstrating her change in kick cycle at depth. This black silhouette on a clear blue background was a nice addition to her certification which she warked hard for that day.
Finding a place to eat after to replenish and relax is such a great way to end the day. Congrats for all of your hard work today girls.
This weekend was quite the challenge to find a place with clean water. Large waves all over the island made it difficult to get exactly what we wanted. We fought some surge and pulled through it all.
