Beginner Freediver Course - Open Water Wave 1 - Vancouver, BC

Molchanovs Wave 1/Lap 1 Open Water Freediver Course - Vancouver, Canada

Please note that dates and times are subject to change due to pool closures or other unforeseen events. A full refund will be guaranteed if the re-scheduling is at fault of Sea to Sky Freediving. Please read our terms and conditions below for more information.

PLEASE READ (1) to (8) below. It's a lot to read I know, but there's plenty of info for you! 

1) COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The Wave 1 Freediver Course from Molchanovs Education is intended for anyone interested in freediving up to 20 meters (65 feet) and learning the fundamentals of breath-holding underwater. The Molchanovs Education program places a strong focus on safety, technical skills and training. As a course participant you will be part of the Molchanovs Community, have access to online Base Training and coaching with the Molchanovs online platform.

Course Includes:

• Molchanovs Wave 1 Freediver Course (accepted and acknowledged world-wide)
• Online Theory + Knowledge Study
• Access to online manuals, videos and training platform
• Online Theory + Knowledge Review Session
• Confined Water Session*
• Three Open Water Sessions
• Learning the Frenzel Equalization technique
• Learn rescue and safety skills in freediving
• Practice static and dynamic apnea
• Introduction to breathwork and pranayama
• Learn relaxation and visualization techniques for deep diving
• Option of only completing pool training part of course (Lap 1)

*Please note if pools are closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the confined water session will be replaced by an additional open water session at no additional cost. 

Passing Requirements:

• 1 min 30 sec static
• CWTB & FIM 12-20m
• CWTB Buddying 6-10m
• Rescue from 6-10m

Insurance (Optional): 

• Free medical coverage for students: an exclusive benefit for DAN Professional Members.
• Offered at no cost to the student.
• Up to US$25,000 coverage for medical expenses for injuries occurring during entry-level training.
• Coverage ends 180 days after registration or until last certifying dive.

2) COURSE PRICING:

• Course Cost: 625 $CAD + applicable taxes per person 
• Course Cost Includes Wave 1 Freediver Certificate
• Course Payment: Due to limited spaces, we are asking for full payment upon event reservation.
• Cancellation and Refund Policy: Please see below.

3) SCHEDULE:

The Molchanovs Wave Program is one of the most intensive open water freediving courses available. Please expect a full weekend of diving, learning and fun!

Day 1 (Online): Online theory review, Q & A session, Molchanovs Dashboard use & intro to Base Training 

• Where & When: Online via Zoom Call the evening before we meet. Usually Friday's from 6PM to 9PM PST.

Day 2 (In Person): Open water part 1, confined water session*, intro to techniques & equalisation skills  

• Where & When: Whytecliffe Park, Horseshoe Bay. 8AM - 6PM (Full Day!)  

Day 3 (In Person): Open Water Part 2 and 3, rescue and safety skills, breathwork & yoga

• Where & When: Whytecliffe Park, Horseshoe Bay. 8AM - 6PM (Full Day!)  

4) COURSE PRE-REQUISITES:

• Able to swim 200 meters non-stop & comfortable in an open water setting 
• Must be 18 years old (16 years old with parent/guardian consent)
• Signed medical statement and liability forms
• Signed COVID-19 liability and waiver form. 

5) EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

• Freediving specific wetsuit, two-piece (5mm to 7mm thickness recommend) or a 7mm surfing wetsuit with hood
• Neoprene gloves and booties (make sure booties fit with fins)
• Fins (freediving fins or snorkelling fins) with closed-heel
• Rubber/nylon weight-belt and weights
• Mask and snorkel
• Warm clothes, change of clothes, towels and footwear
• We suggest to bring a warm beverage for before and after diving
• Visit the Freedive Wire Shop for an excellent selection of freediving equipment: https://shop.freedivewire.com/ 
• Receive 10% off selected Molchanovs Equipment using code "SEATOSKY10" here: https://molchanovs.com/

Please note:

1. It is the student's responsibility to purchase or rent the equipment needed for the course.

2. We highly suggest purchasing your own gear. It's an investment worth making in freediving. 

3. For local rental and purchase we suggest:

1. Sea Dragon Charters  - 6373 Bruce St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2G5 | (604) 329-3486 | Speak to Jan for a freediving gear rental package.
2. Diving Sports Canada - 4578 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R5, Canada | (604) 694-1886 | Speak to Achraf for a freediving gear rental package.

6) PRO TIPS & TRICKS:

• Try not to eat 2-3 hours before any freediving session (i.e. static, dynamic or open water)
• Do some light stretching or yoga at home before coming to a session
• Come well dressed and warm (yes, even during summer time in Canada)
• Bring extra warm/dry clothes and extra warm beverage, snacks and light food
• Bring a yoga mat or any other equipment related to stretching, breathwork or meditation
• Ginger Tea is an excellent way to stay warm beforehand, read why here

PAYMENT DETAILS & CANCELLATION POLICY:

i. Payment:

• Due to limit spaces, we are asking for full payment upon booking.

ii. Payment Options:

• Secure credit card transactions protected by Wix Bookings and Stripe.
• Canadian clients can e-transfer to info@seatoskyfreediving.com. Please contact us for this option.
• PayPal transfers also available to non-Canadians (3.5% additional transfer fee).

iii. Cancellation Policy (Starting January 2022):

• Full refund 90 days before the event starting date.
• 50% refund between 90 days and 60 days of event starting date.
• No refund after 60 days of event starting date.
• Please note refunds might be subject to withholding of payment/transfer fees.