If you have started a RAID Freediver Course, RAID Advanced Freediver Course or RAID Master Freediving Course but have not yet completed your skills to qualify for certification, or, you are qualified and would like to refresh your skills our ‘Returning Student’ sessions offer the perfect opportunity to do so.
Who is a ‘Returning Student’?
A returning student is any student who has undertaken a RAID Freediver Course, RAID Advanced Freediver Course, RAID Master Freediving Course. This option is specifically designed to allow students who have undertaken a certification level course with Go Freediving to complete or refresh their skills.
What do the Returning Student Sessions Involve?
The returning student sessions allow the student to join an existing course and retake all the tuition they received on their original course, have tuition from a qualified instructor and have their skills assessed and if applicable signed off.
The returning student, who can join for day one, day two or both, has the following options:
Day one:
Join the course from the outset – guaranteeing two dives, classroom input, assessment and sign off of skills where applicable.
Dive in the morning with buddies and instructors at Vobster and then join the course in the afternoon – guaranteeing two dives, classroom input, assessment and sign off of skills where applicable.
Arrive at lunch time and join the course for the afternoon – guranteeing one dive and classroom input
Day two:
Remains with or joins the course for day two input – guaranteeing two dives, classroom input, assessment and sign off of skills where applicable.
How Long do the Returning Student Sessions Last?
The sessions are very flexible, but are charged by the day. You can attend day one or day two or both days of the course – the choice is yours.
How Much do the Returning Student Sessions cost?
The sessions cost *£60 per day. This price does not include kit hire (£30) or Vobster entry.
*Please note this price is for returning student sessions and not the cost for private one-to-one sessions.
What if a Course Is Not Running When I Want to Attend?
We prefer our returning attend when we have courses running as we believe this will offer the best conditions to learn. However, if you are only available on a non-scheduled day, we can arrange (subject to availability) for an instructor to be available at Vobster to assess your skills and sign them off if applicable
How Many Times Can I Attend as a Returning Student?
There is no limit to the amount of times you can attend as a returning student. In fact, we even have some qualified freedivers who may have been absent from the sport for several years, come back and join a course as a returning student, just to refresh skills and update themselves with any changes.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Prepare Myself For The Session/s?
If you know what your weakness was during the course, we would highly recommend working on these areas before attending the session so that you are as prepared as you can be. The links you were given in your preparation email and debrief email for your original course, both provide information and exercises that can help improve technique and equalisation. Also practice in your local pool whenever you get the chance. If you live local to Bath or Poole come along to our club sessions, we always welcome new faces!
Do I Have To Book My Place?
Spaces for returning students are strictly limited and are reserved very quickly – often weeks or months in advance. We understand people may not always be able to do this, but you can always drop us a line at info@gofreediving.co.uk if you want to check availability.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Certified Freediver?
Once you are a certified freediver you are qualified for life. There are no renewal requirements. So, knowing you are qualified to freedive efficiently, safely and competently will not only increase your personal confidence, it will make your experience in the water more enjoyable and will allow to progress further in the sport. It will also help improve spearfishing, scuba diving and snorkelling skills too.
And, if you’re like me, you will have the satisfaction of completing something you have started!
How Do I Book My Place?
If you wish to enrol on a returning student session, please send an email to the Go Freediving team at info@gofreediving.co.uk and book your place,today!
Further reading on nutrition, exercises, safety,
techique and more, can all be found in our blog.
Why learning to be a safe freediving buddy is so important
When a student chooses to do a freediving course, while their primary objective in most cases, is to become a safe freediver, they will also be expected to learn how to be a safe freediving buddy too. Any responsible freediver will ensure they have a qualified freeediving buddy with them at all times - one who is trained and able to rescue them from any scenario they might find themselves in, while extending the same level of safety and reassurance in return to their freediving buddy.
Learning to Equalise On A Freediving Course
Learning to equalise is one of the core skills a freediver needs to master in order to maximise performance and enjoyment of freediving. This week's students were treated to a Masterclass in the Frenzel technique from British record holder David Kent.
David Mellor Diary – Philippine Depth Championships
Last time we wrote a recap of everything David has been doing to get to the point he is at today. This time we look at his final training preparations for the Philippine Depth Championships and find out more about the competition and how David performed.
A professional Mermaid and a Freediver – Linda Agren
Earlier this year we reached out and asked you to get in touch if you used freediving in the course of your work. In this article we speak to Linda Ågren, also known as Mermaid Athiraa. Linda was born in Southern Sweden in 1989, which just so happened to be the very same year that Disney’s The Little Mermaid premiered.
What Freediving Course Equipment Do You Use On A Freediving Course?
One of the questions we get asked when people book a course with Go Freediving is 'What freediving course equipment is provided?' or ' Do I need to buy any freediving course equipment?' The answer is simple - we provide everything you need. So, what does that include?
David Mellor Diary – Training and Competition Recap
As David reflected on his recent performance, we thought it was the perfect time for us to look back at his training and competitions and pick out some of the highs and lows so far this season. So if you've only just joined David's journey, here's a mid-season freediving recap!
Ear Pain When Diving – What Causes It And How to Stop It!
Do you experience ear pain when diving? If so, congratulations - you have one of the most commonly reported (and most unwelcome) side effects of diving incorrectly. However, did you know that you should not experience ANY ear pain when diving? Find out why people experience ear pain when diving, and what steps they need to take to be able to dive pain free.
David Mellor – Post Freediving Competition Analysis
In David's last diary entry David talked about the highs and lows of the recent Dahab Championships. David has now had some time to reflect on his performance and analyse what he did right and what he did wrong. Read his post freediving competition analysis here.
An Online Freediving Course Is Just The Start!
It's the start of our 2019 season - which can only mean one thing! It's the start of our RAID Freediver courses too! Last week saw our first RAID freediver students arrive at Glebe House ready for the practical elements of their freediving course. Each student had already completed their online freediving course materials, so were ready to go!
David Mellor – Freediving Training Diary – Dahab Freediving Championships
Welcome to the not-so-secret freediving training diary of David Mellor! In David’s last diary entry David talked about his final preparations for the Dahab Freediving Championships. This time we talk to him post competition and hear about the highs and lows of the event.
David Mellor – Freediving Training Diary – Dahab Competition Prep
Welcome to the not-so-secret freediving training diary of David Mellor! In David's last diary entry David talked about his his first depth competition of 2019 in the Blue Ocean Mini Comp in Dahab. This time we talk to him about his latest fitness equipment, how he is avoiding over training and how he is trying to maintain his body weight.
Marine Conservation And Freediving
Earlier this year we reached out and asked you to get in touch if you used freediving in the course of your work. In this article we speak to previous Go Freediving student Anna Harrison. Anna told us about her role as a marine biologist and how she believes learning to freedive will help her marine conservation efforts.
Red Sea Freediving Holiday 2019
We went to the Red Sea in March where we were whisked straight to the Whirlwind and set off for a week of amazing Red Sea freediving. But don't let me tell you all about it, watch our awesome video and read what everyone else had to say! Find out why they came, what they thought of the trip and if they would recommend it!
David Mellor – Freediving Training Diary – Freediving Competitions in Dahab
Welcome to the not-so-secret freediving training diary of David Mellor! In David's last diary entry David talked about his training in Dahab and how he was enjoying finessing skills. This time we speak with David immediately following his first depth competition of 2019. He took part in the Blue Ocean Mini Comp on the 5th April and did a 52 constant weight with bi-fins dive and got a white card for a clean performance.
David Mellor – Freediving Training Diary – Freediving Training in Dahab
Welcome to the not-so-secret freediving training diary of David Mellor! This week we're in Dahab! Well, David is! He is there for some serious training ahead of two upcoming competitions in Dahab - the mini competition on 5th April and then the Dahab Championships 25th - 29th April. Also David has received some awesome news: He has made the GB for the world champs in Nice in Sept for FIM and CWT! Well done, David!
3D Printing of Coral Reef is Helping Our Coral Nurseries
In August 2018 one company - Reef Design Labs led by designer Alex Goad took 3D printing to a whole new level and 3D printed and installed a coral reef called MARS (Modular Artificial Reef Structure) in the Maldives. Find out why this could be game-changing it the protection of our planet's coral.
The UK Nationals Pool Freediving Championships 2019
We followed Poole Freediving Club members David, Tracey and Liz at the UK Nationals Pool Freediving Championships in Bristol earlier this month. Read our post competition interviews with Tracey and Liz - and discover their highs and lows of this freediving competition!
Uba Project Equalisation Tool Review
The Uba Project equalisation tool is an ingenious device to show you how much pressure you need to equalise, but what technique you are using. From the Frenzel equalisation technique, to the mouthfill, constant pressure, reverse packing and more, you can see where you're going right, what needs improvement and can practice at any time away from the water. So how does it work, why do you need one, and is it worth the money? Here's our comprehensive review of the Uba Project equalisation tool.
David Mellor – Freediving Training Diary – Black Outs in Freediving Competitions
Welcome to the not-so-secret freediving training diary of David Mellor! Last time we looked at the venue and competition schedule for David's first competition this year. This time we learn about David's first ever black out - how it happened and what he has learned from it.
David Mellor – Freediving Training Diary – National Pool Freediving Championships
Welcome to the not-so-secret freediving training diary of David Mellor! Last time David talked about his training and exercise routine - and made us all exhausted in the process. This week we talk to David about his freediving diet and pre-competition preparation. Find out what he eats and and why eggs don't feature much in his freediving diet! David also talks about how he prepares himself ahead of a competition
What to think about during a static apnea breath hold
When we hold our breath we need to control our mind. With the freediving discipline of static apnea you are not physically moving so there is little to distract from the urge to breathe. Read more to discover the secrets to taming your thoughts and extending your static apnea breath hold.
Breast Cancer Treatment and Breath Holding
Breath hold training has been used as part of radiation therapy treatment for breast cancer for some time. Researchers at Birmingham University in the UK, wanted to take it further and find out if longer breath holding could result in safer, longer doses of radiation. Find out more about the study and why it is so important, here.
David Mellor – Freediving Training Diary – Diet
Welcome to the not-so-secret freediving training diary of David Mellor! Last time David talked about his training and exercise routine - and made us all exhausted in the process. This week we talk to David about his freediving diet and pre-competition preparation. Find out what he eats and and why eggs don't feature much in his freediving diet! David also talks about how he prepares himself ahead of a competition
Freediving Podcast II With The Freedive Cafe
I recently joined Donny at The Freedive Cafe for an second podcast interview about my journey as a freediver. Find out everything about me and my thoughts on freediving, here.
David Mellor – Freediving Training Diary – Training and Exercises
Last time David talked about his dynamic training and why listening to your body is so important. This week we follow a typical training week in the life of David. We look at the training and exercises he is doing to ensure he is the best form possible for the upcoming competitions. So, if you were thinking about a career change to being an international freediving competitor, then check out the training and exercises David is doing, to see what’s involved.
