Free Diving Class at Wallins

Im thinking of taking this class on Feb 15th at Wallins.
Does anyone have any feedback from this class or the instructor David Laird?

Excerpt from the website:

Have you ever wondered how some individuals can reach depths in excess of 100 feet using only the air in their lungs? Have you ever said to yourself "There must be something more to this...?"

Well, there is something more! Prepare to be re-introduced to the ocean as you know it with Wallin's Modern Freediving and Spearfishing Techniques class, taught by well-known freediver David Laird. In one day, with step-by-step instruction, and actual underwater practice in our heated pool, you will learn to become a better freediver.

Breathing techniques, conservation of movement, streamlining, and the physics of freediving will all be covered during this action packed 1-day class, as well as safety procedures, correct weighting, equipment, and hunting methods.

Pool Clinic Tuition: $125 + Student Kit ($65)
Ocean Clinic Tuition: $125 (The Pool Clinic is a pre-requisite to enroll in the Ocean Clinic)
Includes Free shipping of Student Kit.

Wish I had $315 to blow right now. Unfortunately, I don't.

You only need 190 to start with the pool session.

I took this class with David Laird 3-4 years ago. I have to say that it's probably worth it to a total noob, which I was. But for guys who've already been free diving, I don't think you'll be getting much out of it.
David is a great guy, but I assume you want to learn something new from the class. He just didn't present much of any new information. You can probably learn just as much if not more from going on Youtube. There were two things that I learned during the class that might be worth the price of admission... 1) how to decent without your weight belt; 2) a reverse "bike pedaling" technique to conserve energy when ascending. Nonetheless, sometimes things just become more clear in a classroom environment. $190 is not bad. I had to purchase a book and a DVD of David and his buddies diving in several places. It's fun to watch and all, but absolutely not classroom instruction material.

Anyhow, have fun.

ernest

Thanks for the detailed info Ernest 

I greatly appreciated it.

Antonio

I took this class with David Laird 3-4 years ago. I have to say that it's probably worth it to a total noob, which I was. But for guys who've already been free diving, I don't think you'll be getting much out of it.
David is a great guy, but I assume you want to learn something new from the class. He just didn't present much of any new information. You can probably learn just as much if not more from going on Youtube. There were two things that I learned during the class that might be worth the price of admission... 1) how to decent without your dive belt; 2) a reverse "bike pedaling" technique to conserve energy when ascending. Nonetheless, sometimes things just become more clear in a classroom environment. $190 is not bad. I had to purchase a book and a DVD of David and his buddies diving in several places. It's fun to watch and all, but absolutely not classroom instruction material.

Anyhow, have fun.

ernest

+1  Took the same class from David.  Really worth it for a total newbie like me.  Maybe okay to just refresh basics on how to relax for someone who has only free dive a few times and has problem staying down.

Rey

Hi,

I did not take a class with David Laird, but I, with several friends, took one with Pacific Coast Freediving out of Sonoma.  I have to say it was a game changer for me.  It is one thing that Jake and Erin are 1st class free divers but they are also 1st class teachers.  The one and most important concept a student get from the class is safety.  I not only increased my bottom time and confidence significantly, but also know how to help my dive buddies when needed.  Yes, it is not cheap ($350+), but it is worth every penny IMHO.  We are thinking about taking the intermediate class next year.

Here is the link: http://www.pacificcoastfreediving.com/

Dave

2) a reverse "bike pedaling" technique to conserve energy when ascending.

Could you explain that?  I have never heard of that technique.

Easier shown than explain. It's almost like pedaling backward, but you kick straight down with toes pointing sideway on a downward stroke. It helps relieve the tension on your calves. It takes less energy than the normal flipping action. Only suitable on the ascend.
I would use it when I feel a cramp is about to happen, and it helps relieve the tension on the lower leg muscles.

Easier shown than explain. It's almost like pedaling backward, but you kick straight down with toes point sideway on a downward stroke. It helps relieve the tension on your calves. It takes less energy then the normal flipping action. Only suitable on the ascend.
I would use it when I feel a cramp is about to happen, and it helps relieve the tension on the lower leg muscles.

I hope I can remember that so I can try it.

Thanks for the detailed info Ernest 

I greatly appreciated it.

Antonio

Just finished the intro class today, and think it was pretty worth it, all in all it will be close to a $300 expense, but for someone new to diving, it seems to be a very safe, fun way to go

Was just going to post a thread on free dive class 
I have been wanting to take a class. Im not a total noob but would love to learn proper techniques. Possibility i will be taking class.