Level 1 Fii Class with Daniel Koval 5/23-5/24

We are pleased to announce May 23/24 we will be hosting a private Fii Level 1 class by Daniel Koval.  I took my Level 2 class with Dan back in February and it was fantastic.  Dan is a competitive freediver over the 200 ft mark and is a great instructor.  He was a former commercial spearo, sponsored by Beuchat and still competes in spearfishing competitions, recently winning the triple crown in Hawaii.

When I took my class with Dan I felt even though he could do some things super easy....like follow me down to 120' no problem, he was super patient and able to explain the complex things we were doing as if I was 8 years old, basically dumbing it down.  He is knowledgeable about freediving and spearfishing and dedicates his life to making sure all of us are safe in the water.

I had the opportunity to go spearfishing with Dan as well and was more at ease and learned a lot about bluewater reef while diving with him.

Here is his website if you would like to learn a little more about Dan: http://www.deepfreediving.com/

As with my Level 1 instructor Mark Lozano, Dan has answered any questions since I took the class.  Nothing but positive experience with the Fii organization and their instructors.  As I was told by a cagey vet when I was first getting my fins wet, "I know a few spearos who are great hunters but not great freedivers....it is rare you find a great freediver who can't hunt.  You want to be a good spearo learn to be a great diver."  This was mostly because I started later and boy has it paid off for me taking the classes and focusing on freediving.

The class will cost $295.00 with a $150.00 deposit.  We will split the class with Day 1 taking place in Concord at the shop and Day 2 hopefully taking place at SWS if conditions allow.  We are trying to use kayaks to paddle out to a spot with enough depth and to save money by not having a boat fee.  Dan has also said he would do a spearfishing class for an additional $55.00, a huge discount for a commercial, sponsored, competition spearo.  There are 6 spots remaining in the class.

Here is the link to sign up for the class:

https://extranet.freedivinginstructors.com/app/postercourse.php?idcourse=2661

I can not recommend the class enough and taking it with Dan who is an amazing instructor.  You will become a better, safer diver after taking the class. A personal story to show how having two trained divers helps. 

Kris Cortez and I were doing some deeper drops over a rock pile, it was my turn, saw a nice fat cab in a hole, shot the cab flopper didn't engage so I started pushing the shaft forward as not to lose him, I think I was in 60' of water.  I experienced a leg cramp but remained calm and started dolphin kicking to the surface.  I had overexerted myself a bit but my training kicked in and I knew Kris was at the surface waiting for me.  I didn't panic, look for the surface and just went through what I had been taught in the class. 

Once on the surface I did proper surface protocol for recovery breathing and immediately noticed Kris had positioned himself right next to me, looking at my eyes in case I had a loss of motor control or blackout.  I gave the ok signal and we all started laughing within a minute or so because we switched back to what we learned in the class without thinking about it.  Things happen in cold dark water when you least expect it especially when you can't see the bottom.  I didn't feel like the drops we were making were outside of my comfort zone nor did I do anything crazy but a cramp happened and my training kicked in to help me.

We have added the spearfishing section of the class after the test at day 2.  The total class will be 350.00 so for $55.00 you get the spearfishing portion.  If you would like to do the class only it will be 295.00.  If you are level 1 trained, Fii or Pfi, you are welcome to attend the spearfishing section only of the class.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or complaints 

Matt

Very cool. What is the expected goal depth for this class?

Probably should have stated that!! 

66ft is the max depth for the class....however if you slap your arm down you may get 72' lol.

Matt

Thanks for clarifying.

Stoked for this class and the spearfishing class this weekend! Anyone else attending here?

anyone get video?