Advise for level 1 freediving class

Hello out there,
I'm scoping out possibilities for taking the level 1 (SSI) freediving course at Bamboo Reef (mostly because it's the only class I can find near me) and wondering if anyone has done their level 1 course?
I spoke to Mark (SF loc.) at Bamboo reef today and he mentioned that the instructor would be Brian for the upcoming November 19th class in Sf.
Any knowledge of that instructor?

I've only been free diving here in Norcal a couple of times, have all my own good quality equipment but don't really have much experience and am questioning the necessity of talking the course. I'm a natural autodidact and think that through reading, youtube videos and doing I can probably learn the fundamentals equally well but I suppose the advantage of taking the class is that I will dedicate the hours and gain insight/feedback from an instructor that is sure to accelerate/improve the learning curve.
 
I think I've talked myself into taking the class, haven't I....?

Are there any newbies like myself that are interested in becoming dive buddies and/or attending the Nov. 19 class at Bamboo Reef or any seasoned pros that wouldn't mind mentoring me for a bit?

The swell/tide looks a bit rough for the next week or so, but let me know if anyone is going out soon and wouldn't mind company. I think I'm pretty safety conscious, not concerned too much about bring back dinner, mostly want to practice and learn!
 
Thanks Seth

I dove successfully for decades without taking a freedive class.
Bit the bullet and took a class through Wallins in San Mateo.
Been kicking myself in the ass ever since for not doing it since day 1.
There is absolutely no way you will learn on your own what you will get out of that class.
It will substantially lessen your learning curve. You will spend more time diving safely rather then haphazardly. You will only be improving on the proper way to dive rather then having to correct bad habits, and you will spend more time under water because you won't be burning up so much air doing it wrong.
Really wish I was using the skills I learned from that class since day one.
It made freediving so much easier.

I dove successfully for decades without taking a freedive class.
Bit the bullet and took a class through Wallins in San Mateo.
Been kicking myself in the ass ever since for not doing it since day 1.
There is absolutely no way you will learn on your own what you will get out of that class.
It will substantially lessen your learning curve. You will spend more time diving safely rather then haphazardly. You will only be improving on the proper way to dive rather then having to correct bad habits, and you will spend more time under water because you won't be burning up so much air doing it wrong.
Really wish I was using the skills I learned from that class since day one.
It made freediving so much easier.

+1 on this ^^^^

 Right on, thank you for your reply, good to hear another’s perspective and definitely going to take the class.

I dove successfully for decades without taking a freedive class.
Bit the bullet and took a class through Wallins in San Mateo.
Been kicking myself in the ass ever since for not doing it since day 1.
There is absolutely no way you will learn on your own what you will get out of that class.
It will substantially lessen your learning curve. You will spend more time diving safely rather then haphazardly. You will only be improving on the proper way to dive rather then having to correct bad habits, and you will spend more time under water because you won't be burning up so much air doing it wrong.
Really wish I was using the skills I learned from that class since day one.
It made freediving so much easier.

+10! So many things I see in other videos of divers (like bicycle kick finning, not spitting snorkel and head looking toward the bottom on decent). By far the most value I found was the practical experience of rescue diving. It's one thing to know in theory but so much better when you can actually practice. Line diving with Rebekah (RebekahSeas) without a gun made me realize how much more bottom time I have when not hunting. We literally just laid on the sandy bottom and watched a bat ray for a while haha.