Took a Freediving Class Over The Weekend

Absolutely amazed at the things I learned.
Saturday was in the pool at Wallins in San Mateo.
Sunday was in the ocean in Monterey.
The instructor for both days was David Laird.
I don't think I could have possibly been given a better instructor. Incredibly professional and extremely patient. And this dude can DIVE!
We were shown techniques I've never seen before. And to watch them being performed to perfection opened up an entire new world for me.
KenJan and Skunkasaurus were in the ocean class the same time as I. Worked out great.
Seeing Ken dive to 50 feet on only his 4th time diving was very impressive. There is definitely something of an advantage to taking this kind of class no matter how long you've been diving.
I was able to lighten my weight belt to 16 lbs...so much easier than the megatons it seemed I used to wear; twenty six lbs back in the day. I was diving comfortably with 20 lbs before the class. No problem shedding the extra 4 lbs now.
I got to 46 feet until my left ear said go no further. Could have gone deeper had my ear cleared. Still a huge bench mark for me. The class made all the difference.
So if you've been on the fence about this class; do it!
The only regret I have is that I didn't do it years sooner.
Can't wait to get back in the water and knock some fish.

That sounds incredible, Mike! I've been wanting to do that for some time. Can you share some more details? Whst made you able to go deeper?

John

Definitely something I have been interested in. When is the next class and is there a website that I could check out? Any help to point me in the right direction would be appreciated.

That sounds incredible, Mike! I've been wanting to do that for some time. Can you share some more details? Whst made you able to go deeper?

John

Mostly the techniques we were shown. Proper breathing, form, beginning the dive (which is HUGE!), kicking up. They were all big confidence builders too.
What I really got out of it were some great tools to work with. Once I get the techniques I learned down pat I'll have a much greater bottom time with a lot less effort.
Kind of like watching a guy swing a golf club as hard as he can and the ball hardly goes anywhere; then the pro steps up and with little to no effort at all sends the ball flying right down the middle of he fairway.
I've been shown the right way to do things, now it's up to me to practice.

Definitely something I have been interested in. When is the next class and is there a website that I could check out? Any help to point me in the right direction would be appreciated.

http://www.wallins.com/classes_freediving.html

Right on, Mike!  Sounds very worthwhile.  I'd love to share some notes with you next time we're hanging out.   

Glad you got out and did it.  Now you just got to get out more and it will just keep getting easier. 

That post was great. I am brand new to diving as of this year. I would really enjoy a class like this.
 Do you know  when the next one is? Maybe we could car pool..
  Thanks again for a cool post, really gives me good hopes for next year.

That post was great. I am brand new to diving as of this year. I would really enjoy a class like this.
 Do you know  when the next one is? Maybe we could car pool..
  Thanks again for a cool post, really gives me good hopes for next year.

It's in the link I provided.

Upcoming Class Dates:


Pool Clinic - January 3rd, 2015
Session: Saturday, January 3rd, 10am - 4pm

Pool Clinic - February 14th, 2015
Session: Saturday, February 14th, 10am - 4pm

Pool Clinic - March 7th, 2015
Session: Saturday, March 7th, 10am - 4pm

Ocean Clinic - March 8th, 2015
Session: Sunday, March 8th, 9:00am

Hey Tote, did you sign up for both the pool and ocean clinics separately OR can you get them as a Package Deal?  Also, do they have gear you can rent OR are you required to bring your own gear?  Thanks for sharing!

- J

That post was great. I am brand new to diving as of this year. I would really enjoy a class like this.
 Do you know  when the next one is? Maybe we could car pool..
  Thanks again for a cool post, really gives me good hopes for next year.

It's in the link I provided.

Upcoming Class Dates:


Pool Clinic - January 3rd, 2015
Session: Saturday, January 3rd, 10am - 4pm

Pool Clinic - February 14th, 2015
Session: Saturday, February 14th, 10am - 4pm

Pool Clinic - March 7th, 2015
Session: Saturday, March 7th, 10am - 4pm

Ocean Clinic - March 8th, 2015
Session: Sunday, March 8th, 9:00am

Mike stoked you took a freedive class.  Took my first several years ago and like you experienced , what a difference. Relaxation, breath ups, timing, weight, rescue, put these together and your confidence and ability increase exponentially.  Hopefully your ear/clearing improves for you but if not don't push it, there is a lot of structure 40 ft and less to explore and hunt. I also need some saltwater therapy, hopefully l after the storms. Enjoy your new found skills. 

Really cool to hear about this class. I have been considering one of the FII classes for a while. I think the skills and the safety components of free diving are so critical. Nice work!

-Quinn

Ive taken the pool class with David, and it is pretty awesome!
Me and 3 other buddies booked together and had a private class to ourselves.

Two of us are novice divers (myself included) and my other two friends are pretty experienced, and all of us felt that the class was worth it, and are excited about doing the ocean class!

I did the pool and ocean in the same weekend. I would recommend not doing them in the same weekend, especially if you are somewhat of a newb.
Take time to practice what you learned and then take it to the ocean. That would be much better IMO.
The only reason I did it is because I won't get a chance to practice much over the winter so I decided to squeeze them together.

Great to dive with you mike!  All I can say is David laird is an awesome teacher. He will push you beyond your expectations. I've been blessed to dive with him 3 out of 4 times I've been out. He really stresses safety and technique Imo  the key to having fun.. I will continue to dive with him any opportunity I get.
Mike let me know when you want to kill some fish!