Fii Level 1 Freediver Class

We are pleased to announce we have started our Fii Level 1 freediving classes.  Some of you have taken classes before and know they are worth every penny.  This is a level 1 class in which the max depth is 66', 72' if you drop the watch down  and a 3min static.  The real reason to take the class besides the depth and breath hold training is the safety aspects of the class.  All the proper safety techniques will be taught during the class.

The class is $350.00 and runs 2 days. Day one will be in Concord at the shop and Day 2 will be in Carmel at either SWS or Monastery depending on conditions.

This class is for beginners up to experienced spearos!

Class is limited to 10 students with 2 instructors. First class will be 11/14-15

If you do not know Kris or I we both recently became certified instructors over a 10 day grueling course in San Diego.  Fii has a 33% pass rate for their instructor courses because as an instructor they demand the technique and skills being demonstrated be perfect. Kris and I are both 134' divers with 5 min static breath holds.  These aren't the greatest in the diving world but for the North Coast and a Level 1 class you will all be in good hands with primary focus being on learning the proper techniques of breathing, water entries, diving and overall safety while being out on the water.

It is a small investment to build the proper foundation of safety in freediving and hopefully let you learn how to love the sport for a long time and do it safely.

If you have any questions please let me know either here, pm or email [email protected]


http://www.freedivinginstructors.com/fii/courses_by/kris.cortez

This is definitely on my todo list!  Just cant do that first set of dates.

Hopefully, this will give me the confidence i need to start getting under the water!

Matt,

Do you know what the difference is between SSI and Fii?

Is it similar to Naui and PADI?

Thanks and congrats on the growth of your business.

Matt,

Do you know what the difference is between SSI and Fii?

Is it similar to Naui and PADI?

Thanks and congrats on the growth of your business.

Thanks Antonio!

I have never been exposed to an SSI course  so I can't really say what the differences really are. 

I wouldn't say it is Naui to PADI as they are both scuba where as Fii is the only pure freediving education organization started in the United States (PFI is another pure freediving agency but also has international classes).

When I started looking into taking my initial classes I was first drawn to Fii because of their relatively small classroom sizes and how the classes are run together as in classroom, pool and ocean rather than a break or disconnect so the information stays fresh. I was also drawn to it by the fact it was started by 13-time world-record freediver Martin Stepanek and it was focused on safety and education rather than depth. I also liked that the education is not freediving only based but they realize a lot of us spearfish or abalone dive and take that  into account while designing their educational system.

They also have a slew of top level spearos who have picked them in their freediving education, ie Cameron Kirkconnell, Daniel Silveira, Kimi Werner and John Dornellas.  When I started out a lot of these guys and gals were people I wanted to be like.....Now it is just BigJim, Kris and Charlie 

I also like that there were no other things they were, just pure freediving and had no scuba affiliation.  I have absolutely nothing against scuba and what people to enjoy the ocean anyway they can, the gear involved and my back just pushed me away.

I also chose FII because I feel they continue to uphold the highest standards in the industry for both their students and instructors.

I know Kris can add his take on the class but even having dove his whole life the class was still extremely challenging and they would not compromise on any technical skill or demonstration.  During the instructor exam you were picked to lead a portion of a class at any point and would have to do demonstration quality on every skill required by level 1 student.  If it was not perfect then you had one more shot to do skill, if not perfect then you failed.

I had to buy 3 new pairs of carbon fins to fix pigeon toe on my right foot.  I have some nerve damage from my back injury so my right foot  doesn't work right.  With some focus and the right fins I was finally able to get it during instructor class.

I am also aware that the instructor makes a world of difference as well.  If you have a horrible instructor it could make for a bad class regardless of the organization. 

I hope some of you will come out and take some classes with us.  I will be doing a lot of filming during BigJim's class so you can see the shock and surprise as he crushes some Personal Bests. 

This is a great foundation for every freediver, spearo or ab hunter and if you want to go on, we plan on offering level 2 classes by the end of the year once we get some seasoning and hit some deeper depths (160'-200') ourselves so we can give you all the confidence in us during level 2 class.

Hope to see you out there!

Matt

Matt,
        Are you just going to do pop-up course or are you going to have a schedule for the year or next six months?
do you think you will teach any classes up north(Sonoma, Mendo)?

Matt,
        Are you just going to do pop-up course or are you going to have a schedule for the year or next six months?
do you think you will teach any classes up north(Sonoma, Mendo)?

Hey Sarge,

We will have a pretty consistent schedule.  I do not know we will have 6 months in advance planned but we will at a minimum try and host at least 1 public class a month as well as some private and weekday classes.

See you soon,

Matt

AWESOME thanks bro.

Matt,

Do you know what the difference is between SSI and Fii?

Is it similar to Naui and PADI?

Thanks and congrats on the growth of your business.

Thanks Antonio!

I have never been exposed to an SSI course  so I can't really say what the differences really are. 

I wouldn't say it is Naui to PADI as they are both scuba where as Fii is the only pure freediving education organization started in the United States (PFI is another pure freediving agency but also has international classes).

When I started looking into taking my initial classes I was first drawn to Fii because of their relatively small classroom sizes and how the classes are run together as in classroom, pool and ocean rather than a break or disconnect so the information stays fresh. I was also drawn to it by the fact it was started by 13-time world-record freediver Martin Stepanek and it was focused on safety and education rather than depth. I also liked that the education is not freediving only based but they realize a lot of us spearfish or abalone dive and take that  into account while designing their educational system.

They also have a slew of top level spearos who have picked them in their freediving education, ie Cameron Kirkconnell, Daniel Silveira, Kimi Werner and John Dornellas.  When I started out a lot of these guys and gals were people I wanted to be like.....Now it is just BigJim, Kris and Charlie 

I also like that there were no other things they were, just pure freediving and had no scuba affiliation.  I have absolutely nothing against scuba and what people to enjoy the ocean anyway they can, the gear involved and my back just pushed me away.

I also chose FII because I feel they continue to uphold the highest standards in the industry for both their students and instructors.

I know Kris can add his take on the class but even having dove his whole life the class was still extremely challenging and they would not compromise on any technical skill or demonstration.  During the instructor exam you were picked to lead a portion of a class at any point and would have to do demonstration quality on every skill required by level 1 student.  If it was not perfect then you had one more shot to do skill, if not perfect then you failed.

I had to buy 3 new pairs of carbon fins to fix pigeon toe on my right foot.  I have some nerve damage from my back injury so my right foot  doesn't work right.  With some focus and the right fins I was finally able to get it during instructor class.

I am also aware that the instructor makes a world of difference as well.  If you have a horrible instructor it could make for a bad class regardless of the organization. 

I hope some of you will come out and take some classes with us.  I will be doing a lot of filming during BigJim's class so you can see the shock and surprise as he crushes some Personal Bests. 

This is a great foundation for every freediver, spearo or ab hunter and if you want to go on, we plan on offering level 2 classes by the end of the year once we get some seasoning and hit some deeper depths (160'-200') ourselves so we can give you all the confidence in us during level 2 class.

Hope to see you out there!

Matt

Hey Antonio!

I too don't have any experience with SSI. But like Matt said, FII has really high standards especially for their instructor course. I dove my whole life and went into the course thinking eh no problem! But as soon as day 1 started I realized it definitely won't be easy. I really had to work on my technique for example my entries, kicking technique, form, timing. EVERYTHING had to be perfect if I wanted to become an instructor. At the end of it I was so stoked that Matt and I made it.

I also never even heard of a freediving class until I came to California and taking an FII course really helped my breath hold and hunting technique, and the class pushed safety safety safety which is the most important part.

If you got any other question don't hesitate to ask Matt and I we are always stoked to help out! Hope to see everyone out there! Dive safe!

Aloha,
Kris Cortez

I'm fired up for this class!!

I've never had any formal instruction or anything so am looking forward to seeing what I can do differently/better to dive safer and be more comfy hunting underwater.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

I'm fired up for this class!!

I've never had any formal instruction or anything so am looking forward to seeing what I can do differently/better to dive safer and be more comfy hunting underwater.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

I am sure you will excel in this class. 

Free Diving and Spearfishing is high on my list of things to learn. I'm interested in taking a class but work Sundays. Are all your classes Sat-Sun?