Before taking your first step into freediving, it's natural to have questions. Over the years of teaching in Porto de Galinhas, we've noticed that certain questions come up every time — regardless of age, background, or experience. We've gathered the most common ones here, with direct and honest answers.
Do I Need to Be a Good Swimmer to Do Freediving?
No. You don't need to be an advanced swimmer to get started. What matters is feeling minimally comfortable in the water — you don't need to master any swimming style or have speed. Freediving works with relaxation and control, not strength or swimming technique. Many of our students had never done swimming before and learned freediving without any difficulty.
Do I Need to Be in Good Physical Shape?
It's not a requirement. Freediving is much more mental than physical — relaxation and breath control are worth far more than physical fitness. In practice, people with different body types and fitness levels practice and progress in freediving. There are even high-level athletes in international competitions who wouldn't fit the expected "athletic" profile. That said, the better your general physical condition, the better your performance tends to be — but that's a natural consequence of progress, not a mandatory starting point.
Is There an Age Limit for the Course?
The minimum age is 14 years old, with parental authorization required for those under 18. There is no upper age limit — we've had students of very advanced age who completed the course without any problem. Freediving is one of the few sports where life experience and maturity are genuine advantages: the emotional control and patience that come with age are a real help in learning freediving.
How Deep Will I Go During the Course?
In Level 1, the first ocean dives take place between 5 and 10 meters, progressing according to each student's comfort and development. The goal is not to reach a specific depth — it's to learn the correct technique to dive safely and confidently. Depth is a consequence of learning, not a target in itself.
If you progress to Level 2 and Level 3, depths increase progressively — up to 20–30 meters in Level 2 and beyond 30 meters in Level 3.
Is Freediving Dangerous?
Like any water sport, freediving has its precautions — and all of them are manageable with the right technique and guidance. That's why in all our courses we teach the **buddy system** from day one: never dive alone, always with a safety partner at the surface. We also work each student's limits gradually and respectfully, with no rush and no pressure.
With proper guidance and following safety protocols, freediving is a safe, accessible practice — and much more peaceful than it looks from the outside.
How Long Does the Course Take?
It depends on the level:
- Try Freediving: 1 theory class of 45 minutes + 1 ocean session of 1.5 hours
- Level 1: 2 theory classes of 1.5 hours each + 2 ocean sessions of 2.5 hours each
- Levels 2 and 3: similar structure to Level 1, with progressive content
Theory classes can be done online before the trip, making it possible to make the most of every in-person moment in the ocean.
Can I Do the Theory Classes Online?
Yes! We offer the possibility of completing theory classes online before your arrival in Porto de Galinhas. That way, when you arrive, all your time is dedicated to practice in the ocean — without having to split your trip between the classroom and the water.
What Equipment Do I Need to Bring?
Nothing. All the equipment needed for the classes is provided by the school. You don't need to buy anything before starting — that's one of the advantages of the Try Freediving and Level 1: you experience freediving with no investment in equipment. If after trying it you want to continue, we can guide you on what makes sense to buy.
What's the Best Time of Year to Come?
Porto de Galinhas has good diving conditions all year round, thanks to water temperatures that stay between 26°C and 28°C in every season. For maximum visibility, the period from September to April is usually the most recommended, with calmer seas and more crystal-clear water. In practice though, we never cancel classes due to poor sea conditions — we always find the best available spot on the day.
Where Do the Classes Take Place?
Theory classes can be held in person or online. Practical classes take place in the ocean, at spots selected in the Porto de Galinhas region according to the conditions on the day — always prioritizing calm waters, good visibility, and student safety.
Still Have Questions?
Get in touch directly — we respond quickly and with pleasure. Every student has a different profile, and we love to have a conversation before recommending the most suitable course for each person.
---
*Want to learn more before deciding? Also read: [Freediving: Mind and Body Benefits] and [Freediving Course in Porto de Galinhas: Complete Guide 2026]*