Junior Freediver Courses

What is Junior Freediving?

Junior Freediving is an aquatic activity tailored for youngsters, introducing them to the fundamentals of freediving while fostering comfort in breath-holding. Catering to ages 4 to 15, this program initiates children into water confidence, starting with basic skills like floating and swimming. Progressing through successive courses, participants delve into the rudiments of various freediving disciplines, potentially igniting a lifelong passion for the sport. Beyond technical proficiency, Junior Freediving cultivates health, safety, and a profound connection with the sea, enriching children's well-being and aquatic acumen.

Age categories

4-7 Years

The Molchanovs Junior Freediver Course for children aged 4-7 years is designed to introduce young learners to the fundamentals of freediving in a fun, safe, and engaging environment. This course focuses on building water confidence, teaching basic breath-holding techniques, and developing an understanding of safety and how their bodies move in the water. 

Course Highlights: Lap Course (pool based course)

1. Water Familiarisation:

   • Games and activities to help children become comfortable in the water.

   • Introduction to basic swimming and floating techniques.

2. Breath-Holding Basics:

   • Simple and age-appropriate breath-holding exercises usually carried out through games

   • Introduce breathing control and relaxation.

3. Safety and Awareness:

   • Learning the buddy system and the importance of never diving alone.

   • Introduction to basic hand signals used in freediving.

4. Fun and Engaging Learning:

   • Interactive and playful approach to learning freediving skills

   • Use of storytelling and games to teach essential concepts.

   • Introduction to freediving equipment 

8-11 Years

The Molchanovs Junior Freediver Course for children aged 8-11 years is designed to provide a more structured introduction to freediving, building on their growing confidence and abilities in the water. This course focuses on developing essential freediving skills, safety knowledge, and an appreciation for the underwater world in a fun and engaging manner.

Course Highlights: Lap (Pool) and Wave (Ocean) Courses

1. Water Skills and Confidence:

   • Enhanced swimming and floating techniques to build confidence in the water.

   • Introduction to basic freediving equipment, such as masks, snorkels, and fins.

2. Breath-Holding Techniques:

   • Age-appropriate instruction on breath-holding and relaxation techniques.

   • Practice of static and dynamic apnea in a controlled environment.

3. Safety and Buddy System:

   • Comprehensive understanding of the buddy system and rescue techniques.

   • Learning key safety protocols, including proper ascent techniques and recognizing potential hazards.

4. Introduction to Freediving Skills:

   • Basic duck diving and streamlined body position for efficient movement underwater.

   • Understanding equalisation techniques and their importance.

5. Environmental Awareness:

   • Introduction to marine life and ecosystems to foster a sense of respect and care for the ocean.

   • Discussion on the importance of environmental conservation.

6. Parental Guidance and Support:

   • Parents receive tips on how to support their children’s progress and ensure safe practice outside the course.

   • Encouragement for ongoing practice of learned skills in a safe environment.

This course is ideal for children who are ready to take their first steps into the world of freediving, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to explore the underwater environment safely. The focus remains on safety, fun, and fostering a lifelong love for the ocean.

12-15 Years 

The Molchanovs Junior Freediver Course for children aged 12-15 years is designed to introduce young teens to the more technical aspects of freediving, while still maintaining a focus on safety, enjoyment, and environmental awareness. This course builds on their existing water skills, providing them with the knowledge and techniques needed to progress in the sport of freediving.

Course Highlights: Lap and Wave 

1. Advanced Water Skills:

   • Mastery of swimming techniques, including efficient use of freediving equipment such as masks, snorkels, and fins.

   • Practice of advanced breath-holding and relaxation exercises to extend breath-hold times.

2. Freediving Techniques:

   • Instruction in dynamic and static apnea, with emphasis on technique and control.

   • Learning proper duck diving, streamlined positioning, and efficient finning techniques for better underwater movement.

   • Introduction to depth training, focusing on safe equalisation methods and pressure management.

3. Safety and Rescue Training:

   • In-depth training on the buddy system, including role-playing scenarios for emergency situations.

   • Learning and practicing rescue techniques, such as surface rescue, assisting a buddy, and proper ascent protocols.

4. Freediving Theory:

   • Basic understanding of the physiology of freediving, including the body’s response to breath-holding and pressure changes.

   • Discussion on the importance of mental focus, relaxation, and visualisation techniques.

5. Environmental Stewardship:

   • Exploration of marine ecosystems, fostering a deeper connection with the underwater world.

   • Discussion on conservation efforts and how young freedivers can contribute to protecting the ocean.

6. Personalised Coaching:

   • Individual feedback and coaching to help each student progress at their own pace.

   • Encouragement to set personal goals and work towards achieving them throughout the course.

This course is ideal for young teens who are serious about learning freediving, providing them with a solid foundation in the sport while emphasizing safety, environmental respect, and personal growth. The focus is on developing both the physical and mental skills necessary for successful and enjoyable freediving.