(401) 741-1711
Dive Deeper with Makai Freediving Instruction
Connect with the ocean on a single breath, the way nature intended
Professional Freediving Classes in Kona, Hawai'i
Offering arguably the calmest ocean conditions on earth, the deep waters off the leeward coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i is hands down the best place to train in the USA.
What is Freediving?
Freediving, or breath-hold diving, is a sport and practice that is as old as humanity. Embedded in our DNA is the same set of physiological responses to the underwater world that dolphins and whales rely on, known as the Mammalian Diving Reflex. This "secondary" survival response is designed to maximize our oxygen consumption efficiency beneath the surface, and has several incredible effects which protect the lungs from drowning and the brain from oxygen deprivation. Through proper knowledge and specialized training, we can increase the strength of this reflex in order to become seemingly "superhuman" underwater. In reality, our body is well designed to function as an aquatic marine mammal for short periods of time, we simply need to learn how to take advantage of it.
Why take a class?
Formal freediving education will make you a safer, stronger, and more efficient diver.
Whether you are an experienced spearfisher looking for longer bottom times, a novice diver wishing to hit deeper depths, or just an ocean lover who simply wants to enhance your aquatic abilities, professional freediving instruction will change your life. The F.I.I. curriculum we teach was founded by freediving pioneer and 13x world record holder Martin Stepanek, and was designed with a structured approach to the sport in order to prioritize safety and technique before numbers and performance. With proper, efficient technique, depth will naturally come as a by-product.
Safety is #1
"Never dive alone"...
"Only dive with a properly trained buddy"
Freediving is a very safe sport, as long as safety protocols are utilized on every single dive, regardless of time, difficulty of the dive, or depth of water. There is no such thing as "knowing your limits", as every day, every dive, and every moment can be drastically different in the ocean. Respect for the inherent risks of the sport is vital to being able to have fun and push yourself responsibly. This is why comprehension of freediving safety principles and application of safety rules is paramount to setting up a safe freediving environment. Every time we leave the surface, our life is in the hands of our safeties. Breath-hold diving is a team sport, no matter how you look at it. Learn how to dive with this mentality, or don't dive at all.
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Master efficient technique
If the emphasis is on technique, depth comes as a by-product
We teach a technique based educational system that focuses on training fundamental freediving skills and habits into muscle memory. Learn how to master a smooth water entry, efficient kicking technique, breathing, equalization, sink phase, negative pressure dives, and more.
Freediving is fun!
Whether you wish to swim with sharks, harvest your own seafood, dive deep to compete, master underwater photography, or just play in the ocean, freediving will bring newfound personal growth and happiness to your life.
People from all walks of life find many different reasons to start freediving, but they all share a common thread of a love for the ocean. It doesn't matter what brings you here, as long as you show up with an open mind and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Here at Makai Freediving, we strive to always manifest a good vibe in the water and prioritize a safe, fun and productive freediving environment.
