APNEA AUSTRALIA
STAGE A - FREEDIVING COURSE
Embarking on the journey of freediving is like embarking on a fascinating adventure of self-discovery, where you dive into the depths of both your body and mind.
Initially, holding your breath might seem a bit unfamiliar, but as you gain knowledge and undergo training, you'll find that it transforms into a source of joy, becomes effortless, and brings about a profound sense of calm.
Freediving, though challenging, has the power to be a truly transformative experience. The Apnea Australia Stage A Freediving Course serves as your gateway to the purest form of diving. Throughout the course, you'll not only discover the significance of breathing but also gain insights into the physiology of a breath hold ā€“ understanding why you feel what you feel and discovering safe ways to extend this experience, both on land and in the water.
By participating in this course, you'll acquire skills that elevate your freediving or spearfishing to the new depths. Together, we'll focus on enhancing the flexibility of both your body and mind, making this journey an enjoyable and rewarding one.
Discover the space between two breaths & learn from the best
Location: Newcastle / Port Stephens, NSW
Dates: June 14th, 15th, 21st 2025
(3 days + 1h ZOOM Equalisation session)
Investment: $695 (payment options available)
BOOK NOWLocation: Newcastle / Port Stephens, NSW
Dates:Ā August 16, 17th, 23rd 2025
(3 days + 1h ZOOM Equalisation session)
Investment: $695Ā (payment options available)
BOOK NOWBookĀ a Custom FreedivingĀ Course
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Whether you're seeking a personalised freediving experience or a custom course experience for yourself, a group or as a couple, Iā€™m here to make it happen. Contact me directly, and together weā€™ll arrange the perfect time and location tailored to your needs.
GET IN TOUCH
From birth, a man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has to only sink beneath the surface and heā€™s free
Jacques Cousteau
COURSE RESULTS IN AN INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION FROM APNEA INTERNATIONAL
Please see if you can source your own freediving gear ā€“ mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, weight belt, socks & gloves. To do this course you must be healthy and comfortable in the water.
| Ratio | 4 /Ā 1 Instructor |
| Expected depth | 15m - 20mĀ max |
| Days | 3 + |
| Webinar | 1h Equalisation |
| Open Water Training | 2 sessions |
| Pool Training | Static Session + Dynamic Session + 5m Deep pool Session (Lambton pool) |
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BOOK NOWMeet Your Instructor
Whether youā€™re just starting out, looking to feel more confident underwater, or ready to take your spearfishing to the next levelā€”this course is designed for you.
I discovered freediving in 2009 and became one of Australiaā€™s first certified instructors in 2017. In 2023, I set a Guinness World Record in Dynamic No Fins, swimming 101 underwater laps in one hourā€”with a total breath-hold time of over 42 minutes.
In 2024, I became an AIDA judge. With my kids a little older, I was finally able to dedicate a full month to depth training with world-renowned coaches in Egyptā€™s Red Seaā€”reaching a depth of 50 metresā€”before heading to the worldā€™s deepest pool in Dubai to simply enjoy my freediving after such an intense and rewarding month.
My specialty is CNFā€”Constant Weight No Finsā€”the most physically demanding depth discipline, also known as underwater breaststroke.
Beyond the records, what truly drives me is helping others discover whatā€™s possible on a single breath.
In this course, youā€™ll learn far more than technique. Youā€™ll learn how to relax, listen to your body, and dive with real confidence. Youā€™ll be supported every step of the way with personalised guidance and practical tools that make a lasting difference.
I value quality over quantityā€”and I bring that into everything I teach. Youā€™ll be coached with care, focus, and experience by one of Australiaā€™s most dedicated freediving instructors and competitive athletes.
AS A CERTIFIED APNEA INTERNATIONAL STAGE A FREEDIVER, YOU'LL BE EQUIPPED TO FREEDIVE SAFELY ON ALL COMMERCIAL BOATS & FACILITIES WORLD-WIDE
YOU'LL GET TO EXPERIENCE:
- Depth Confidence: Build the confidence to freediveĀ to a maximum depth of 20m and come up with a smile
- Dive reflex in action: Witness the fascinating dive reflex as your heart rate slows, allowing you to stay underwater longer and experience the deep sense of ease.
- Freediving physiology: Ā Understand what happens in your body when you hold your breath
- Equalisation: Learn how to equalise safely and efficientlyĀ
- Underwater Meditation / STAtic Breath Hold:Ā Embrace the tranquility of complete underwater relaxation.Ā Hold your breath, release your worries, and immerse yourself deep within.
- Emergency Response: Equip yourself with essential techniques to prevent and handle emergencies efficiently. This knowledge can one day save someone's life.
- Efficient Water Movement: Discover techniques toĀ glide through the waterĀ with grace and ease, whilst conserving precious oxygen.Ā
Freediving is a journey of self discovery and a celebration of the beauty of the underwater world.
Umberto Pelizzari
What comes next?Ā
After completing your Freediving Course, youā€™ll have the opportunity to join me on incredible adventures.
As a certified freediver, youā€™ll be able to take part in exciting tripsā€”including my upcoming depth training camp in Tonga, happening in September 2026.
With highly experienced coaches by your side, youā€™ll be able to refine your technique, work on equalisation, or focus on whatever area you chooseā€”all without the pressure of a formal course. And on our days off? Weā€™ll swim with humpback whales. Pretty magical, donā€™t you think?
Warning: Freediving can be highly addictive.
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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
The Surf Survival course was the perfect introduction to understanding the power of breathing, getting the most out of every breath and staying calm for long periods under the water. It is a breath of fresh air for emerging ocean swimmers looking for real usable tips to reduce anxiety in the surf and develop skills to be more efficient under the water.
Andre Slade, Owner Ocean Fit
I have just done a freediving Stage A course with Michaela and it was an amazing experience! She is passionate and very considerate to everyone's needs so despite the tricky weather we have had a great time.
Petr Lan
Loved doing the course with Micheala, she is extremely professional, patient and approachable! What an asset she is to Australian Freediving!
Irene Lowrencev
Itā€™s amazing how much you can get out of a one day course! Definitely will be lots more confident and calm during big hold downs from now on
Iā€™d strongly recommend it for surfers of all levels who want the confidence and ability to push themselves in bigger waves. Plus it was a really fun day.
Tim Dickson, Manager - Slimes Boardstore
Had an awesome day in Adelaide, amazing instructor, learnt heaps about breath holding techniques and surf survival skills, highly recommend this to anyone who loves the ocean. Thanks so much, Michaela, so glad I came!
David Green
I am so glad to have taken this course with my son because I know he and I will be equipped with this knowledge of safe and disciplined freediving.
As a GP, I know her teaching of physiology and emergencies to be spot on. If you want to freedive well and safely, I highly recommend you take this course and practice, practice practice!
Marie Shieh
I didn't have much to say about her perfect technique and steely determination in the training tables!
William Trubridge
That was an amazing session this morning! Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge, and I know this partnership will not only lead to increased swimming performance, but also to improved physical and mental health benefits for my team. You're amazing! :)
