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Dive for Change: our social initiative

BY: Valentina / 0 COMMENTS / CATEGORIES: Sin categoría

Hi friends!

We’re thrilled to introduce an initiative that creates positive impact in the local communities we work with in Baja: Dive for change.

What is Dive for Change?

Dive for Change is more than just an initiative; it’s a commitment to making a difference. It stems from our deep-seated belief in the environmental and social responsibility that comes with tourism and diving activities. At its core, Dive for Change embodies the idea that our actions can contribute to meaningful transformations in the world around us.

Our Mission

Our mission with Dive for Change is twofold: to empower individuals through freediving education and to support local communities in coastal areas. We believe that by providing access to diving courses, we not only equip people with valuable skills but also foster a deeper appreciation for marine environments and the importance of conservation efforts.

In the communities we work with in Baja, the majority are involved in the fishing industry. Some of them engage in freediving for recreation or as a tool in fishing techniques. Most fishermen are aware of the risks associated with freediving; they’ve heard stories of people blacking out, or perhaps they’ve even experienced it firsthand. However, they may not be sure how to avoid these risks, how to perform rescues, or how to dive deeper and longer while minimizing dangers.

At our core, we aim to provide them with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent freediving-related accidents from occurring.

How it works?

For every three freediving courses purchased with Freefall Academy, we pledge to gift a freediving course to one member of a local community. These courses are specifically tailored to individuals in coastal areas, including fishermen and their families, who may benefit from learning essential diving skills for their livelihoods or personal enjoyment. The courses that we will provide to them are totally free of charge.

We have two types of educational programs:

  1. A talk about Safety and Risk Prevention in Freediving: this talk is about one hour long and it is targeted at bigger audiences. The aim is to give basic knowledge about freediving safety that will help save lives.
  2. A Freediving Course: this is a two day course where we will teach theory and practical session including breathing exercises, a static and a depth session to 6-8 community members. This course will give them more in depth knowledge to practice freezing safely. The course is focused on safety and prevention.

The Birth of Dive for Change

In 2023, tragedy struck one of the local communities we frequently visited. A friend and fellow diver lost his life in a freediving accident. The news sent shockwaves through the diving community, leaving us with grief.

As I looked deeper into the circumstances surrounding the accident, it became painfully clear that it could have been prevented. The diver had been diving alone and was overweighted—a direct violation of the number one rule of freediving: never dive alone. This heartbreaking incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of knowledge and safety in the world of freediving.

Reflecting on this tragedy, coupled with our regular visits to these coastal communities for unforgettable wildlife adventures, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we owed something back to these places that had given us so much. It was during this time of introspection that the idea for Dive for Change began to take shape.

This made me rethink: how could Freefall Academy amplify its positive impact on these communities? And thus, Dive for Change was born—a project of hope, education, and empowerment for coastal communities and divers alike.

 

Our Impact So Far

In September 2023, Dive for Change made its mark in Puerto San Carlos. We hosted a talk on freediving safety for over 40 attendees, followed by a three-day freediving course for eight eager students. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire for us to return. Our efforts are already making a tangible difference, and we’re excited to continue empowering coastal communities through education and action.

Making Waves of Change

By participating in a freediving course with Freefall Academy, you’re not just embarking on an exciting diving adventure; you’re also contributing to positive change in coastal communities. Your support helps us expand access to education, promote environmental awareness, and ultimately, create a ripple effect of empowerment and conservation along our coastlines.

Join Us!

Are you ready to Dive for Change? Join us in our mission to make a difference—one dive at a time.

 

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AIDA 2 Freediving Beginner Course

BY: Valentina / 6 COMMENTS / CATEGORIES: Baja, Course, Freediving

AIDA 2 Star Course – Freediving Beginner Course

In this post you will find all the information you need about the Freediving Beginner Course. 

AIDA2 Guidelines v3.2

Freefall Academy AIDA 2 Freediving Course Approach

The AIDA 2 Freediving Course can technically be completed in three days. However, we believe that squeezing all the necessary information and practice into such a short timeframe can be challenging. That’s why we have chosen to teach our AIDA 2 course over four days. This allows us to cover the same topics and exercises without rushing, giving you ample time to absorb the material.

One of the things that sets us apart from other schools is our emphasis on optimal conditions, especially for beginner freedivers. That’s why we exclusively offer Freediving Courses from May through November, as these months provide the best weather and conditions in La Paz and its surrounding areas. During this time, the wind is typically calm, the water is warmer, and visibility is significantly improved.

In addition to prioritizing favorable conditions, we differentiate ourselves by offering two days of boat-based training. While many schools conduct their courses from the shore or mix, we believe that going out on the boat enhances the experience and allows us to find the best diving spots. Furthermore, on the final day of the course, we usually teach in La Ventana, where after our freediving session, we make the most of our time by engaging in fun dives, where you can apply your training without the use of a line.

We strive to create an enriching and enjoyable learning environment, optimizing your freediving experience with us.

 

Itinerary

Day 1

9am-12pm – We’ll meet at the classroom, fill out paperwork and start the theory lesson.

12:00-12:30 – Breathing session

12:30-2pm – Static Apnea Session

Day 2

9am-12pm – Theory session and equalization workshop

12:30-2:30pm – Dynamic Apnea Session

Day 3

8:30am- Lunch stretching session

9am – Depth Session 

2pm – Finish

Day 4

8am – Meet and transport to La Ventana

9am – Depth Session and fun dives

2pm – Drive back to La Paz

3pm – Finish

 

The location of the depth sessions may change according to the weather and the logistics.

The exact time and schedule may change due to logistics.

The exam will be online.

 

Price

$8,900 pesos per person 

Includes: theory manuals, pool fees, AIDA certification, boat fees, transportation from La Paz, freediving retal gear.

15% de descuento para mexicanos al presentar INE

 

 

Our Recommendations

To fully enjoy this course, we recommend that you are confortable in the water. Prior freediving experience is not required, but definitely being able to comfortably swim and/or snorkel. If you don’t have any experience swimming and/or snorkeling we recommend that you take the AIDA 1 Discover Freediving Course.

We recommend that if you have your own gear to bring it in order to asure that you have a perfect fit. If you don’t have your own gear we will provide it for you. At time of booking please send us your height, weight and show size (eu).

 

We hope to see you underwater! If you have any doubts please contact us at apneafreefallacademy@gmail.com and we will be happy to assist you.

 

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AIDA 1 Freediving Discovery Course

BY: Valentina / 2 COMMENTS / CATEGORIES: Course, Freediving, Sea Lions, Snorkeling

AIDA 1  – Freediving Discovery Course

In this post you will find all the information you need about the Freediving Beginner Course.

AIDA1 Guidelines v3.1

Freefall Academy AIDA 1 Freediving Course Approach

The AIDA 1 Freediving Course can be completed in one or two days. The option 1 is done in 1 day, where we cover the theory and static apnea. The option 2 is done in 2 days, where we cover theory, static apnea and depth.

One of the things that sets us apart from other schools is our emphasis on optimal conditions, especially for beginner freedivers. That’s why we exclusively offer Freediving Courses from May through November, as these months provide the best weather and conditions in La Paz and its surrounding areas. During this time, the wind is typically calm, the water is warmer, and visibility is significantly improved.

In addition to prioritizing favorable conditions, we differentiate ourselves by offering the depth session boat-based . While many schools conduct their courses from the shore, we believe that going out on the boat enhances the experience and allows us to find the best diving spots. 

We strive to create an enriching and enjoyable learning environment, optimizing your freediving experience with us.

 

Itinerary

Day 1

9am-12pm – We’ll meet at the classroom, fill out paperwork and start the theory lesson.

12:00-12:30 – Breathing session

12:30-2pm – Static Apnea Session

Day 2

8:30am- Lunch stretching session

9am – Depth Session in La Paz

2pm – Finish

 

The location of the depth sessions may change according to the weather and the logistics.

The exact time and schedule may change due to logistics.

 

Price

Option 1 – $3,000 pesos per person 

Option 2 – $5,500 pesos per person 

Includes: theory manuals, pool fees, AIDA certification, boat fees, freediving retal gear.

15% de descuento para mexicanos al presentar INE

 

Our Recommendations

We recommend that if you have your own gear to bring it in order to asure that you have a perfect fit.

 

We hope to see you underwater! If you have any doubts please contact us at apneafreefallacademy@gmail.com and we will be happy to assist you.

 

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