General Course Information
What certifications do you offer?
We offer:
Level 1 Freediver + Intro To Spearfishing™
Level 2 Freediver + Spearfishing Fundamentals™
Level 3 Freediver + Bluewater Spearfishing™
PADI Freediver Instructor Course
All Freediver levels are PADI certified. Spearfishing curriculum is written and developed by Ryan Rush and exclusive to SAVAGE DIVING.
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How much do courses cost?
Level 1 Freediver + Intro To Spearfishing™ – $495 + boat fee
Level 2 Freediver + Spearfishing Fundamentals™ – $795 + boat fee
Level 3 Freediver + Bluewater Spearfishing™ – $1250 + boat fee
PADI Freediver Instructor Course – $2500 + boat fee
Boat fees vary depending on vessel, location, and fuel costs.
We also offer a Springs Only option if you do not wish to go offshore (no boat fee required).
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What is included in Level 1?
This is a 2-day course.
Includes:
- Knowledge development (freediving physiology, pressure, safety)
- Confined water training
- Open water sessions (springs or offshore)
- Intro to spearfishing techniques
- PADI Level 1 certification
We train with a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio to maximize water time and skill refinement.
Schedule Overview:
Day 1
Classroom + Pool/Confined Water & Open Water Training
Day 2
Full Open Water Training (Springs or Offshore)
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What is included in Level 2?
This is a 3-day course.
Includes:
- Advanced breath-hold training
- Technique refinement
- Rescue and buddy mastery
- Free immersion and constant weight depth progression
- Spearfishing Fundamentals™
- PADI Level 2 certification
- PADI eLearning included
Day 1 – Classroom + Confined Water
Day 2 – Open Water Depth Training
Day 3 – Open Water + Offshore Spearfishing Application
Designed for divers ready to refine depth, efficiency, and hunting performance.
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What is included in Level 3?
This is a 3-day advanced program.
Includes:
- Advanced equalization (mouthfill)
- FRC and variable diving concepts
- Residual volume training education
- Mental preparation & performance work
- Nutrition & breath optimization
- Bluewater hunting strategy
- Ocean trauma & emergency response focus
- PADI Master Freediver level standards
Performance Goals:
- 3:30 static
- 70m dynamic
- 32m constant weight
Built for serious divers chasing depth and trophy fish.
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What if weather cancels offshore diving?
If offshore conditions are unsafe, we train in local springs.
If weather cancels water sessions entirely, we reschedule your water training at no additional instruction cost. Boat fees apply if you choose an offshore makeup day.
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What gear is required?
Required:
- Low volume freedive mask
- Long blade fins
- Simple J-tube snorkel
- 3mm wetsuit minimum
- Rubber weight belt
- Small weights (1–2 lb increments recommended)
- Waterproof timing device or freedive computer
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What gear is recommended?
- Freediving specific dive computer
- Open cell wetsuit
- Attached hood suit for warmth & depth work
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Do you offer gear rentals?
Limited rental gear may be available depending on location and course size. Contact Ryan directly to confirm availability.
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How should I prepare?
Hydrate heavily 3–4 days before the course.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid heavy training 48 hours prior.
Focus on sleep and recovery.
Equalization problems are commonly caused by dehydration.
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What is your rescheduling policy?
There is a $150 rescheduling fee if less than 4 weeks’ notice is given.
We commit to pool time, instructors, and boat schedules in advance. Late changes create unrecoverable costs.
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What if I can’t complete my required depth or skills?
No problem.
You may join a future open water session to complete certification requirements. Boat fees apply if offshore is selected.
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What if I miss a pool session?
Check our calendar for available make-up dates and contact us to schedule. Additional fees may apply depending on pool costs.
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How do I book?
Book Online Now or Contact Ryan Rush directly to reserve your spot.
Spots are limited due to our 4:1 training ratio.
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Instructor Course FAQ
What are the prerequisites?
- Minimum 18 years old
- PADI Master Freediver (or qualifying equivalent)
- Current CPR/First Aid Instructor
- Medical signed by physician within 12 months
Additional PADI application and membership fees apply. Insurance required (DAN or equivalent).
This course teaches you how to teach — not how to dive.
Focus on technique, professionalism, and leadership presence.
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Transportation
Students are responsible for transportation to classroom, pool, springs, and marina locations.
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Final Note
SAVAGE DIVING courses are performance-driven, safety-focused, and built specifically for divers who want to apply freediving directly to spearfishing and real ocean hunting.
This is not a “tourist class.”
This is professional-level training.