Where can I practice freediving in Belgium?
– The best way to start freediving is by joining a club. There you can meet fellow freedivers and instructors, get a taste of the sport and sign up for courses.
– You can find a list of freediving clubs here.
– Another way is to contact an instructor directly, a list can be found here.
Why become a member of AIDA Belgium?
– an internationally recognized federation and certification
– participate actively in the development of apnea through the international AIDA assembly
– possibility to follow courses at different levels: AIDA *, AIDA **, AIDA ***, AIDA ****, instructor or judge
– access to training in swimming pools and open water (lakes, quarries) and internships organized by AIDA Belgium
– access to national and international competitions in swimming pools and open water organized by AIDA Belgium or AIDA International
How to become a member of AIDA Belgium?
You have two options:
– you do not yet have a diving insurance policy: AIDA Belgium offers you diving insurance with Ethias at a favorable group rate: you pay € 45 membership fee for AIDA Belgium and € 30 for insurance with Ethias = € 75 per year (60€ between November-January). You can find the Ethias insurance policy here. Ethias covers you only during activities organised by AIDA Belgium. We recommend DAN if you plan to dive outside AIDA Belgium organised events or abroad. You can find more information about DAN here.
– you already have a DAN or other freediving insurance policy: you only pay € 45 membership fee per year for AIDA Belgium (30€ between November-January), you must then send us proof of your insurance policy.
Important comments:
– as an AIDA member you are required to have a diving insurance policy. AIDA Belgium proposes its members to subscribe to an Ethias insurance covering its members in the framework of AIDA Belgium sanctioned activities. Members are also allowed to subscribe to any insurance covering subaquatic activities and particularly freediving (e.g. DAN), it is the member’s responsibility to ensure that the insurance he contracts effectively covers the practice of freediving.
– a contribution is always for the current year, unless it was concluded after 1 October, then it is also valid for the following year
– in addition to membership and diving insurance, an annual medical examination is mandatory. For this you must use the AIDA Medical Statement which you can find here. The form must be signed and stamped by a doctor, preferably a diving or sports doctor. You keep the original yourself, you send us a copy. ATTENTION! If you wish to participate in competitions, you must always be in possession of an original valid English-language form.
– we also recommend that you take an effort test every few years (every 5 years to 45 years, every 2 years from 45 to 55 years, every year for more than 55 years). However, this is not mandatory.
What steps do I take to become a member?
– you transfer the amount of € 45 (DAN) or € 75 (Ethias) (30€/60€ between November-January) online or via account number IBAN BE44 7765 9662 2445 of AIDA Belgique ASBL with the mention of your name, your license and the mention “membership + year”
– Send an email to [email protected] with a copy of your medical certificate and your diving insurance if you did not choose Ethias insurance. Without this information your membership cannot be activated.
– If you become a member for the first time, you also send a passport photo in the format JPG 300 dpi (3.6 cm x 2.85 cm), this photo will appear on your membership card
– Create an account on AIDA International at https://eos.aidainternational.org/Register. This is very important if you want to participate in AIDA competitions. Without this you will not be able to participate in AIDA competitions.
Please read our FAQ for more information.
For all additional questions regarding membership, you can always contact [email protected].