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.
How much does freediving cost?
AIDA clubs and freedive instructors determine their price independently. Please contact a club or instructor for more info.
Besides teaching fees, other costs to take into account are equipment, transportation and access to dive sites.
In the pool:
– club membership: 100-200€ per year
– insurance: 60-100€ per year
– equipment: mask snorkel weights fins: 150-200€
AIDA2 course:
– depending on the instructor: 200-400€
In quarry or open water:
– 5/7mm wetsuit: 200-400€
– access to dive sites: 8€-25€ per session
– travel expenses to diving locations (Nemo33, quarries, etc.)
Why and how do I become a member of AIDA Belgium?
You can find the answer to that question here.
Which course do I follow and how long does it take?
AIDA level 1 is an introduction to freediving. It is aimed to give a first glimpse of modern freediving, and will allow you to discover some basic knowledge, to learn some introductory techniques dry, in swimming pool and maybe even in open water. It includes a theoretical part in the presence of the instructor or on your own, breathing exercises and a session in the water. The full duration of this level is one day (6 hours). The AIDA1 course is meant to give a taste of freediving, but not a full course. Those confident in the water and determined can skip this level and start straight with AIDA2.
AIDA level 2 forms the basis of AIDA instruction and covers the skills and knowledge necessary for the non-competitive recreational practice of freediving. This is a level for beginners confident in the water. The objective is to familiarize students with the skills, knowledge, safety rules and the pleasure of freediving in static, dynamic, free immersion and constant weight. The full duration of this level is a minimum of two full days, including 3 hours of theory, 2 pool sessions, 3 open water sessions.
AIDA level 3 will take you one step further. You will go beyond the fundamentals to become significantly more competent as a freediver and as a lifeguard. The focus lies on perfecting your skills and introducting the freefall technique. This level includes at least 3 theory sessions, 2 swimming pool sessions, 4 open water sessions.
AIDA level 4 is aimed at those willing to master freediving and dive beyond the limits of residual volume (24m). AIDA4 freedivers can function as assistant instructors and it often a gateway to instructor level or competitive freediving.
All of these trainings may be spread over time depending on the skills of the candidate and the availability of the instructor.
More info on the different AIDA levels and their requirements can be found here.
What are the prerequisites to start freediving as an adult?
– You must be at least 18 years old
– To be able to swim without stopping at least 100 meters
– To have completed the AIDA medical form
Can I transfer to AIDA from another freediving agency?
Yes, this is possible. Your instructor will assess your skills and propose a suitable crossover course.
Can I change instructor or school if I have to interrupt my training in the middle?
It is quite possible to interrupt your training and resume it later or with another instructor. This will perform a freediver skills assessment, continue training where it left off, or pick up on things if they haven’t been learned before continuing. One requirement is a referral from one instructor to another must be done within the year.
If I don’t complete a course, how long can I take it back without starting all over again?
The answer will depend on your instructor. They will first assess your skills and tell you whether or not they agree to continue your training.
Can I start freediving training with a disability?
Freediving with a disability is quite possible. However, it will be necessary to assess what handicap it is and adapt the program accordingly. Depending on the types of disability, it may not always be possible to issue a certificate if it is not possible to perform basic rescue and safety maneuvers. Nevertheless, practicing freediving for pleasure is accessible to all as soon as the handicap does not present a major danger to the safety of the practitioner.
Where can I find freediving trips?
If you are registered in a club, it is quite possible that they organize freediving trips. Many instructors in Belgium organize trips every year. You can also follow the agenda of national and international athletes who often offer specialized training throughout the year. Finally, it is possible to join specialized training centers around the world in locations that are suitable for the practice of this sport.
What is AIDA and what does this structure do?
Please read all about our federation here.
Are there competitions in Belgium? If so, where, when, how, what are the prerequisites and how to register?
AIDA Belgium aims to organize two competitions per year where possible. The places depend on the availability of swimming pools. Competitions have taken place in both Wallonia and Flanders. The aim of competitions is to be open to all levels. It is possible to go with a coach or ask the organization to provide one. You have to know about the compitition rules available on AIDA international. Additional information (dates, prices, registrations, etc.) will be available on our webpage as well as on our Facebook page.
Is it possible to combine scuba diving with freediving?
Yes this is possible, in fact many freedivers are also scuba divers! However there are some safety rules to take into account when combining scuba and freediving:
• At least 12 hours after one scuba dive before freediving (or no fly time on dive computer)
• At least 24 hours after multiple scuba dives before freediving (or no fly time on dive computer)
• At least 12 hours after freediving before scuba diving
This will all be explained in detail during your freediving course.
Is it possible for kids to follow a freediving course?
Yes, it’s possible! AIDA Youth Programme teaches water skills to children from 6 to 15 years old.
There are three courses for children from 6 to 11 years old: Bronze Dolphin, Silver Dolphin or Gold Dolphin.
Each of them takes from 3 days of teaching. 4 day AIDA Junior course is for adolescents from 12 to 15 years old.
Each of the Youth courses has a section for parents educating them on proper post-course supervision of children in the water.
This is a brand new course, so it’s possible your instructor does not offer it yet. Let them know if you are interested!
Ethias or DAN insurance what to choose?
Ethias Insurance is only valid in the context of AIDA Belgium activities, organized by AIDA Be and / or its affiliated instructors. We advise to take insurance like DAN to be insured everywhere. Ethias insurance especially allows beginners and swimming pool practitioners to be insured at a lower cost, if you travel and dive in different conditions, we strongly recommend an insurance such as DAN.