Question 1

Who is Joshua Beneventi?

Accepted Answer

Joshua Beneventi is the founder and head instructor of La Jolla Freedive Club. He holds AIDA Instructor, AIDA Youth Instructor, and AIDA 4 Freediver certifications. His family is from Pico, Azores — his great-grandfather was a whaler and his grandfather freedove for abalone in La Jolla. He trained in Malaysia (Stella Abbas), Egypt (Pieter Van Veen, Khaled El Gammal), and Mexico (Harry Chamas).

Question 2

What certifications does an LJFC instructor hold?

Accepted Answer

Joshua holds AIDA Instructor, AIDA Youth Instructor, and AIDA 4 Freediver certifications from AIDA International. He also holds American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification and carries DAN Professional Liability Insurance.

Question 3

Is La Jolla Freedive Club insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LJFC carries DAN Professional Liability Insurance (ID #3339867, valid through September 2026) and Joshua holds Red Cross CPR/AED certification (cert 022T2IJ, valid through September 2027).

Question 4

How does LJFC compare to other San Diego freediving schools?

Accepted Answer

La Jolla Freedive Club is San Diego's only AIDA-certified instructor teaching both adults and kids. AIDA is the international governing body for competitive and recreational freediving. Other local schools use different certification agencies.

Question 5

How much does a freediving course cost in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

LJFC offers AIDA 1 (half-day introduction) for $200, AIDA 2 (beginner certification, 2-3 days) for $575, and AIDA 3 (intermediate, 3-4 days) for $700. Private courses: AIDA 2 for $800, AIDA 3 for $950. Private coaching sessions from $150.

Question 6

How long does it take to get AIDA 2 certified?

Accepted Answer

The AIDA 2 course runs 2-3 days. This includes a pool session, two ocean training dives to 20m on the LJFC mooring line at La Jolla Shores, theory review, and a written exam. Most students certify within the scheduled days.

Question 7

What's the difference between AIDA 1, 2, and 3?

Accepted Answer

AIDA 1 is a half-day introduction to freediving ($200) — no certification required afterward. AIDA 2 is the standard beginner certification allowing dives to 20m ($575, 2-3 days). AIDA 3 is the intermediate certification for 30m+ depths ($700, 3-4 days) and requires AIDA 2 as a prerequisite.

Question 8

Do I need to own gear to take a freediving course?

Accepted Answer

No. Students can bring their own gear or rent from local dive shops in La Jolla. Course fees do not include gear. LJFC provides mooring line access, buoys, and safety equipment. A 5mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, and weight belt are needed.

Question 9

Can I take a private AIDA course?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Private AIDA 2 is $800 (1-on-1), private AIDA 3 is $950. Private courses offer a flexible schedule and personalized pacing. Contact Joshua through the course inquiry form to arrange dates.

Question 10

What's the youngest age for freediving with LJFC?

Accepted Answer

Camp Garibaldi accepts kids ages 8-16 for a week-long ocean camp ($750). Adult AIDA courses require students to be 16 or older. Younger students may participate with guardian consent through the AIDA Youth Instructor program.

Question 11

Is freediving safe?

Accepted Answer

Freediving done with proper AIDA training, buddy protocols, direct instructor supervision, and surface safety support has an excellent safety record. The primary risk — shallow water blackout — is almost entirely preventable with correct protocols. LJFC emphasizes safety as the foundation of every session.

Question 12

What are the best times of year to learn freediving in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

May through November offers the best conditions in La Jolla. Water temperatures range from 62-72°F, and underwater visibility peaks from August through October. Winter diving is still possible with a thicker wetsuit — water temps drop to 58-60°F.

Question 13

What's the water temperature in La Jolla?

Accepted Answer

La Jolla water temperatures range from 58°F in winter to 72°F in late summer. A 5mm wetsuit is recommended year-round. Live conditions including water temperature are available at lajollafreediveclub.com/conditions.

Question 14

Do I need a wetsuit for freediving in La Jolla?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 5mm wetsuit is recommended year-round in La Jolla. In winter months (December-March), a 7mm or hooded 5mm is ideal. See lajollafreediveclub.com/gear for specific recommendations by season.

Question 15

What's included in the AIDA course fee?

Accepted Answer

The course fee includes AIDA certification card, all training sessions (pool and ocean), digital course manual, mooring line access, instructor time, and safety equipment. Not included: personal gear (wetsuit, mask, fins, weights) and AIDA membership (first year free with certification).

Question 16

Can I freedive if I have asthma?

Accepted Answer

It depends on severity. Mild, well-controlled asthma is often compatible with freediving, but requires physician clearance on the AIDA medical form. Severe or uncontrolled asthma is a disqualifier. Discuss your specific situation with Joshua before booking.

Question 17

Can I freedive if I can't equalize?

Accepted Answer

Equalization is a trainable skill — most people can learn it. LJFC teaches both Valsalva and Frenzel equalization techniques. Some students need extra practice before ocean dives, which is normal and not a disqualifier. The prep guide covers equalization in detail.

Question 18

Is there a weight or age limit for freediving?

Accepted Answer

There is no strict weight limit. Minimum age is 16 for adult AIDA courses, 8 for Camp Garibaldi youth program. All students must be able to swim 200m non-stop without fins for AIDA 2 and above.

Question 19

What should I expect on course day?

Accepted Answer

A typical course day at La Jolla Shores includes pool skill sessions, theory review, and ocean dives on the LJFC mooring line at the canyon edge. Sessions run 4-6 hours. Bring hydration, snacks, sun protection, and all your gear. Meet at the Shores by the lifeguard tower.

Question 20

How do I book a freediving course?

Accepted Answer

Visit lajollafreediveclub.com/programs for course details and pricing. Submit a request through the course inquiry form at lajollafreediveclub.com/contact/courses. Joshua will follow up to confirm dates and send a payment link.

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