Courses, community & training
AIDA-certified freediving courses for all levels. Weekly ocean sessions. Private coaching. And a community that shows up every Saturday.
The international standard
AIDA (International Association for the Development of Apnea) has been the global authority in freediving education and safety since 1992. Their certification system is recognized worldwide — your card works at any dive center on the planet.
AIDA 1 is a half-day to full-day introduction designed for confident swimmers who are brand new to breath-hold diving. You'll learn the fundamentals of relaxation, basic static apnea, introductory finning and duck dive technique, and buddy safety. No performance minimums — just demonstrate correct technique, relaxation, and safe behavior.
What you'll learn
- Relaxation techniques for body and mind
- Introduction to static apnea (STA)
- Basic finning and duck dive techniques
- Snorkel breathing and recovery breathing
- Equalization awareness
- Buddy supervision and surface rescue
- Equipment basics and freediver code of conduct
Requirements
Course format
AIDA 2 is the international standard for beginner freediving certification and the most popular course we run. Over 2.5+ days, you'll cover theory, pool skills, and open water diving. You'll learn the full freediving breathing cycle, equalization, rescue procedures, and complete dives to 12–20 meters. This is the certification that opens the door to independent buddy diving worldwide.
What you'll learn
- Full freediving breathing cycle (relaxation, full breath, recovery)
- STA, DYNB, CWTB, and FIM training
- Effective finning and streamlining techniques
- Proper duck dives, turns, and equalization
- Rescue from 5–10m (blackout and LMC)
- Weighting and buoyancy awareness
- Freediving physics, physiology, and safety protocols
Requirements
Course format
AIDA 3 is for certified freedivers who want to develop depth skills, deepen their physiological understanding, and train toward autonomy. You'll learn advanced Frenzel equalization, free-fall technique, CO₂ and O₂ tables, deep-water rescue protocols, and the physiology of diving beyond 20 meters. Lanyards required beyond 20m. This course enables you to plan and execute your own training with a qualified buddy.
What you'll learn
- Advanced Frenzel equalization
- Free-fall technique and fine-tuned weighting
- CO₂ and O₂ tables for performance training
- Deep-water rescue techniques
- STA, DYNB, FIM, CWTB mastery
- Physiology: barotrauma, lung function at depth, blood shift
- Decompression theory, blackout prevention, and surface intervals
Requirements
Course format
Which course should I take?
A quick comparison of the three AIDA levels we offer.
| AIDA 1 | AIDA 2 | AIDA 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $575 | $700 |
| Duration | 1 day | 2.5 days | 3 days |
| Max depth | 10m | 20m | 30m |
| STA | None | 2:00 min | 2:45 min |
| Dynamic | None | 40m | 55m |
| Depth | None | 12–20m | 24m |
| Prerequisites | None | None | AIDA 2 |
| Swim test | 100m | 200m | AIDA 2 cert |
| Best for | Curious beginners | Committed beginners | Depth-focused divers |
Built for depth
From La Jolla's canyon to the Blue Hole in Dahab — LJFC's training methodology is forged in some of the world's best freediving environments. Monofin, bi-fins, free immersion — every discipline, every depth.
Every dive, every diver
Proper safety protocols are non-negotiable. One up, one down. Always a buddy. Always a plan.
Underwater video analysis
We film your dives and review technique together — body position, finning, duck dive, equalization timing. It's the fastest way to improve and the footage is yours to keep.
AIDA Youth Certification
Four progressive levels designed specifically for kids ages 6–15. Water safety first, freediving skills second. Each level builds confidence, breath control, and ocean competence — never competition or max performance.
Depth recommendations by age
AIDA Youth guidelines set age-based depth limits. Progress happens naturally — kids are never pushed to go deeper, longer, or farther.
4:1 max in-water ratio · Parent knowledge objectives required · No competitive elements
Camp Garibaldi →Beyond certification
The heart of the club. Every Saturday, we meet at one of La Jolla's best dive spots — the Cove, the Canyon, Shores, or beyond — based on conditions. Sessions include a warm-up, skills focus, free diving time, and full safety coverage. It's training, community, and ocean exploration in one morning.
- Guided dives at La Jolla Cove, Canyon, Shores, and beyond
- Safety divers on every session
- Buddy matching for new members
- Conditions briefing and site selection
One-on-one training tailored to what you need. Whether you're working through an equalization plateau, preparing for competition, overcoming depth anxiety, or want to accelerate your certification — private coaching is the fastest path forward.
- Video analysis of your diving technique
- Personalized training plans
- Equalization troubleshooting (Frenzel, mouthfill)
- Mental game and relaxation coaching
- Pool and/or ocean sessions based on your goals
Not everything happens in the water. Dry training sessions focus on breathing drills, stretching, mobility, CO₂/O₂ tables, and the land-based work that makes you a better diver. We also partner with local fitness communities, surf crews, and movement studios for cross-training.
- Diaphragmatic breathing and breath hold tables
- Stretching and thoracic mobility for deeper breathing
- CO₂ tolerance training
- Partner sessions with local studios and gyms
- Open to non-members — bring a friend
Upcoming courses
Dates fill up fast — inquire early to reserve your spot.
AIDA 1 runs every Wednesday. We also run courses on demand for groups of 2+.
Weekly sessions
Ocean Flow — yoga for freedivers
A pre-dive flow designed specifically for ocean people. Led by Lena — RYT yoga teacher, freediver, and artist — this session blends gentle mobility, intercostal opening, breath awareness, and deep relaxation to prepare your body and mind for the water. Vinyasa meets apnea. The perfect warmup before we hit the canyon.
Open to all levels — you don't need to be a freediver or a yogi. Just show up.
Join the Saturday crew →Group ocean session
Line diving at the canyon edge. Open to all certified freedivers — AIDA, Molchanovs, FII, SSI, PADI, or equivalent. Must bring own gear: wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel, weight belt, and lanyard.Signed waiver required →
Saturday sessions →Dive conditions. In your inbox.
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