APNEA AUSTRALIA - STAGE A
ON DEMAND - BEGINNERÂ FREEDIVING COURSEÂ Â
Embarking on the journey of freediving is like embarking on a fascinating adventure of self-discovery, where you dive into the depths of both your body and mind.
Initially, holding your breath might seem a bit unfamiliar, but as you gain knowledge and undergo training, you'll find that it transforms into a source of joy, becomes effortless, and brings about a profound sense of calm.
Freediving, though challenging, has the power to be a truly transformative experience. The Apnea Australia Stage A Freediving Course serves as your gateway to the purest form of diving. Throughout the course, you'll not only discover the significance of breathing but also gain insights into the physiology of a breath hold – understanding why you feel what you feel and discovering safe ways to extend this experience, both on land and in the water.
By participating in this course, you'll acquire skills that elevate your freediving or spearfishing to the new depths. Together, we'll focus on enhancing the flexibility of both your body and mind, making this journey an enjoyable and rewarding one.
Discover the space between two breaths & learn from one of the most experienced freedivers in Australia
Location: Newcastle (Charlestown) / Port Stephens, NSW
Dates: 2 full days incl. deep pool + shore dives + on demand training days as required to complete your certification
Investment: $550 (payment options available)
Min participants: 2
Max participants: 4
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From birth, a man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has to only sink beneath the surface and he’s free
Jacques Cousteau
COURSE RESULTS IN AN INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION FROM APNEA INTERNATIONAL
Please see if you can source your own freediving gear – mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, weight belt, socks & gloves. To do this course you must be healthy and comfortable in the water.
| Ratio | 4 /Â 1 Instructor |
| Expected depth | 15m - 20m max |
| Open Water Sessions | 2 shore dives (depending on ocean/weather conditions)Â |
| Pool Training | Static Session + Dynamic Session |
| Optional extras | Â Ocean session / 5m deep pool |
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GET IN TOUCHI don't believe in one-size-fits all approach
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If you're the type of person who appreciates quality and personalised approach, this on-demand course is for you. It'll give you the freedom to learn at your own pace, while receiving personal guidance to help you truly experience the beauty of freediving.
We’ll cover all the essential course material, but I’ll also tailor the journey to your unique needs, goals, and comfort level. My aim is for you not just to "get certified" — but to feel it, to connect with the water, and to discover what it means to move with calm, awareness, and confidence beneath the surface.
If you’re curious about what freediving is really about, I invite you to join my FREE Underwater Meditation experience.
It’s a gentle introduction that guides you through the process of self-discovery through breath-holding — a moment to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with yourself and the water.
AS A CERTIFIED APNEA INTERNATIONAL STAGE A FREEDIVER, YOU'LL BE EQUIPPED TO FREEDIVE SAFELY ON ALL COMMERCIAL BOATS & FACILITIES WORLD-WIDE
YOU'LL GET TO EXPERIENCE:
- Weekly Training Sessions: I run 90-minutes freediving club sessions every week at Lambton Pool. Once you’ve completed the course, you’re welcome to join us to keep training, stay accountable, and steadily build your skills.
- Depth Confidence: Build the confidence to freedive to a maximum depth of 20m and come up with a smile
- Dive reflex in action: Witness the fascinating dive reflex as your heart rate slows, allowing you to stay underwater longer and experience the deep sense of ease.
- Freediving physiology: Â Understand what happens in your body when you hold your breath
- Equalisation: Learn how to equalise safely and efficientlyÂ
- Underwater Meditation / STAtic Breath Hold: Embrace the tranquility of complete underwater relaxation. Hold your breath, and calmly observe how your body and mind react to prolonged breath holds.
- Emergency Response: Equip yourself with essential techniques to prevent and handle emergencies efficiently. This knowledge can one day save someone's life.
- Efficient Water Movement: Discover techniques to glide through the water with grace and ease, whilst conserving precious oxygen.Â
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Meet Your Guide
Whether you’re just starting out, looking to feel more confident underwater, or ready to take your spearfishing to the next level—this course is designed for you.
I discovered freediving in 2009 and became one of Australia’s first certified instructors in 2017. In 2023, I set a Guinness World Record in Dynamic No Fins, swimming 101 underwater laps in one hour—with a total breath-hold time of over 42 minutes.
In 2024, I became an AIDA judge. With my kids a little older, I was finally able to dedicate a full month to depth training with world-renowned coaches in Egypt’s Red Sea—reaching a depth of 50 metres—before heading to the world’s deepest pool in Dubai to simply enjoy my freediving after such an intense and rewarding month.
My specialty is CNF—Constant Weight No Fins—the most physically demanding depth discipline, also known as underwater breaststroke.
Beyond the records, what truly drives me is helping others discover what’s possible on a single breath.
In this course, you’ll learn far more than technique. You’ll learn how to relax, listen to your body, and dive with real confidence. You’ll be supported every step of the way with personalised guidance and practical tools that make a lasting difference.
I value quality over quantity—and I bring that into everything I teach. You’ll be coached with care, focus, and experience by one of Australia’s most dedicated freediving coaches and competitive athletes.
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Freediving is a journey of self discovery and a celebration of the beauty of the underwater world.
Umberto Pelizzari
What comes next?Â
After completing your Freediving Course, you’ll have the opportunity to join me on incredible adventures.
As a certified freediver, you’ll be able to take part in exciting trips—including my upcoming depth training camp in Tonga, happening in September 2026.
With highly experienced coaches by your side, you’ll be able to refine your technique, work on equalisation, or focus on whatever area you choose—all without the pressure of a formal course. And on our days off? We’ll swim with humpback whales. Pretty magical, don’t you think?
Warning: Freediving can be highly addictive.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Do I need to be a confident swimmer to join Stage A?
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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
The Surf Survival course was the perfect introduction to understanding the power of breathing, getting the most out of every breath and staying calm for long periods under the water. It is a breath of fresh air for emerging ocean swimmers looking for real usable tips to reduce anxiety in the surf and develop skills to be more efficient under the water.
Andre Slade, Owner Ocean Fit
I have just done a freediving Stage A course with Michaela and it was an amazing experience! She is passionate and very considerate to everyone's needs so despite the tricky weather we have had a great time.
Petr Lan
Loved doing the course with Micheala, she is extremely professional, patient and approachable! What an asset she is to Australian Freediving!
Irene Lowrencev
It’s amazing how much you can get out of a one day course! Definitely will be lots more confident and calm during big hold downs from now on
I’d strongly recommend it for surfers of all levels who want the confidence and ability to push themselves in bigger waves. Plus it was a really fun day.
Tim Dickson, Manager - Slimes Boardstore
Had an awesome day in Adelaide, amazing instructor, learnt heaps about breath holding techniques and surf survival skills, highly recommend this to anyone who loves the ocean. Thanks so much, Michaela, so glad I came!
David Green
I am so glad to have taken this course with my son because I know he and I will be equipped with this knowledge of safe and disciplined freediving.
As a GP, I know her teaching of physiology and emergencies to be spot on. If you want to freedive well and safely, I highly recommend you take this course and practice, practice practice!
Marie Shieh
I didn't have much to say about her perfect technique and steely determination in the training tables!
William Trubridge
That was an amazing session this morning! Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge, and I know this partnership will not only lead to increased swimming performance, but also to improved physical and mental health benefits for my team. You're amazing! :)
