Overview
The Molchanovs Wave 1 certification is your first step towards exploring freediving as a sport. The Wave 1 course introduces you to the fundamental theory and key skills to become a safe freediver and confidently explore the ocean to depths up to 20m.
The Wave 1 course takes 3 days to complete and includes a 90-minute classroom session, a pool session for static and dynamic skills, and two (2) open water sessions for freediving to depth.
To start the course, you must be healthy and able to swim 200 meters (non-stop and unassisted). You will also need to read the Wave 1 manual (you’ll have access before the course starts), and pass the Wave 1 online exam before the course starts with your instructor.
In the classroom your instructor will review your knowledge on the freediving topics and concepts covered in the Wave 1 manual, and help clarify your questions or anything that is unclear before you get in the water.
The course continues in the pool where you’ll be introduced to and learn how to safely perform static apnea and dynamic dives. You’ll practice and improve your kicking technique and will be introduced to the monifin and no-fins discipline.
Finally, you’ll head to the open water to practice diving to depth. You practice diving down a line, both by pulling (Free Immersion) as well as kicking down (Constant Weight). You’ll learn skills to progress safely in the open water, which includes acting as a buddy or safety diver and performing a rescue.
WAVE 1 SKILLS OVERVIEW
Pool
- Static Apnea
- Static Buddying and Rescue
- Dynamic Bi-fins (DYNB)
- Introduction to Dynamic No Fins (DNF) technique
- Dynamic turns
- Proper and safe weighting for the pool
- Dynamic Buddying and Rescue
Open Water
- Safe weighting for depth disciplines
- Duck Dive
- Line orientation and body position
- Free Immersion (FIM)
- Constant Weight Bi-fins (CWTB)
- Forward turns
- CWTB Buddying and Rescue
WAVE 1 CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Pool Requirements
- 1 min 30 sec static
- 30m DYNB
Open Water Requirements
- CWTB & FIM 12-20m
- CWTB Buddying 6-10m
- Rescue from 6-10m
Ready to dive?
Ready to dive into your Molchanovs Wave 1 course?