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Common questions

Everything you need
to know before
you dive in.

Can't find your answer here? Ask directly — there's no such thing as a stupid question before your first dive.

Getting started

None at all. The only requirement for AIDA 1 is basic comfort in water — no prior swimming qualifications needed. AIDA 1 is designed for complete beginners and runs for one full day of theory and pool sessions. All equipment is provided. Small groups with personal attention throughout.

Yes — and that's exactly where most students start. The urge to breathe is triggered by CO₂ buildup, not lack of oxygen. It's a signal your mind can learn to work with. By the end of your first pool session, most students hold their breath for well over two minutes. You don't need lung capacity. You need the right method.

Freediving is safe when practised with proper training, a qualified buddy, and the right protocols — all of which are covered from AIDA 1 onwards. Every session at Freediving Brain is supervised by an AIDA Instructor Trainer. We never dive alone, and we teach you to never dive alone either.

Courses

An AIDA course is an internationally recognised certification covering breath-hold technique, safety, equalisation, and the mental game. Freediving Brain offers AIDA 1 through AIDA 4 and the Instructor Course — all taught across Barcelona's indoor pool and the Mediterranean. AIDA certifications are accepted at dive sites and liveaboards worldwide.

AIDA 1 — 1 day (pool only). AIDA 2 — 2.5 days (pool + Mediterranean open water). AIDA 3 — 3 intensive days. AIDA 4 — 4 days of personal coaching. Instructor Course — 5 to 7 days full programme. All include equipment and AIDA certification on completion.

AIDA 2 requires a constant weight dive to 20 metres in the Mediterranean. AIDA 3 targets 40 metres open water, plus static apnea of 2 minutes 45 seconds and dynamic apnea of 55 metres in the pool. AIDA 4 goes to 40+ metres with advanced techniques. Depth is always a consequence of calm — not the goal itself.

Yes. AIDA certifications are accepted worldwide at dive sites, liveaboards, and freediving schools. Freediving Brain is an AIDA certified school; all certifications are issued through AIDA International on completion of the course assessment. They do not expire.

Pricing & booking

AIDA 1 — €120 · AIDA 2 — €300 · AIDA 3 — €360 · AIDA 4 — €480 · Instructor Course — €1,200. All equipment is included in every course price. Waitlist members receive a 15% early-bird discount on any certification. No payment required to join the waitlist.

Freediving Brain opens in Barcelona mid-2026. The first course dates will be released exclusively to the waitlist. Joining the waitlist is free and guarantees first access plus 15% early-bird pricing. No payment or commitment required.

The methodology

The Freediving Brain methodology applies the Mammalian Dive Response — the body's built-in physiological response to immersion — alongside structured breath and nervous system regulation. The core principle: depth and breath-hold time are byproducts of mental calm, not willpower. It is a technical, science-based system — not mysticism. The protocol runs through every course level from AIDA 1 onwards.

Absolutely. AIDA certifications are internationally recognised, so your existing certification transfers directly. If you hold AIDA 2 and want to continue to AIDA 3, you start from the next level. We also offer training sessions outside of course structure for certified freedivers who want to keep progressing in Barcelona.

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