Blog

An investigation into AIDA vs CMAS freediving governance, mishandled doping scandals, silenced complainants, and an industry where 47% of women report harassment. Essential reading before choosing freediving training or a freediving instructor.

From ancient pearl divers to modern world records, freediving serves purposes most people never imagine. Explore traditional cultures, competitive sports, marine science, underwater photography, and more.

Complete guide to Victorian spearfishing regulations: licensing requirements, equipment rules, prohibited waters, marine parks, size and bag limits, protected species, and safety requirements for freedivers.

An in-depth review of Manual of Freediving by Umberto Pelizzari and Stefano Tovaglieri. This comprehensive book covers freediving physiology, equalization techniques, training methods, and mental preparation from one of the sport's greatest champions.

Your freediving instructor's knowledge could save your life. Learn how to verify credentials, identify red flags, and ask the right questions before committing to a course. Independent guidance for making informed decisions.

A comprehensive examination of freediving fatalities, the physiological mechanisms behind them, and evidence-based strategies to keep yourself safe in the water. Most freediving deaths are preventable—here's what you need to know.

Freediving is governed by two rival organizations that don't recognize each other's records and recently severed cooperation. From the 2023 doping scandal to political interference, here's how the sport's governance became so fragmented.

Shallow water blackout kills fit swimmers without warning — an estimated 20% of all drownings. Learn what causes it, who's at risk, and how to prevent it. The silent killer explained.

A complete guide to the eight competitive freediving disciplines — STA, DYN, DYNB, DNF, CWT, CWTB, FIM, and CNF. Learn what each involves, current world records, who they suit, and how to train for each one.

Your comprehensive guide to freediving Melbourne — training locations, provider comparisons, safety considerations, and how to evaluate instruction quality in Victoria.

A personal account of my experiences with Drifters Freediving courses in Melbourne, highlighting concerns about training quality, safety protocols, instructor accountability, and connections to Melbourne Freedivers Club.

A realistic guide to your first freediving course in Melbourne — what to prepare, what happens during theory, pool, and open water sessions, and how to recognise quality instruction.

Learn the essential equalization techniques every freediver must master. From Valsalva to Frenzel, understand which method works best for you.

The buddy system is the fundamental safety protocol that stands between life and death in freediving. Learn why solo diving kills, how to be an effective safety diver, proper rescue procedures, and what the statistics reveal about diving deaths.

An in-depth guide to freediving in Port Phillip Bay — understanding tides, visibility, seasonal conditions, marine life encounters, and critical safety considerations for Melbourne's home waters.

An independent comparison of Melbourne freediving training providers including Salt Sessions, Freediving Family, Drifters Freediving, and Scubabo — what to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.

Your independent guide to freediving locations around Melbourne — pier dives, boat sites, and freshwater training spots with honest assessments of conditions, skill requirements, and safety considerations.

How cold water changes freediving physiology and practice — hypothermia risks, exposure protection recommendations, session management, and specific safety considerations for Melbourne's temperate waters.

A practical comparison of PADI and Molchanovs freediving certification systems in Melbourne — key differences, level structures, Melbourne providers, and how to decide which is right for you.

An independent guide to Australia's most famous freediving destination — what to expect at Kilsby Sinkhole, how to prepare, nearby dive sites, and what questions to ask before booking.

Complete guide to choosing freediving fins. Compare carbon, fiberglass, and plastic materials. Stiffness selection by body weight. Honest brand comparisons: Molchanovs, Cetma, Alchemy, Leaderfins, and Mares with real prices and recommendations.

Understanding pressure changes underwater is fundamental to safe freediving. Learn why equalization is critical in the first 10 meters, how Boyle's Law affects your body, and practical tips for safe equalization.

The most comprehensive guide to diagnosing and fixing freediving equalization problems. Learn why equalization fails, how to identify your specific issues, and get targeted solutions for every common problem.

Master the science behind every breath-hold—how oxygen and carbon dioxide interact in your body, why the urge to breathe isn't what you think, and how to train safely while respecting your physiological limits.

Discover the remarkable physiological adaptation that allows freedivers to descend far beyond what scientists once believed possible—how blood shift works, why it matters, and how to develop this protective mechanism safely.

Discover the powerful physiological reflex that connects humans to marine mammals—how it works, what triggers it, and how freedivers train to harness this remarkable survival mechanism.

Discover the remarkable physiological adaptations that transform humans into breath-hold divers—from the mammalian dive reflex to blood shift, and why understanding your body is essential for safe freediving.

From mental reset to the sensation of flying—discover the profound reasons why freedivers keep coming back, from world champions to weekend enthusiasts.

Everything you need to know about freediving — what it is, how your body adapts, the different disciplines, essential techniques, safety fundamentals, and how to get started with proper training.