Your PADI Freediving e-learning access will be emailed within 3 business days of booking. If it's been longer, feel free to get in touch. Please follow these steps before reaching out:

1. Check your junk/spam/promotions folder for an email from PADI.

2. Follow the link in that email to create your PADI account.

3. Save your login details for easy access.

Note: Immersia sets up your PADI access manually — the course and login are managed by PADI, not directly by us.

Gear is not included in the course, but we got you! At the check-out, you’ll be able to add-on any gear hire you need. All dive gear is available to rent — excluding wetsuits. You'll need:

1. Mask & snorkel

2. Long fins (freediving preferred, but snorkel/scuba fins are okay)

3. Full-body wetsuit (minimum 3mm, ideally 5mm or more; 7mm scuba suits are available to rent from Dive Centre Bondi or Dive Centre Manly)

4. Weight belt + weights (only if you're doing a full course with instructor supervision)

Here’s a breakdown of each item. If you’re unsure, just reach out!

You will need a thick* full-body wetsuit for our Freediving Course; your regular surf wetsuit/ springsuit will likely not be warm enough.

*We recommend using a wetsuit with a thickness anywhere between 5-7mm, even during Summer.

Why? Freediving is a little different to other water sports in that we stay very still to lower our heart rate, which means we tend to get cold a lot quicker, especially being in the water for over an hour each dive!

Bondi Courses: If you’re hiring a wetsuit through us, make sure you’ve let us know so we can prepare it ahead of time.

Manly Courses: wetsuits are not available to hire for our Manly Courses. If you’ve booked a course in the Northern Beaches, we recommend using Dive Centre Manly for your wetsuit needs.

Expect a jam-packed weekend! You can find our latest and most up-to-date course schedule here.

Safety always comes first. If ocean conditions are unsafe, we may reschedule the water sessions or adjust the course plan. We’ll notify you as early as possible and work with you to find the best solution.

Bring your swimwear, towel, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, dry clothes and all your freediving gear! (see FAQ. 2 for all freediving gear needed)

Optional, but not necessary:

• GoPro or underwater camera (with mount)

• Notebook and pen (for dive logging or notes)

You can manage your booking using the link in your confirmation email. If you're within the cancellation or reschedule window (7 days or more before the course), you can make changes directly.

For details on refund and reschedule eligibility, check your confirmation email or view our Terms & Conditions.

If your medical condition has changed, or you have started taking new medication - for example, we will need you to let us know, and to re-sign our medical waiver.

We’ll need you to provide a doctors clearance from a medical professional before participating. We can provide a form to be cleared to support your doctor if requested.

There are some basic safety and competence-based skills you'll need to demonstrate throughout the course, but remember - our courses are designed for enjoyment and personal growth first. You’ll be supported to try breath-hold, duck dives, and equalisation at your own pace — there’s no pressure to “pass” everything straight away.

No stress — freediving is a journey, not a race. If you don’t meet the certification requirements during your course, you can retake them with us at no additional cost within 12 months. That way, everything stays fresh and you're supported to succeed.

Once all requirements are complete and signed off, we’ll process your certification with PADI. To process your certification, we’ll need you to sign your two PADI forms assigned to you on your account:

• 10398 Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk/Non-Agency Acknowledgment Form – Freediver and Mermaid Programs

• 10305 Freediver Safe Diving Practices Statement of Understanding

We can’t process your certification without these forms signed.

You’ll usually receive your digital card within 3-5 days after the course.

Please give our team time, especially during busy season. If you still haven’t received anything, feel free to email us.

We need you well-rested, relaxed and hydrated!

Seriously - the biggest determiner of a student excelling on our courses is how present they are able to be (ahem - this is not possible when you’re stressing!)

Some other, more helpful tips would be:

1. Complete your PADI eLearning early
Set aside time to finish your online learning before the course begins — it gives you the foundational knowledge to feel confident in the water and helps the course run smoothly.

2. Get comfortable with your gear
If you’re bringing your own gear, try it out beforehand — even in a pool. Make sure your mask fits well, your fins are the right size, and you’re familiar with using everything. Avoid bringing brand-new gear you’ve never tested.

3. Plan Ahead - Sort out your logistics beforehand
Double-check your meeting points, transport, meeting times etc. on our course schedule page. This will help your mind switch off over the weekend.

You can wear soft contact lenses under your mask without issue. If you wear glasses, we recommend getting a prescription mask or wearing contacts for the course. Vision is important for both safety and enjoyment!

We sometimes capture photos or footage during courses — and you’re welcome to bring your own GoPro or camera. Let your instructor know if you'd like media or prefer not to be filmed, and we’ll respect your preference.

Not necessarily — beginner courses focus on safety, technique, and comfort. Most students dive between 5–10 meters by the end. You’ll only go as deep as you feel ready for, and there's no pressure to hit a specific number.