Under The Water - Discover Freediving - August 12, 14 & 16, 2026

Hello snorkellers! We have collaborated to build this 3-part program for folks who already have cold water snorkelling experience and are looking to expand on their existing skills.

This program incorporates the Molchanov Discover Freediving Wave Experience and introduces you to open water freediving. This experience gives you the fundamentals of freediving and real-life practice under the supervision of a Molchanovs instructor in a controlled environment.

You’ll learn practical tips and tricks, essential safety advice, gear guidance specific to the Pacific Northwest (+ beyond) , and common mistakes to avoid when venturing below the surface. Whether you’re freedive-curious or simply want to snorkel with more confidence and safety, this experience will give you a solid foundation for responsible underwater exploration.

What you’ll learn & practice:

• Theory – explore the key differences between snorkelling and freediving and common mistakes to avoid. 
• Breathing and relaxation – Discover how to relax your body and mind before going under the water. You’ll also learn how to take an efficient full breath for your dive and how to breathe after each dive to recover safely. 
• Weights – how to use weights safely, including how to choose a weight belt, put it on, select weights, complete a buoyancy check, and remove your weight belt in emergency situations
• Introductory Freediving Skills – surface preparation, duck dive, efficient kicking, basic equalization, controlled descent & ascent, and recovery breathing at the surface.
• Basic Buddy Rescue & Supervision – your first priority should always be keeping yourself safe. But there are ways to safely care for an injured or tired buddy in emergency situations.
• Advanced Entries & Exits – as snorkellers, we don’t always enter the water from the beach. Learn alternative ways to enter and exit the water from structures such as docks and walls
• Advanced Equipment & Challenges – don’t let unexpected issues with your gear turn into an emergency. You’ll learn what to do if you lose part of your snorkel gear in the water, or if it malfunctions. We’ll also discuss dive knives (make sure you know how to choose the right knife & how to wear it) and floats & line management.
• ***Please note, the Discover Freediving Experience is not a Wave 1 freediving certification course, and you will not be qualified to dive with other freedivers. However, if you fall in love with freediving after your introduction, you can take the Lap/Wave 1 – Beginner Freediving course and your Discover Freediving Experience in-water session will count toward one of the course sessions!***

What’s included:

• Classroom learning, swimming pool time and open water snorkelling in the ocean
• A rental weight belt and weights
• Snacks and drinks after the ocean session
• Certificate of Completion (Molchanov Discover Freediving Wave Experience)
• Manual (Molchanov Discover Freediving Wave Experience)

Your instructors:

Laurie, Freediving Instructor & Co-owner – East2West Freediving

You might already know Laurie as the co-owner of East 2 West Freediving, Canada’s largest specialized brick-and-mortar freediving, spearfishing and snorkelling retail store. Also a Molchanovs freediving instructor, certified Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), AIDA Freediving Judge, competitive freediver and former swim instructor and lifeguard, Laurie is deeply passionate about the ocean and loves helping others experience it safely through education, skill development, and confidence-building. Whether she’s introducing someone to their first breath-hold or coaching experienced divers, Laurie is known for her infectious enthusiasm, unwavering commitment to safety, and creating a fun, supportive environment where people of all abilities can thrive.

Kate, Aquatic Instructor & Owner – Breathe Deep

Kate has been an educator for almost 20 years, facilitating accessible learning opportunities for students of all ages as a swim instructor, instructor trainer, environmental educator, yoga teacher and entrepreneur. She is a National Lifesaving Society certified waterfront lifeguard, PADI Open Water Scuba Diver, and loves being in the ocean and helping others feel at home there as well. Kate believes that spending time in nature not only builds confidence and resilience, but also ensures we stay connected to the ecosystems we are part of. Her goal is to create opportunities for sensitive people to come together and learn more about themselves through thoughtfully delivered adventure programs. Kate’s approach is empathetic, calm, and always safety-focused.

Our first 2 sessions take place in the classroom and the swimming pool. The final session takes place in the ocean at the Ogden Point Breakwater at 189 Dallas Rd.

Prerequisites:

In order to ensure the safety of everyone, before the beginning of the course all participants must:

• be able to snorkel comfortably in open water (Salish Sea) for 100 metres while remaining in a prone body position
• be comfortable in light choppy conditions
• have completed the Into the Water program with Kate OR be fully comfortable using cold water snorkelling gear in cold, low visibility conditions
• Ideally have own equipment (however rentals can be provided for a fee) 
• An adventurous attitude with a curiosity to learn.
• Fill in digital Molchanov Medical questionnaire + Student’s liability release