Beginner Freediving Course:
Wave 1 Molchanov
Only have one day? See Discover Freediving.
Beginner Freediving Course:
Wave 1 Molchanov
Only have one day? See Discover Freediving.
Who is this course for?
In the classroom
In open water
Movement
Safety
Discover your aquatic ability
Personal Growth
What makes our school and Wave 1 course unique?
Location in Jemeluk Bay
We're one of only three freediving schools in Jemeluk Bay, by far the best dive spot in Amed. Unlike the other schools in Amed which are based on sandy-bottom coastal points with deep water but no reef, we're right on the coral. That means more marine life. Whoever you choose, ask how far the coral reef is from the school. Ours is a 2-minute walk. At most other schools in Amed, it's a drive.
Flexible Course Structure
We aim to complete all certification requirements by your third dive session. If the group agrees, your fourth dive becomes a free reef exploration, no drills, just you and the coral gardens. If the group is split, those who want to continue with depth training can do so, while others explore the corals. Wave 1 is fundamentally about inward focus and building skills, but we make space for the colourful fun stuff when possible. As far as we are aware, no other wave 1 courses in Amed are flexible in this way.
Small and personal, with one instructor throughout
On larger courses, students are often taught in one big group in the classroom, then split into smaller groups in the water, sometimes with an instructor they have only just met. At Fathom, the instructor who teaches your classroom sessions is the same one who coaches your dives and gives you feedback in the ocean, from the first session to your last dive. Your instructor learns how you breathe, how you equalize and where you get nervous, so they can coach you properly. Ask any school you are considering: "Will the same instructor teach me in the classroom and coach me in the water, or will I be passed to someone else?"
Our Instructors
We only work with instructors who have a minimum of two years active teaching experience, but experience alone isn't enough. We hire for personality, charisma and energy. Life's too short to spend two days with someone who bores you. All our staff are 'people persons'. Freediving and spearfishing are all we do. We have no cafe, yoga studio or gym to run, so our time and energy go into teaching you.
2 Day Schedule
Start 8:30am ...
Classroom
- –Introductions, course overview, discussion of experience and goals.
- –The process of oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in the body and how this triggers our urge to breathe.
- –How to relax before a dive, mind-body connection.
- –How to use diaphragmatic and intercostal muscles to take a deeper breath.
- –How to do safe surface recovery breathing after a dive.
- –Relaxation breathing and breath holding practice on yoga mats.
Confined Water Session 1 (shallow water)
Lunch Break (1 hour)
Classroom
- –Equipment induction: Overview of the specialised gear we use and how/why we use it.
- –How to equalise depth pressure and the difference between Valsalva / Frenzel techniques.
Ocean Session 2 (open water)
- –Practicing equalisation by slowly descending a rope.
- –Body alignment and finning technique.
- –Efficient duck diving technique.
Finish 5:00pm
Start 9:00am …
Classroom
- –Safety protocols, diving in pairs, potential hazards, rescue and revive techniques.
- –Yoga for the lungs. Use these techniques to increase lung capacity.
Ocean Session 3 (open water)
- –Buddy diving.
- –Perform simulated unconscious diver rescue at 6m depth.
- –Going deeper (if you want to).
Lunch Break (1 hour)
Classroom
- –Physics, water pressure, Boyle's Law and understanding changes in lung volume that occur underwater.
- –The mammalian dive response in animals and humans. How it works and how to activate it.
Ocean Session 4 (open water)
- –Do more depth training and complete certification requirements, or…
- –Explore the coral reefs and marine life.
What Students Say About Freediving with Fathom
284 Google reviews
"My breath holding time increased to 3 minutes in only one day. Then I was going deeper than I ever imagined, down to 20 meters by the second day. Would highly recommend Fathom."
Trina Seerup
"Before the course, I had never ventured into water deeper than my height. After completing it, I could dive into the stunning coral reef in Amed without needing a life vest."
Hong Yoni
"I was a complete novice but instructor Chocky made me feel comfortable and confident to complete the course. Highly recommend to anyone regardless of skill or experience level."
David Dunn
"The group was split into small groups of only 3 per instructor. Every dive was evaluated immediately so you get feedback on what could be improved. Amazing results in 2 days."
Marta Łys
"The school is an easy 2-minute walk from the beach and all the equipment is there. Icing on the cake, you get some amazing shots taken by the instructors!"
Adeline
Ready to Learn to Freedive in Amed?
Max 3 students per course, so it's worth booking ahead.
Or message us on WhatsApp. We usually respond within a few hours.
Common questions
Before You Book
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?+
No, but you should be comfortable in open water and able to swim 50 meters with a mask, fins and snorkel. Most people who can comfortably snorkel without a life jacket or flotation vest are ready.
How should I prepare?+
Try snorkeling beforehand, with someone supervising, to confirm you are comfortable in open water. Never go out alone. Practice the Frenzel equalization technique on land, not in the water. When you book, we send you a short guide on how to practice Frenzel equalization on land.
How deep will I go on the Wave 1 course?+
Beginners can potentially reach 20 metres by the end of Day 2, though this varies by individual. Molchanov Wave 1 certification requires 12 metres. Depth is guided by your comfort, not a fixed target.
Is there a minimum age?+
For Molchanov Wave 1 certification, the minimum age is 16. Younger students may be able to take part without certification. Please message us to ask.
What if I have a medical condition?+
You'll complete a short medical questionnaire on arrival. In some cases a doctor's sign-off may be required. Contact us before booking if you have specific concerns.
Certification
What are the requirements for Molchanov certification?+
You have one year to complete any outstanding requirements at any Molchanov-affiliated school worldwide, or book additional coaching sessions with us in Amed.
- 1:30 static breath‑hold
- 12 m freedive (CWT)
- 6 m rescue (CWT)
- 30 m horizontal swim
- Written exam: 80%+
Molchanov Wave 1
- 1:30 static breath‑hold
- 12 m freedive (CWT)
- 6 m rescue (CWT)
- 30 m horizontal swim
- Written exam: 80%+
Do I need Molchanov Wave 1 certification?+
No. Certification is completely optional. The 2-day course content is identical whether you certify or not. If you meet the requirements by the end of day 2, you can add certification for IDR 630,000. Wave 1 certification is required to move on to Wave 2.
Logistics & Payment
Where do the sessions take place?+
We do not use a boat. Beginner skills are practiced in confined water, and open water sessions are in the ocean.
What payment methods do you accept?+
A deposit of IDR 1,000,000 is paid online by card (no fee). The remaining balance is due on arrival. We accept cash, bank transfer, or card (3% fee).
Is accommodation included?+
Accommodation is not included. See our list of recommended places to stay nearby, including two Airbnb apartments.
How do I get to Amed?+
Private transfers from the airport cost approximately IDR 700,000–800,000 and take around 3 hours. Contact us to arrange. Alternatively, book a Grab car. Tourist shuttle buses also run to Amed from the main areas of Bali, a cheaper option than a private car: Perama Tour. If you're a confident rider with the right licence, you can also come up by scooter.
Can I change or cancel my booking?+
Yes, if you notify us more than 48 hours before the course starts. Deposits can be transferred once. Deposits and final payments are non-refundable. You can reschedule missed sessions within the policy terms. See the full Terms and Conditions for details.
Ready to book your Wave 1 course?
Questions? Message us on WhatsApp
Continue Your Freediving Journey
Once you've completed Wave 1, there's plenty more to explore.