Beginners
You do not start at 20 metres.
First session in Unawatuna: breath, pool, then a short, supervised dip. Groups of four.
Lanka Freediving is a Molchanovs-certified freediving school in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka, running Discover, Wave 1, and Wave 2 courses in groups of four, November through April.
Most people who message us have the same fear: I will panic, I cannot hold my breath, I will look stupid. That is normal. A first freedive in Unawatuna is not a depth attempt. It is breathing, relaxation, and a short, supervised descent with a buddy who is an instructor — not a GoPro boat.
Do you need to be a strong swimmer to freedive in Unawatuna?
For Discover (half day, €150): water comfort is enough. For Wave 1 (3 days, €350): you must swim 200 m unassisted. That is a Molchanovs standard, not ours to waive. If you are close, say so — we will tell you honestly whether to start with Discover.
Is freediving scary for beginners?
Day one is not the social-media version — no deep line, no blackout aesthetics. You learn to exhale slowly, equalise before it hurts, and turn around early. Small groups (max four) mean you are not waiting at the back of a crowd while someone else takes the line.
What happens on your first freediving session in Unawatuna?
You learn breathing on land, practise in pool or sheltered water, and only add depth across later days if you booked Wave 1.
- Breathing and body scan on land — not “take a huge gulp.”
- Pool or sheltered water: float, duck dive, recover on the surface with a buddy.
- If you booked Wave 1, later days add the line, Frenzel equalisation, and open water to a depth you have earned — typically well inside 12–20 m by the end of the course, not on hour one.
Gear is provided. Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen. Details: FAQ.
How deep will you go on day one?
Discover stays shallow and supervised; Wave 1 builds across three days. Nobody is dropped on a deep line to “see if you can.” Depth is a by-product of equalisation and calm — we stop when either is missing.
What marine life might you see?
Warm water (27–30°C in season), reef fish, and sometimes turtles on calm mornings. Read turtles and marine life so you know the rules before you get excited and reach.
Which freediving course should you book?
One free morning: Discover. Three days and a card: Wave 1. Already certified: Wave 2. Comparison: Molchanovs courses explained and Molchanovs vs PADI.
Still unsure? Tell us your swimming background and dates. We would rather put you on Discover than rush a Wave 1.