Most beginners reach 10-15 metres safely within a week of proper training. Some reach 20 metres; others plateau at 8-10 metres. The limiting factor usually isn't breath hold—it's equalisation. And honestly? Depth shouldn't be your primary goal.
What Actually Limits Beginners?
New freedivers assume running out of air will stop them. It rarely does. The real barriers:
Equalisation (The Big One)
Your ears need to equalise pressure as you descend—like on an aeroplane, but more frequently. Without proper technique, pressure builds and stops your descent before air ever becomes an issue.
Most beginners hit their first "wall" at 5-8 metres when basic equalisation methods stop working. Breaking through requires learning Frenzel technique, which takes practice.
Mental Comfort
The ocean is unfamiliar territory. Darkness increases with depth. Pressure sensations are new. Your brain interprets these as danger signals, triggering tension that shortens breath hold.
Comfort comes with exposure. A week gives you that exposure, but deep comfort takes longer.
Technique Efficiency
Inefficient movement burns oxygen faster. New freedivers often over-kick, tense up, or fight against buoyancy instead of working with it. These waste precious energy and air.
Realistic Week-One Progression
Here's what we typically see:
Day 1-2: Pool & Theory
- Learn breathing techniques
- Practice static breath holds (most reach 2+ minutes)
- Introduction to equalisation
- Rescue skills
Day 3-4: First Open Water
- Orientation to ocean freediving
- Dives to 5-8 metres
- Equalisation practice under real conditions
- Building water comfort
Day 5-7: Progression Dives
- Working through equalisation challenges
- Most students reaching 10-16 metres
- Consolidating technique
- Introduction to deeper sites
Typical outcomes:
- 60% of students: 12-16 metres
- 25% of students: 16-20 metres
- 15% of students: 8-12 metres (usually equalisation challenges)
These aren't failures—they're realistic starting points.
Why Depth Isn't the Goal
Here's what experienced freedivers understand: the number on your dive computer means less than you think.
What matters more:
- Diving safely and comfortably
- Proper rescue capability
- Efficient technique
- Enjoyment of the experience
- Sustainable practice
A freediver comfortable at 15 metres who can rescue their buddy and enjoys every dive is more accomplished than someone pushing 25 metres with poor form and anxiety.
What You'll Experience at 10-15m
Don't underestimate these depths:
- Light changes: Blue tones intensify, colours shift
- Pressure sensations: The embrace of depth begins
- Silence: True underwater quiet
- Marine life: Fish are less disturbed at depth
- Achievement: You're doing something most people never will
At 15 metres, you're deep enough to explore sea caves, swim over reef structures, and experience genuine freediving. That's not a consolation prize—it's the beginning.
The Equalisation Reality
Be honest with yourself about equalisation. Some people click with it immediately; others take weeks or months of practice.
If equalisation stops you at 8-10 metres:
- You're not failing
- Your anatomy might require different techniques
- Practice will usually resolve it
- Depth will come when it's ready
We've seen students stuck at 10 metres for their course, then breakthrough to 25+ metres weeks later when equalisation finally clicked. The foundation they built made the progress possible.
Safe Progression After Week One
Finished your course at 15 metres? Here's how to progress safely:
- Consolidate: Dive regularly at your comfortable depth
- Add depth gradually: 1-2 metres at a time
- Never rush: Depth comes with experience
- Stay trained: Rescue skills need refreshing
- Get feedback: Dive with experienced buddies who can observe
The freediving community has a saying: "Depth is a byproduct of good technique, not a goal in itself."
Our Approach at Underwater Journeys
We focus on building capable, confident freedivers rather than chasing numbers. A typical week includes:
- Small groups (maximum 4 students)
- Individual technique assessment
- Depth progression matched to ability
- Emphasis on safety and rescue skills
- No pressure to reach specific numbers
Some students leave diving to 20 metres. Others leave diving to 12 metres but with perfect technique and genuine comfort in the water. Both outcomes are successes.
Your freediving journey doesn't end after a week—it begins.
