What is freediving?
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Freediving - also known as apnea - is the art of diving underwater on a single breath, without the use of breathing equipment. For some, it’s a way of life; for others, a competitive sport or a peaceful escape. Beyond the adventure, freediving offers various physiological and mental health benefits, making it a transformative practice for both the body and mind.
Physical benefits​
Practicing freediving in the long-term strengthens the cardiovascular and pulmonary system, improves the body’s oxygen carrying capacity and oxygen consumption efficiency, and it increases elasticity of arteries, among many other benefits.
Mental benefits​​
Your mind is your only limit. Freediving requires lots of relaxation, concentration and mental strength, therefore it can improve your abilities and consciousness over your mind and body. It also helps to manage stress in your daily life.
Molchanovs
freediving
education
​​Molchanovs is a globally recognized freediving education system created by world-class freedivers for freedivers of all levels. Founded by record-breaking athlete Alexey Molchanov, it blends cutting-edge training techniques with a passion for exploration and personal growth. From beginners taking their first breath-hold to advanced divers aiming to break barriers, Molchanovs offers a structured, progressive path through comprehensive courses, community-driven training, and ongoing support. ​
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Learn more about Molchanovs at www.molchanovs.com.
​LAP 1 - Beginner Pool Freediver Course
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On this course, you will learn the basics of freediving in a pool: breathing & relaxation techniques, how to hold your breath, how to swim underwater with the correct finning technique, safety protocols of freediving, and more. Completing this course is also the pre-requisite to start training in the pool, and to apply to a deep freediving course (WAVE 1). No previous knowledge needed, the only requirement to enter this course is to be 16-years old, and to be able to swim 200m continuously.​​​​​​
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WAVE 1 UPGRADE - Beginner Deep Freediver
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Once you have completed your LAP 1 certification and you want to take on the next challenge and try deep freediving, you can upgrade to a WAVE 1 certification, where you will learn to freedive comfortably between 12-20m deep in two different categories: free immersion and with bifins.​​
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Upon passing the course requirements on your courses, you will receive an internationally recognized Freediver Certificate by Molchanovs, and you will be able to upgrade it to the next level.
your instructor
Lap 1
Beginner Pool Freediver
Dive into the fundamentals of pool freediving. In this course, you'll learn all the essential skills for diving underwater on one breath: relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, how to hold your breath, how to swim with fins and without fins underwater, how to freedive safely with a buddy, and more. After completing LAP 1, you'll be ready to join the team for regular pool training sessions or join a deep freediving course - expanding your freediving journey into open water.
Location: Budapest, Hajós Alfréd Uszoda
Entry requirements:
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Min. 16 years old
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Be able to swim 200m continuously
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Signing Medical Questionnaire and Liability Release
Passing requirements:
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Pass online theory exam
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Static apnea: 1:30 min
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Dynamic apnea: 30m​​​
The Program
Online Theory: Wednesday
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The online theory class is organized on Wednesdays at 6-8pm before the pool practice on Saturday-Sunday.
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After registration in the course, you get access to the online theory material. You should come prepared to your online theory class, where we discuss the main topics together.
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The online exam must be done before pool practice.
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If you can't attend the online theory class, you will be able to watch it on recording.
*The exact date and time of the class is subject to changes in some cases.
Pool Practice: Saturday & Sunday
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Saturday:
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11:00: Meeting at the entrance of Hajós Alfréd Swimming Pool
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12:00-13:00: Dry practice
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13:00-14:00: Static Apnea in pool
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14:00-15:00: Break (rest, sauna, bathroom, snack, etc)
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15:00-16:30: Dynamic Apnea with Bifins in pool
Sunday:
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11:00: Meeting at the entrance of Hajós Alfréd Swimming Pool
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12:00-12:30: Stretching and Warmup for Dynamic No Fins
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12:30-14:00: Dynamic No Fins in pool
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*The exact schedule is subject to changes depending on pool availability.
what's included
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1 online theory session
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1 dry practice: breathing & relaxation techniques
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3 pool sessions in 3 categories
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All entry tickets to the pool
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Equipment: fins, weights, nose clip
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Access to Molchanovs platform, learning materials and community
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International L1 freediver certificate upon passing requirements
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New skills & freediving friends :)
what's not included
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Wetsuit rental (5000 HUF for 2 days) - optional
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Professional underwater photos (more info below)
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Anything not listen in the inclusions
Join the Italian Deep Trip
Learn deep freediving or take your skills to the next level in the deepest thermal pool in the world in Italy, Montegrotto. Whether you're from Hungary or from elsewhere, you are welcome to join the trip to train or to complete your Wave 1 or Wave 2 Upgrade Courses, once you have obtained the pool certificates of the same levels.
wave 1 upgrade
Beginner Deep Freediver
Get ready to unlock the depths! In this course, you’ll learn the essential equalization techniques that will allow you to freedive safely and comfortably between 12 and 20 meters. You'll dive into two exciting disciplines: using bifins (CWTB) and pulling yourself along a rope (FIM). You’ll also learn the most important skills in buddying and performing rescues to ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
Location: Italy, Y-40 Deep Pool - The deepest thermal pool in the world
Entry requirements:
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LAP 1 certification or equivalent
Passing requirements:
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CWTB & FIM: 12-20m
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Buddying: 6-10m
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Rescue from 6-10m
wave 2 upgrade
Advanced Deep Freediver
Take your freediving to the next level! The Molchanovs Wave 2 Upgrade course is designed for passionate divers ready to push their limits further. You’ll learn advanced equalization techniques and experience the thrill of freediving between 24 and 30 meters in free immersion (FIM) and bifins (CWTB) disciplines. You’ll expand your skill set by learning the No-Fins (CNF) and Monofin (CWT) techniques. Get ready to dive deeper, move smoother, and unlock your true potential!
Location: Italy, Y-40 Deep Pool - The deepest thermal pool in the world
Entry requirements:
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WAVE 1 & LAP 2 certification or equivalent
Passing requirements:
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CWTB & FIM: 24-30m
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CNF: 15m
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Buddying: 10-15m
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Rescue from 15m
The Program
day 1​
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6:30-7:00: Leaving by cars from Budapest (for those residing in Bp)
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14:30-15:00: Arriving at Montegrotto (+ optional grocery shopping)
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15:30-16:00: Check-in at accommodation
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17:00-18:00: Meeting & briefing at Y-40
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18:30-20:00: Depth Practice 1
day 2​
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8:00-9:30: Breakfast
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10:00-10:45: Meeting & briefing at Y-40
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11:00-12:00: Depth Practice 2
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13:00-14:30: Lunch time
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15:00-18:30: Padova sightseeing, ice cream, coffee time
day 3​
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8:00-9:30: Breakfast
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10:00-10:45: Meeting & briefing at Y-40
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11:00-12:00: Depth Practice 2
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13:00-14:30: Lunch time
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15:00-18:00: Visiting Chioggia (mini Venice) or the sea coast
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19:30: Goodbye dinner, board games or free time
day 4​
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8:00-9:00: Breakfast
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10:30-12:00: Depth Training (optional)
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12:30-13:30: Lunch time
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14:00: Departures
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21:00-22:00: Approximate arrival in Budapest
what's included
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1 online equalization workshop
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3 depth practice sessions at Y-40 (entry tickets included)
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Stretching for freediving
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Equipment: fins, safety lanyard
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Access to Molchanovs learning materials and community
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International W1 freediver certificate upon passing requirements
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Sightseeing around Montegrotto: Padua, Chioggia, or the sea coast
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Fun board game nights & new freediver friends :)
what's not included
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Travel expenses to the location
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Professional underwater photos ​​
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Anything not listed in the inclusions
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I help you organize it all and connect you with the rest of the group. Find more info and recommendations below about each of these topics.
Equipment
What equipment do I need for Y-40?
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Safety lanyard (provided)
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Fins (provided)
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Mask + snorkel (not provided, rental is available at Y-40 for 5 EUR/session)
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Diving watch (not provided, rental is available at Y-40 for 5 EUR/session)
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Lock for the lockers: the use of the lockers is free, but you have to bring your own lock (or you can rent or buy one in Y-40)
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*No need for wetsuit (and weights) as water temperature is around 33-34 degrees celsius
Additional Fees
Accommodation (3 nights/4 days) and travel expenses are not included in the course, but I will help in everything I can. Before the trip, we will have a WhatsApp group where we will discuss all the details together.
Accommodation: We usually book shared well-equipped apartments at special deal rates, that I help organize. Fee for 3 nights is usually between: 150-180 EUR/person (prices may vary depending on dates and availability). Of course, you can book anything else on your own, this is just an option.
Travel: For those traveling from Budapest, we usually organize ourselves between 2 cars, otherwise you may organize your own travel depending on your location. I travel by car with Carlos, and I always offer 2 seats in my car to those leaving from Budapest: 100 EUR/person for 4 days of transport.
Meals: Up to you! Some people like to shop some easy-to-prepare meals (pasta, gnocchi, etc.), some people like to go to restaurants. On the last night, we usually go to a nice Italian restaurant together, or order pizza and play some games at home. After the last training session, we have lunch at Y-40 and leave around 2pm.
Extra training: On the last day, there is an optional guided training in the morning before departures. Fee/person: 100 EUR
Insurance: You must have an insurance that includes freediving. Great options include: DAN Europe, K&H and UNIQUA (in Hungary) have good offers.
Exams & certificate
Most students complete all the basic requirements during the course, but if for any reason you don't, no worries—you can finish them later! You have up to one year to complete everything, and you can do so with any Molchanovs instructor worldwide. Once you're done, you'll receive a digital certificate from Molchanovs Freediving, which will be available on your freediver profile."
professional
underwater
photos
We’re excited to have Carlos joining us throughout the freediving courses! Not only is he an experienced freediver, but he’s also a one of the most talented underwater video- and photographers. If you’d like to take home some unforgettable underwater memories, Carlos offers a variety of photo and video packages that you can book. He’ll make sure to capture your best moments.
Check out his incredible work on Instagram at @carlosluna.films to get a taste of the magic he creates!​​
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More information about the packages via WhatsApp during course booking!
reservation
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LAP 1 (Pool): Reservation is possible by paying the full amount.
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WAVE 1 Upgrade (Depth): Reservation is possible with a 50% payment. The deadline for payment of the full amount is 45 days before the course.
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After booking, WhatsApp will be our communication interface. Here you will receive a registration form, and 1-2 weeks before the course, we will have a Whatsapp group with the participants where we will discuss the details/questions before and during the course.
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The courses are subject to a minimum number of participants. If a course does not reach the minimum number of participants and has to be cancelled, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
cancellations
Unfortunately, due to the limited number of places, the possibility of cancellations after payment is limited, but it can be transferred to someone else who meets the minimum participation requirements. In case of transfer, the full amount is refundable.
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Pool Courses (LAP 1):
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More than 15 days before the course: it is possible to change the date or to refund the full amount
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Within 15-11 days before the course: it is not possible to change the date, 50% of the paid amount can be refunded
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Less than 10 days before the course: it is not possible to change the date or require refund
Depth Courses (WAVE 1 Upgrade):
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More than 8 weeks before the course: it is possible to change the date or to refund the full amount
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Within 8-6 weeks before the course: it is not possible to change the date, 50% of the paid amount can be refunded
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Within 6-4 weeks before the course: it is not possible to change the date or require refund