"Instruction does much, but encouragement everything." ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Indeed! I would have not survived the 2 hour session in the water if not with Dom's encouragement and constant reminder that I control the outcome of the training.
I was intimidated by heavier and bigger waves during my Ocean Confidence Level 2 Skin Diving session, but Dom was with me every step of the way, encouraging me to relax, be in the moment, and believe that I can achieve what I came to be trained for.
It took me a while, but the exhilaration I felt the first time I was able to dive and touch the sand was something else. It made me emotional knowing that 2 weeks ago I can't swim for the life of me, but have progressed so much in such a short period of time because I was taught by the best Ocean Confidence instructors, Dom and Tom. 🙂
Tom helped me become Ocean Confident and Dom assisted me to become "Ocean Confident-er."😉
Dom is awesome! I am grateful to him for patiently repeating the instructions and showing me a number of times how to properly do the dive. It also helped that everytime I feel lost, he'd remind me that I am on the right track, I am doing the bend the correct way and I just have to improve my arm movements during the dive.
I did not ace the Ocean Level 2 training, but I can live with the result because I now know the basics and I am confident that I'd be able to perfect the skin diving steps with constant practice.Thankfully, persistence is a great substitute for talent.
Three days after my training, I am proud to share that I was able to skin dive on my own, although I have yet to try doing it in deeper waters next time to test if I have it in me to survive the next level. 🤞
Boracay will always be especial to me now as this is where I learned to swim, snorkel, and skin dive. All of these would have not been possible if not for the amazing instructors of Freedive Boracay. Because of Tom and Dom I will leave the island next week with new skills and a heart full of hopes for more aquatic adventures.
Daghang salamat! Hopefully I get to learn with you...
Read moreJust a little context: I was a non-swimmer before I even enrolled myself at Freedive Boracay. I had basic ideas about swimming, but I didn’t know how to properly tread the water. I learned how to tread the water in just 2 hours during Day #1's Ocean Confidence Program. No amount of happiness can surmount what I felt during that day. Finally ticked that off my bucket list! (a skill that I’ve been dying to learn LOL) I also learned how to use fins for the first time; it seemed odd at first, but you get used to it eventually.
On Day #2, the first day of my freediving course, I learned the basics of freediving and its breathing techniques. If you’re a non-swimmer who is planning to take the course, it is really important to relax both your mind and your body. I know it can be terrifying given that it is your first time but it is important to put TRUST in your instructor and listen to what he/she tells you. In my case, it was Dom. During the first day of the course, I had difficulties with my equalization and couldn't dive headfirst. My deepest dive was only 3 meters.
On my Day #3 and last day of the course, I am glad to be taught by Tom in the classroom session, also one of the instructors at Freedive Boracay. I had a lot of questions which both him and Dom gladly attended to. On my last day, I surprisingly was able to reach 10 meters since I was taught how to equalize properly. From 3 meters on the first day to 10 on my last day? Crazy! I also had to perform a safety procedure and rescue which was a critical part of the course (and also my favorite part, actually).
My Freediving instructor Dom very kind, patient, and encouraging when I was terrified of the ocean. Dom brings a sense of calm with his presence and it helped me melt away my fear and anxiety of being in the open water. He really is a great teacher/instructor––one of the best out there. If there is someone I could recommend to learn Freediving with, it would be Dom. Hit him up.
I can finally now call Freedive Boracay as my home and will surely be back to focus more...
Read moreI recently had the incredible opportunity to experience skin diving and free diving adventures with Free Dive Boracay, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the entire experience. From start to finish, the team at Free Dive Boracay exceeded my expectations and made my underwater adventures truly unforgettable.
First and foremost, the instructor-Tom demonstrated exceptional expertise and professionalism. His passion for diving was evident in the way he guided me through the intricacies of skin diving and free diving. He created a comfortable and supportive learning environment, which was particularly reassuring for someone like me, who was relatively new to the world of free diving.
The progression of the lessons was well-paced, allowing me to gradually build confidence and skills. Tom took the time to address any concerns and provide individualized feedback, fostering a sense of accomplishment with each new achievement. This personalized approach not only enhanced my learning experience but also made me feel safe and secure throughout the entire process.
The choice of diving sites was also commendable. Boracay's underwater world is truly breathtaking, and Free Dive Boracay ensured that we explored a diverse range of marine environments. From vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to mesmerizing underwater landscapes, every dive offered a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
I must also highlight the emphasis on safety throughout the entire program. It's clear that Free Dive Boracay prioritizes the well-being of its participants, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the thrill of free diving in a secure environment.
In conclusion, my experience with Free Dive Boracay was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of skilled instructor and stunning diving locations made this adventure one for the books. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, I wholeheartedly recommend Free Dive Boracay for a truly enriching and exhilarating underwater experience. Thank you for making my diving journey in Boracay...
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