How We Help Divers Break Plateaus, Build Confidence, and Enjoy the Process

If you’ve been diving for a while, you’ll know progress isn’t always linear. Some days everything clicks, and at some points it feels like you’re stuck in the same place, whether that’s equalisation challenges, mental barriers, or depth numbers that just won’t budge.

We see it all the time, and the good news is… it’s fixable.

At Deep Sensations Freediving, we’ve built a unique training approach designed to help divers move past those sticking points in a safe, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable way. Smaller groups, regular check-ins, pre-trip coaching plans, and highly personalised in-water sessions mean you’re never just “another diver in the group.”

And because there’s no one-size-fits-all in freediving, our focus isn’t just on numbers. It’s on helping you progress mentally, physically, and technically , so that when the numbers do go up, they’re done in total comfort.

Here are just a few examples from recent training blocks.

Sam – From 7m to 17m in One Week

Sam started her Wave 1 course last year but hit some common roadblocks: equalisation and mental blocks. She was sitting at 6–7m, and for many, that’s where the journey ends. But Sam persisted.

We knew a week-long coaching block would be perfect for her, and by the end of those 7 days, she’d unlocked her equalisation, built her confidence, and comfortably hit 17m. She even swam through a shipwreck at 12m — with plenty more in the tank for the future.

Cameron – From Avoiding Statics to Breezing Through Wave 3

Cam’s a spearo from the South Coast of Australia. His main goals were improving bottom time and ticking off Wave 3. He had a negative relationship with static apnea before coming to us, but through personalised training, he actually began to enjoy them again.

Following a custom program we designed for the trip, Cam added 8–10m to all disciplines, was doing comfortable hangs at 30m, and passed all his Wave 3 requirements on the first attempt.

Eddie – Building a Career in Freediving

Eddie, a marine biologist and soon-to-be teacher, joined us as a Wave 2 freediver aiming for Wave 3. He hopes to work as an instructor in the future. Over the week, we refined his technique and helped him comfortably add 8–10m across most disciplines, completing his Wave 3 requirements with ease.

Zofia – Rebuilding Confidence and Adding 10m

Zof came to us as a Wave 3 freediver looking to complete her instructor requirements (40m). She’d developed negative associations with depth, so our first focus was on rediscovering the joy of diving. Through a fun, low-pressure approach, she not only hit her requirement but also added 10m to her PB, reaching 47.5m on the final day.

Natalie – Equalisation Breakthrough

Natalie was stuck at 12–16m and couldn’t frenzel equalise. We took a step back and rebuilt her technique using our unique approach. By the end of the week, she comfortably hit 30m in free immersion and bifins, whilst also completing her Wave 2 requirements..

Nam – Overcoming Head-Down Equalisation Struggles

Nam couldn’t equalise head down, so we worked with her patiently over three days of feet-first diving. With some of our favourite EQ tricks, she made the transition to head-down diving successfully. By the end of the week she went from 0 - 16m!

Dani – Gentle Depth Progression

Dani’s focus was on enjoying her dives rather than chasing depth. With gentle refinement of her technique, she progressed from 24m to 38m — all while keeping the fun in her diving.

Why Our Divers Progress So Comfortably

When our divers hit PBs, they’re nowhere near their limits. The depth comes naturally, without stress or pushing to exhaustion. This positive association with depth means they leave with the tools and confidence to keep progressing long after the trip ends.

Our approach blends the expertise of one of Australia’s deepest divers, competition safety experience, and professional breathwork facilitation. You’ll be supported in and out of the water with:

• Smaller groups and lower instructor-to-student ratios for more personal attention

• Pre-trip coaching plans tailored to your goals

• Regular check-ins to keep you on track

• A supportive, professional, and fun environment

• No pressure on requirements, you have 12 months to complete them, with complimentary training until you do

  
  
  
  

Don't Just Take our Work for it...

"Initially, I was worried about reaching the minimum requirements. As soon as we got started, all that pressure disappeared once thanks to the smooth integration - I don’t know how Curtis does it but it’s highly commendable!" - Eddie, Wave 3 Student

"Curtis and his team have been cornerstones in my freediving development and progression. I have experienced multiple trips with deep sensations, and their commitment to furthering their knowledge and fostering an environment of safety and fun is unmatched. I couldn’t recommend DS more, if you’re thinking about it - do it." - Zofia, Coaching student & retreat guest

"Highly recommend Deep Sensations Wave 1 beginners free diving course. Bri our instructor was super passionate, patient and knowledgeable. Felt super relaxed and safe under her guidance, she really embodied what I hoped free diving was all about. The online training and platform is really sophisticated and easy to use and the provided gear was really good quality. I am now completely hooked. Thanks Bri and the DS team for opening my world to free diving!" - Zae, Wave 1 Freediver

Over 140 5 star reviews, Read more

Ready to Break Through Your Own Freediving Plateau?

Whether you’re looking to tick off a certification, refine technique, or simply enjoy your dives more, our courses, training sessions, and depth trips are built to help you progress - in comfort, safety, and good company.

Check upcoming courses and trips here

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