Surf Apnea Course
Surf Apnea Course
Build your breath control. Manage pressure. Feel more confident in the ocean.
You do not need to surf giant waves to benefit from staying calmer underwater.
 
For many people, the hardest part of a wipeout is not immediately running out of oxygen. It is the sudden spike in heart rate, the discomfort caused by rising CO₂ and the stress response telling you to reach the surface as quickly as possible.
 
The Surf Apnea Course teaches you how to better understand and manage that response.
 
Through practical theory and supervised pool training, you will learn how to use less energy, recover more efficiently and remain composed when the ocean becomes uncomfortable or unpredictable.
 
This is not a traditional freediving certification course. It is a practical breath-control and ocean-confidence workshop for anyone who spends time in the water.
 
Who is it for?
The course is suitable for:
Surfers and bodyboarders
Ocean swimmers
Spearfishers and freedivers
Lifeguards and water-safety professionals
People rebuilding confidence after a difficult wipeout
Beginners wanting to feel calmer in waves
Anyone who wants a better understanding of breath-holding and recovery
 
You do not need an impressive breath-hold or experience in large surf. The training is adapted to your current ability.
 
What you will learn
You will learn how to:
Understand the urge to breathe and what is happening inside your body
Recognise and manage the early stages of panic
Remain more relaxed during underwater discomfort
Reduce unnecessary movement and oxygen use
Breathe effectively before entering the water
Recover properly after exertion or a wipeout
Lower your heart rate between waves and sets
Build breath-hold confidence progressively and safely
Support a buddy during supervised breath-hold training
 
Theory session
During approximately 2.5 hours of theory, we will cover:
The physiology of breath-holding
Oxygen, CO₂ and the urge to breathe
Why stress can make a hold-down feel longer and more intense
The relationship between heart rate, tension and oxygen consumption
Nervous-system regulation and relaxation techniques
Surf-specific breathing and recovery strategies
Common breath-hold mistakes
Essential safety principles
 
Supervised pool training
During approximately 2.5 hours in the pool, you will put the theory into practice through:
 
Progressive underwater breath-hold exercises
Relaxation and body-awareness drills
Recovery-breathing practice
Techniques for managing CO₂ discomfort
Controlled exposure to the urge to breathe
Buddy awareness and breath-hold safety
Individual coaching based on your experience and goals
 
All underwater exercises are closely supervised and performed using a buddy-based safety system.
 
Why these skills matter
Better breath control will not make the ocean predictable, and this course does not replace surf awareness, swimming ability or professional rescue training.
What it can do is help you understand your body’s response to pressure.
That may help you conserve energy, make calmer decisions, recover more efficiently and feel better prepared when you are pushed outside your comfort zone.
 
These skills can be useful during:
Unexpected wipeouts
Longer or heavier sets
Duck-diving and repeated wave impact
Long ocean swims
Spearfishing and freediving sessions
Moments of anxiety or breathlessness in the water
 
Your instructor
The course is hosted by Curtis Tredway, an experienced freediving instructor, breathwork facilitator and professional safety diver.
 
Curtis has coached more than 1,500 students, from complete beginners through to divers reaching approximately 60 metres. His experience also includes safety diving at international freediving competitions, supporting national and world-record attempts, aviation-industry underwater safety training and water-safety work for film crews.
His coaching focuses on practical techniques, calm progression and creating a supportive environment for every participant.
 
Course details
Location: University of Wollongong
Duration: Five hours
Format: Approximately 2.5 hours of theory and 2.5 hours of supervised pool training
Experience required: No previous freediving experience required
Important safety note
Breath-hold exercises should never be practised alone. All underwater exercises during the course are supervised and completed with appropriate buddy procedures.
This course builds skills and confidence, but it does not eliminate the risks of surfing, swimming, freediving or other ocean activities.
 
Build confidence before you need it
 
Whether you are preparing for heavier waves, returning after a frightening experience or simply want to feel calmer in the ocean, this course gives you practical tools you can continue using in and out of the water.
 
Book your place or send us a message to find out whether the course is suitable for you.