The Underwater Academy, Bondi

Amazing experience. Freediving is about so much more than diving as deep as you can. Over the 3 days you learn about physical relaxation, mental relaxation, proper dive technique and the physiology behind diving. Lucas and Allan were great instructors - they explained everything clearly, showed great patience (even when you didn't get things right) and were very encouraging. They created a very relaxed and positive environment where everyone's achievements were celebrated no matter how big or small. If you're a rookie diver and want to push yourself out of your comfort zone with world-class support, or you live for being underwater and just want to perfect your technique, I can't recommend the AIDA courses enough

I’ll do this @lucas_handley style: I lived as an undocumented person most of my life, therefore, I did not have a proper childhood. Currently, I am creating my own childhood memories and catching up on things I should have done in my youth. One of them is #spearfishing. Another is completing my education. @lucas_handley at @theunderwateracademy gave me a perfect day to be a kid again. I will never forget their introduction to spearfishing course. In the water, despite being younger than me, Lucas was like a loving dad teaching his kid how to hunt—a dad that I have never had. Further, he is very knowledgable in sustainability and marine science, and intent on creating a kinder spearfishing community. He remembered that I wanted a ‘catch’ to take home, and we picked a sea urchin on our way back. There were few minor waves crashing into the rocks on our way back. This would have scared me before. Instead, I went into the waves with the sea urchin in my hands, determined to not let it go. I copped some few waves and was sent straight to the slippery rocks. By that time, my fear was gone and I immediately wanted the waves to push me back onto the rocks again. Being pushed by waves was FUN!!! It took me this long to figure that out! Unfortunately, it was time to get out. I grasped my sea urchin the best I can and made my way back. Those who know me from the past know that I will be practicing diligently to master the skills needed for the sport. This might not be immediately apparent to Lucas who KNOWS I did not even TRY to hold my breathe as long as I can. This was because I did not want to associate diving and spearfishing with me uncomfortably holding my breathe. Having said this, I was able to hold my breathe long enough to dive 5-7m, crawl through sea weed or tuck myself between rocks, listen to Lucas make a fish ‘call’, look around, and take a shot at a fish decoy.… FUN! I hope he knows that, in the end, I will grow some gills and get it done. I am VERY grateful to be introduced to #freediving and spearfishing by Lucas