I first learned about freediving when I’ve seen a video of a Bajau spearfisherman, a member of the nomadic tribe living in the waters of southern Philippines as well as parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. In the video, he stayed underwater for over five minutes, diving to depths of around 30 feet to hunt for his next meal. It blew my mind that anyone could hold their breath that long! That was the moment I decided freediving in Batangas was something I wanted to try.
So, I finally took the plunge and enrolled in an introductory course freediving in Batangas with my friends. And now, I finally understand why so many people are getting hooked on freediving.
If you’re curious about trying freediving in Batangas, you’re in the right place! Read on to hear about my experience and to learn what makes freediving in Batangas so special.
Also, if you’re excited about freediving in the Philippines, you might also want to check out my Bohol Itinerary! It covers all the must-see spots in Bohol and includes an unforgettable freediving experience in Panglao.
Table of Contents
Introductory Freediving Training
“No one goes home without learning freediving after the intro freediving course,” said one of the coaches at SEAngle Breath Freediver. I wasn’t sure if I should feel inspired or pressured by that statement.
The truth is, I was scared of the ocean. When I was a child, I almost drowned twice—once in a swimming pool and another time at Wawa Dam during a family outing. Since then, I’ve carried a lingering fear of drowning, especially in natural bodies of water like rivers and the sea.
Over the years, I’ve tried to face my fears. I pushed myself to swim without a life vest and even went scuba diving whenever I had the chance. These experiences helped lessen my anxiety, but deep down, the fear never fully left. I would still feel uneasy whenever there wasn’t an outrigger boat nearby for me to hold on to.
That’s why I decided to take SEAngle Breath Freediver’s introductory freediving training, a two-day course that combined classroom-style learning with open water practice. We spent about an hour and a half covering the fundamentals of freediving, including proper breathing techniques, equalization methods (like the Valsalva and Frenzel maneuvers), as well as safety protocols and problem management.
To top it off, we also did some yoga exercises designed to improve relaxation and flexibility, skills that, I quickly realized, were just as important in the water as they were on land.
Freediving in Batangas: Our 2-day Training Experience
Day 1: Open Water Session (Morning)
In the morning, after our classroom session, we headed out to the ocean for our open water session. Coach Francis led the way, bringing along a buoy for us to hold on to.
The moment I stepped into the open sea, fear crept in. Swimming in deep water has always terrified me, but I kept reminding myself that our coach was an expert. With that thought, I felt a little safer and more willing to push through my anxiety.
We swam for about 20 minutes until we reached a depth that Coach Francis decided was manageable for beginners. Once there, he secured the buoy to a large rock beneath the surface.
I couldn’t help but be impressed watching him do this. He stayed underwater for about one to two minutes, moving with such calm and control that it almost didn’t seem human.
Coach Francis began by instructing us to take slow, deep breaths—reminding us that our exhales should always be longer than our inhales. He emphasized the importance of both pre-equalization and equalization.
Next, he taught us how to do a proper duck dive, which was much harder than I expected! Coordinating the motion felt awkward, and no matter how much I tried, I just couldn’t seem to get it right.
We took turns diving one by one while the rest of the group focused on relaxation and pre-equalization at the surface. Watching others attempt it gave me some encouragement, but I still felt frustrated with myself for not nailing the duck dive that morning.
After about two hours in the ocean, we wrapped up the session and swam back to the HQ, tired but filled with new lessons and experiences.
Day 1: Open Water Session (Afternoon)
After lunch, Coach Francis encouraged us to take a nap at the beachside nipa hut before our afternoon open water session.
When it was time to head back, we changed into our swimwear again and did some yoga and stretching to loosen up our bodies. Then, we made our way to the ocean for the second session of the day.
The first hour, however, was tough. I still couldn’t get the duck dive right, no matter how hard I tried. Frustration started to build, and for a moment, I wanted to give up altogether.
But Coach Francis noticed my struggle and suggested I try a different approach. To my surprise, it worked! The moment I finally executed the duck dive properly, I felt a rush of happiness and satisfaction wash over me.
Just before the sun began to set, I managed another dive, this time reaching what I believe was about 8 meters. When I surfaced, I couldn’t stop smiling. I came up with the biggest grin possible!
That afternoon session became one of the most memorable parts of the training. It was the moment I truly understood why freediving is so addicting.
Day 2: Open Water Session at Binukbok
On our second day of training, we woke up early for breakfast and for yoga. It was so chill and relaxing! I felt so confident with my newly acquired skills that I couldn’t wait for our morning open water session.
At around 8:30 in the morning, we discussed a bit of freediving fundamentals again before we headed out into open water to put what we have learned the previous day to the test.
At this point, my friends and I were pretty confident with freediving already. We saw a hawksbill turtle at Binukbok and all of us were so game to dive and get a photo with it. The coaches of SEAngle Breath Freediver took us to some of the best freediving spots and of course, we got a bunch of awesome photos too! Our morning open water has been nothing short of amazing!
Is it difficult to learn freediving?
At first, it was difficult for me but later I realized that it was a fight against myself. If you say you can’t, or you’re just afraid to try, you won’t be able to do it. But you have to tell yourself you can. That’s the fight and that’s what you’re up against. I almost gave up when I could not do a proper duck dive. I already accepted to myself that maybe freediving wasn’t for me.
Thankfully, Coach Francis did not give up on me and instead, instructed me to try a different approach. And guess what?! It worked and it was the best feeling ever! It’s really hard to explain but since I was able to do it the first time, it was as if my body has memorized it. I did not have a hard time when I did duck dive the next time.
Do I need to be a swimmer?
If before this course you would say to me that a non-swimmer would be able to freedive and hold his breath underwater for over a minute, I would definitely say it’s impossible. After my introductory freediving in Batangas, I witnessed non-swimmers learned how to swim and to freedive. Even non-swimmers with water trauma were able to learn! No matter what swimming level you are in, you need not to worry because highly-qualified instructors will be with you at all times and ready to rescue if needed.
Overall Experience
If you are afraid swimming in the ocean without a life vest, join one of SEAngle Breath Freediver’s introductory freediving in Batangas. I guarantee that you will learn how to freedive safely and effectively. It’s a great place to start your freediving journey and their trainings will take your confidence in the ocean to a place you never thought possible.
My friends and I learned to freedive up to 10 meters and hold our breaths underwater for almost 1 minute, which is a great feat considering it was all our first time to try freediving.
Thank you so much Coach Francis of SEAngle Breath Freediver for pushing me to overcome my fears and self-doubt. If I never pushed past that initial disappointment, I’d never know what the world looks like deep below the water’s surface without scuba tank and now, I have no doubts that I will come back for more!
Thanks to the best diving buddies Patricia, Jett and Maki! This trip won’t be amazing without you girls!
Freediving in Batangas: How to get to SEAngle Breath Freediver HQ
By Public Transportation
- Board a bus at Jam Liner (EDSA Cubao) or DLTB (Buendia Terminal) bound for Lemery. One way bus fare is 187 pesos and travel time is 3-4 hours.
- Get off at Xentro Mall Lemery and take a tricycle to Balite Parking in San Luis, Batangas. One way fare is 200 pesos (good for 3-4 pax) and travel time is 30 minutes.
- Once in the jump-off point, wait for the scheduled boat pick-up by SEAngle Breath Freediver HQ at 6:30 AM.
By Private Car
It will take 3 hours to get San Luis, Batangas by private vehicle. Take the 3rd Lipa Exit in South Expressway to Lemery, Batangas. Use Google Maps or Waze to locate San Luis, Batangas. Once in the jump-off point, wait for the scheduled boat pick-up by SEAngle Breath Freediver HQ at 6:30 AM.
Where to Book your Freediving in Batangas?
SEAngle Breath Freediver
Location: San Luis/Bauan, Batangas, Philippines
Contact Number: (+63)956 931 9646
Email Address: seanglebreath@gmail.com
Official Facebook Page: @SEAnglebreath
Intro Freediving Package Inclusions (4,200 pesos):
- Scheduled Boat Transfer (from/to HQ)
- Shared Fan Room (2D1N)
- 5 Full Board Meals (2D1N)
- Facility Fee (Day Trip)
- Lunch and Snack (Day Trip)
- Drinking water with Coffee or Hot Chocolate
- FREE Use Set of Gears
- FREE Underwater Photos
- Freediving Lesson Fee
Exclusions:
- MNL-Batangas-MNL/Van rental/Car pool
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Overnight Parking Fee, if any
If you want to learn more about freediving in Batangas, then please do not hesitate to leave a comment below! I really hope you get to experience the beauty underwater on a SEAngle breath!
