OVERVIEW

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Participants will learn essential safety skills, breathhold techniques, survival skills, panic management, anxiety reduction strategies, optimal breathing methods, and performance enhancement techniques specific to surfing and water sports. Upon completion, participants will receive a Level 1 certification in Universal Surf Apnea.

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DURATION

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The course will be conducted over a single 4-hour session.

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OBJECTIVES

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1. Understand the fundamentals of surf apnea breathholding and its application in surfing.

2. Develop basic breathhold skills to enhance performance and safety in the water.

3. Learn survival techniques for extended breathholding situations.

4. Understand basic anatomy and physiology in regards to breathwork and survival.

5. Gain techniques to manage panic and anxiety during breathholding.

6. Explore optimal breathing methods for improved surfing performance.

7. Apply specific exercises and drills to improve breathhold capacity and overall fitness.

8. Familiarise oneself with safety measures and precautions while practicing surf apnea.

9. Achieve a Level 1 certification in Universal Apnea Surf Apnea.

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COURSE OUTLINE

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1. Introduction to Surf Apnea Breathholding 

   • Overview of surf apnea breathholding and its benefits

   • Understanding the physiological and psychological aspects of breathholding

   • Safety guidelines and precautions for practicing surf apnea

2. Breathhold Techniques and Survival Skills

   • Proper breathing techniques for surf apnea

   • Breathhold exercises and drills to enhance capacity

   • Survival skills for prolonged breathholding situations

3. Panic Management and Anxiety Reduction 

   • Identifying panic triggers during breathholding

   • Techniques for managing panic and anxiety

   • Mindfulness and relaxation exercises

4. Optimal Breathing for Performance 

   • Importance of efficient breathing in surfing

   • Breathing anatomy and physiology. Understanding the respiratory system

   • Roles of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body. 

   • Mind - body connection. Breathing and the nervous system. 

   • Breathing exercises to enhance performance and recovery

   • Techniques for maximising oxygen uptake and utilisation

5. Breathhold Training and Performance Enhancement 

   • Advanced breathhold techniques and strategies

   • Exercises to improve breathhold duration and control

   • Mental and physical preparation for competition or challenging conditions

6. Certification Assessment and Graduation

   • Level 1 certification assessment

   • Individual feedback and guidance on progress

   • Graduation ceremony and certificate presentation​

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DELIVERY

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This course contains both dryland, classroom style learning and in-water learning. Courses are delivered by highly accredited coaches with a maximum ratio of 10 students to one coach. Sessions are held at aquatic centres in heated, chlorinated pools. 

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REQUIREMENTS

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Please note that the condensed nature of this course allows for an accelerated learning experience. It is recommended that participants have a basic level of physical fitness and comfort in the water.