Become a Freediving Instructor: Training & Pedagogy with ABYSS Garden

Why Become a Freediving Instructor?

Becoming a freediving instructor is not just about improving your personal skills: it is about transmitting knowledge, guiding students, respecting the marine environment, and contributing to the development of the discipline.
At ABYSS Garden, the teaching approach is entirely student-centered: each learner receives guidance tailored to their pace, level, and needs.

You do not just learn — you become an active contributor to knowledge transfer, in a professional, safe, and supportive environment.

Training Programs Offered by ABYSS Garden


AIDA International Instructor Training


Duration: 7 days
Price: €990 (+ €50 certification)

The goal is to acquire all the skills needed to teach freediving independently, following AIDA International standards.
Groups are limited to 4 instructor trainees to ensure personalized guidance and optimal progress.

“AIDA Levels + Instructor Training” Packages

These packages are for learners who want a complete training pathway: technical progression (AIDA 3* then AIDA 4*) followed by instructor training.

Perfect for beginner or intermediate freedivers aiming to teach.
Training can be spread over a season (~6 months) to consolidate skills.
Prices:

AIDA 4 + Instructor*: €1,400
AIDA 3 + AIDA 4 + Instructor**: €1,800
These packages allow learners to gain confidence, improve safety and depth skills, and master pedagogy — all with step-by-step guidance.

Cross-Over AIDA Instructor Training

For instructors already certified by another organization (FFESSM, PADI, SSI, RAID, MEF1, BEES, DEJEPS…).

Duration: 4 days
Price: €540 (+ €50 certification)
Prerequisites:

  • solid freediving level (≥ 35 m depth and 4 minutes static apnea)
  • existing instructor certification
  • Ideal for expanding skills, diversifying teaching, and joining the AIDA International community.

Teaching Approach & Learning Environment

ABYSS Garden emphasizes progressive, individualized, and supportive pedagogy. The instructors are experienced freedivers, passionate and specialized in deep freediving.

Training takes place in La Ciotat, in an ideal freediving environment:

  • semi-rigid boat equipped for deep freediving
  • provided equipment (wetsuits, fins, masks, weights, buoys)
  • classrooms and teaching materials
  • varied and protected dive sites


The environment is designed to provide the best learning conditions for practice, theory, and pedagogy.

Who Is This Training For?

These courses are suitable if you are:

  • An experienced freediver wanting to become an instructor.
  • An instructor from another federation seeking AIDA certification (cross-over).
  • A motivated beginner aiming to follow a complete pathway through AIDA + Instructor packages.


Why Choose ABYSS Garden?

  • Experienced and passionate instructors
  • Specialized freediving school since 2011
  • Ideal Mediterranean location, safe and pleasant year-round
  • Complete equipment provided during training
  • Small groups for personalized support
  • Flexible programs adapted to each student’s profile


How to Enroll

Choose the program that fits your level (Instructor, packages, or cross-over).
Check technical prerequisites.
Contact ABYSS Garden via the website for dates and availability.
Attend your training (theory, deep practice, pedagogy, safety).
Obtain your AIDA International certification and start teaching.


Conclusion

Turning freediving into your profession is possible.
With ABYSS Garden, you benefit from professional guidance, individualized pedagogy, and an unmatched learning environment.
Whether you are passionate, changing careers, or already an instructor, there is a program suited to your profile and ambitions.

Ready to take the plunge and share your passion?
Join the community of freediving instructors trained by ABYSS Garden.