I understand that bringing cake to class wins me favour with my Instructor?
- It has been known, though there's no guarantee. Chocolate can also help.
Do I need to complete a Medical Form to participate? (read this thoroughly).
- Yes. You will be given one to complete when you get here and any 'yes' answer on it will require medical clearance before you can participate. If you have any doubts as to your medical suitability for freediving then read through the attached PDF. If you have one or more 'yes' answers then print off and complete pages 1 & 2 and take to your Doctors. Please be honest, you may be putting yourself, classmates and even me at risk otherwise, which is very uncool. If your Doctor is not familiar with diving medicine then you may need to provide him/her with the supporting notes (also within the PDF).
Do I need to have First Aid / CPR Training?
- Whilst it is not a pre-requisite, First Aid & CPR training is definitely worth having. It's a skill that could (rather unfortunately) come in useful at any time, wether at home, work or play. If you are advancing your training and therefore depths it comes highly recommended. Josie is an EFR (Emergency First Response) Instructor and can arrange this with you.
Do I need to be super fit to do a Freediving Course?
- No, just capable of moderate excercise and comfortable in the water. You may be asked to complete a 200m/220yd unassisted swim (or more depending on which course you're doing). There is no time limit for this. The use of arm bands and/or any floational device is not allowed, nor is selecting 'doggy paddle' as your swim stroke.
Can I be a smoker and still take a Freediving Course?
- In all honesty, probably not. It entirely depends on how many and how frequently you smoke. If you're the social smoker who maybe has a couple with a drink at the weekend then we're probably OK, if you can't go a day without, then we're not. In a nutshell if you can't desist from smoking for 24 hours prior to, and for the entire duration of the course then Freediving is not for you. If you can (desist that is) then maybe you should ask yourself why you're smoking at all?? Any doubts, email me.
I'm scared of water, can I take a Freediving Course?
- This is not the right time nor place for you to 'face your fears head on', regardless of what your therapist told you. The medical form asks for disclosure of 'any pschological condition that may affect your ability to undertake the requirements of this course', if you chose to state 'no' on the medical form but then display your undisclosed fears in such a hugely demonstrative, animated and verbal manner that you consequently scare the wigglywoos out of me and every other participant on the course then I reserve the right to remove you from said course immediately. Without refund, part of full. Thankyou, the Management.
I'm scared of fish, can I just do a Pool Certification?
- In theory yes, but for logistical reasons I often do training in the shallows just off the beach, which being ocean, is where those scary old fishes live. The 'Static Apnea Workshop' is a pool based experience which you would be most welcome to join in on, though I can't guarantee I can deny myself the thrill of introducing toy fish into the pool to see what happens. (kidding, kidding, just kidding)
I don't like to get my face wet, can I take a Freediving Course?
- Preferably not. If you don't like to get your face wet, why would you want to take your face underwater?
What's the minimum age to participate in a Freediving Course?
- 16 or 14, depending on the course. Drop me a line for further info. All under 18's require signed Parental/Guardian consent.
- Any freedive training does require some emotional maturity, I reserve the right to determine a participants suitability, regardless of age...
Hi, I have narcolepsy, I'm on vacation so I'm not going to take my meds, can I do a course?
- I actually had this happen to me. She was a dentist. I can't think of anything else that needs saying here.
Does the Static Apnea Workshop credit towards a certification?
- Yep, absolutely. If you just want to do the workshop then I've designed a nice little certificate to reward you for your efforts :)
Does the water go all the way round the Island?
- Only at high tide.......... Of COURSE it goes all the way round the island!!!! where else would it go???
Does the Island recycle?
- Yes. But only glass, aluminium, cardboard. Plastics with the number '1' embossed on them are also recyclable (which is a very small percentage of plastics out there). If you're environmentally conscious, take your plastics back with you and recycle them there.
Currency? Cashpoints?
- USD. There are many cashpoints and banks on island. The Grace Bay area has both.
Hot? Mossies?
- Yes and Yes. Sunscreen and Mossie sprays can be bought on island. Don't underestimate the intensity of the sun here, go for a high SPF. Environmentally friendly versions of both are available in both IGA's (supermarkets). Dive Provo in Ports of Call stocks a variety of eco-friendlier sunscreens in high factors. If bringing your own, consider taking back with you to recycle. We tend to get more mosquitoes after a rainy spell, keeping screen doors closed and staying in a breezy spot will help keep them at bay.
Can I drink the tap water?
- It's desalinated, so whilst yes it's drinkable, it's not to everyones taste. You can buy bottled water from all the local stores. On Provo, glass bottles are better than plastic (see the recycling Q above). You can also refill the 1 & 5 gallon water containers.
Scuba offers a 'try dive', do you do a freedive version?
- The AIDA 1 Star Certification is probably the closest thing, a one day experience but still a certification. See 'Entry Level' page.
Is food provided on the boat?
- Yes, however you can't have any. If we're scheduled out on a boat then you need a good, hearty breakfast and some light snacks for in-between dive sessions (protein bars, dried fruit, fruit juice) anything heavier than that will mess up your diving. However, as soon as we're done, feel free to stuff your face. I tend to ask the boat crew to tuck something away for us for after, so the rest of the guests don't eat it all. Greedy buggers.
Where should I stay on Providenciales?
- Would suggest Grace Bay area, it's close to food, stores, banks, Dive Provo, stuff. If you'd like a recommendation then drop me an email and I'll help you out.
What's with all the purple??!!
- By the time I realised the purple overload it was too late, I'd gone too far. Trying to change it now would be a monotonous chore that I have no interest in, whatsoever. I'd much rather eat cake or chocolate (see very first question).
FAQ'S
Q's I am frequently asked. Hence the name. My answers are correct at time of writing, with some attempt at professionalism; however on occasion a question doesn't warrant anything other than sarcasm. I reserve the right, I'm British.
Q's are also in no real sensible order. If I can go to the effort of writing all this out then you can go to the effort of looking.
FREEDIVE PROVO
SSI & AIDA Freediving School, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI
Adding a little depth to your Caribbean vacation ...
Freedive Provo is located at :-
Dive Provo, Ports of Call, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI
+1 649 946 5040 / +1 649 344 9915
freedivetci@gmail.com
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