Introduction to freediving with the world record holder in the Bahamas

The freediving school is founded on the Apnea Academy's three cornerstones:

• Awareness

• Safety

• Enjoyment

Any practice that lacks one of these elements will be incomplete, and we aim to achieve them all whilst catering to the student's individual goals.

In a Vertical Blue course theory is integrated smoothly with practical exercises, the mental with the physical, in a balanced approach that promotes learning.

You will investigate the physics, physiology and psychology of freediving as a sport, you will be guided through precise exercises to improve your aquaticity and you will learn how to harness your breath so as to use it as a tool for relaxation and longer and deeper freedives.

In this 3 day course for a complete beginner students are given the basic techniques and theory necessary to make their first steps into the world of breath-hold diving. The emphasis is on efficient breathing, relaxation, and sensitisation of the body to being underwater.

The course takes place at Dean’s Blue Hole, commonly regarded as the world’s best freediving location. Imagine a salt-water swimming pool, with warm, calm waters that run 203m deep, populated by snapper, jacks and colourful tropical fish, patrolled by a school of silver-plated tarpon and visited by curious rays, turtles and tiny seahorses. An underwater cathedral festooned with light and life. This will be your classroom, your playground, your sanctuary...

At 203 meters (660 feet), Dean's is the deepest Blue Hole in the world, and the second largest underwater chamber. It is enclosed on 3 sides by a natural rock amphitheatre, and on the third side by a turquoise lagoon and powder white beach. There is never any swell or waves inside the Hole, and visibility is usually between 15 - 30 meters (50 - 100 feet). At the surface the Blue Hole is 25 x 35m (80 x 120 feet), but opens out after 20m (60 feet) into a cavern with a diameter of at least 100m (330 feet).

"The intro to freedive class at Vertical Blue was beyond my expectations. William is a skilled, complex, personable and patient instructor. The class was tailored to each individual skills and abilities and each of us got personal attention. Just watching William dive was a privilege. The sun rays filtering thru the deep blue of the water gave me a sense of peace never experienced before. Can't wait to return for another class!"

The freediving school is run by course director, William Trubridge. William learnt to swim at the age of 18 months, and was freediving to 15m by the age of 8, however he did not begin serious training for the sport until 2003. In 2004 he became the first non-Italian instructor at Umberto Pelizzari's prestigious Apnea Academy. Since then he has trained extensively with Pelizzari, and written the translations of 'Manual of Freediving' (Idelson & Gnocchi) and the Apnea Academy Instructors Manual.

William holds the world record in the discipline of Unassisted Constant Weight (no fins), and can dive to over 88 meters (288 feet) without the use of fins, rope, weight, or any other form of assistance. In 2008 he also held the world record in the discipline Free Immersion, at 108m (354 feet). He currently trains in Italy in the summers and Dean's Blue Hole in the winter.

Through the school he is able to pass on his awesome knowledge of the sport to the students.

Veritcal Blue is a member of the APNEA Academy (School for the Instruction and Research of Freediving) and all lessons are conducted in complete safety.