Freediving is more than just holding your breath underwater - it's about connecting with the ocean, understanding your body's capabilities, and developing mental discipline. Master the art of breath-hold diving with Performance Freediving International (PFI) certified instruction, safety protocols, and advanced techniques. Our comprehensive freediving education program prioritizes safety as our top priority, ensuring you develop the skills and confidence to explore the underwater world safely and effectively.
Chris Bustad has dedicated his life to water. Growing up surrounded by lakes and rivers, he learned to swim by the age of four and began experimenting with breath-hold challenges as early as 1984. After serving five years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Cutter Rescue Swimmer, Chris transitioned into diving, first earning his Open Water Scuba certification in 2004 and then working as a certified hard-hat commercial diver and decompression chamber operator.
In 2012, Chris took his first Performance Freediving International (PFI) Intermediate Freediver course under founder Kirk Krack. Recognized for Chris's natural teaching ability, Kirk invited him to become an instructor and certified as a PFI Freediver Instructor and Assistant Intermediate Instructor in 2013. Since then, Chris has grown into one of PFI's most experienced educators and leaders.
Chris has served as a Safety Freediver, Lead Safety, Deep Scooter Safety, and Competition Organizer at multiple international freediving competitions, supporting numerous national, continental, and world record performances. He also co-authored the PFI Adaptive Freediver course in 2015, designed to bring the benefits of freediving to people with disabilities.
When PFI merged with Scuba Diving International (SDI) in 2019, Chris was invited by CEO Brian Carney and COO Stephanie Miele to serve as Freediving Subject Matter Expert, a role he continues today. He works in Training and Management Services, developing courses, writing standards and procedures, and mentoring the next generation of instructors.
Chris currently holds instructor ratings across every level of PFI training - from Freediver to Advanced Freediver Instructor Trainer, and PFI Instructor Trainer Evaluator - as well as extensive specialty instructor certifications including: Breath-Hold Survival, DPV Freediver, Marine Ecosystems Awareness, Photography, Videography, Mermaid, Technical Freediver, and Wreck Freediver. He is also an SDI/TDI Scuba Instructor with 23+ SDI specialties, and a First Response Training Instructor Trainer.
With decades of experience as a rescuer, educator, safety freediver, and curriculum developer, Chris brings both passion and deep technical expertise to every course he teaches.
Learn the basics of freediving including breath-hold techniques, safety protocols, and equipment use. Depths up to 20 meters/66 feet, and static up to 4:00.
$600
For recreational freedivers that want to further their ability to minimize risk in the water for themselves and their buddies.
$400
I also teach breath-hold survival techniques for water enthusiasts, public safety officers, and military personnel.
$1000
The following specialties are also available: PFI Mermaid, Reef Spearfishing, Spearfishing Safety, Basic Freediver, DPV Freediver, Freediver Marine Ecosystems Awareness, Photography, Videography, Wreck, and Technical Freediving.
Freediving isn't only for the able bodied. Water is the great equalizer. Adaptive Freediving techniques allow people with disabilities to explore the world of freediving, break free of the limitations.
Contact for pricing
Take your freediving to the next level with advanced techniques and deeper dives. Depths up to 40m/132ft, no time restriction on static.
$1000
For people that are looking to get into team safety training and competitions.
$400
Maximize your potential with depths up to 60m/200ft, utilizing advanced safety measures with team safety protocols.
$1500
Confined and Open Water available for personalized instruction tailored to your specific goals and skill level.
$300 per session
From Freediver Instructor through Advanced Freediver Instructor, packages are available to begin or further your professional freediving career. Mentored pathways include teaching practicums, safety leadership, and standards mastery.
Prereqs: PFI Recreational Freediver or equivalent certification. Contact for pricing and schedule.
Prereqs: Active PFI Freediver Instructor or equivalent, Intermediate Freediver, Competition Safety Freediver, Freediver Supervisor or equivalent. Contact for pricing and schedule.
Prereqs: Active Intermediate Instructor in good standing; Advanced Freediver or equivalent. Contact for pricing and schedule.
Ready to start your freediving journey? Fill out the form below and I'll contact you to schedule your session.