Surf Survival and Apnea Training Course

Ready to Feel More Confident in the Water? This Class is For YOU.

Let's be blunt. You love the ocean. You love surfing, swimming, diving, or just being near it. But let's be honest, sometimes the ocean is powerful, and unexpected things happen. Ever had a wipeout that felt like it lasted forever? Ever felt that little spark of panic when a wave holds you down longer than you expected? You're not alone.

That feeling of being out of control underwater is probably the biggest driver of panic. But here's the reality: most hold downs are much shorter than you think, typically lasting only 10 to 15 seconds, and rarely more than 20 seconds unless it's truly massive surf. What if you could learn exactly what's happening in your body during those moments and how to stay calm through them?

That's where the Apnea & Surf Survival Course comes in. It's not just for big wave heroes; it's for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable and capable in the water, whether you're catching your first green wave or navigating serious conditions. The goal is simple: to increase your breath hold ability in tense situations while staying calm and in control. By learning proper techniques and exercises, you can increase your breath holding ability and become familiar with the signs and symptoms your body gives before it's close to shutting off.

You might be thinking, "Hold my breath for long? I can barely do 30 seconds!" Get ready to be surprised. Many students walk into this class and, after just a day or two of learning simple techniques, find they can hold their breath for two minutes or even longer. Some participants in past classes have even reached three or four minutes. Imagine the confidence boost that gives you! Knowing your body is capable of more than you ever thought possible can change your entire ocean experience.

The class is taught by Ricardo Taveira of Hawaii Eco Divers, who isn't just a PADI Master Diver Trainer; he's a big wave surfer with over 30 years of experience who has trained some of the best in the world. But this course is structured to benefit all levels of water enthusiasts. We've had everyone from beginners just starting out to regular Waimea surfers and even legendary big wave riders like Liam McNamara taking or retaking the class. That shows you how valuable these fundamental skills are, no matter your experience level.

Beyond just breath-holding techniques, you'll also learn practical skills like understanding surf risk management, emergency action planning, and basic water rescue techniques including CPR and rescue breaths. These are skills that benefit you whether you're surfing, swimming, diving, or just enjoying a day by the water. The course also delves into the physiology of breathing and apnea to help you understand what happens when you push your body and how to train safely.

This course is designed with only one goal in mind; to increase your breath hold ability in tense situations underwater, while remaining calm and in total control of your mind.  In this apnea training for surfers, you will learn different techniques of apnea and breathing exercises to fully oxygenate the body, strengthen and increase capacity of the lungs . The class is designed to help you spend more time underwater through lectures, intense breath hold training and multiple breathing and swimming exercises. Its purpose is to aid surfers in dealing with extreme situations where mind control and calmness are the main factors for your survival.

In addition to apnea theory and breathing techniques to maximize oxygenation and breath hold, we will be emphasizing High Surf Risk Management in order to recognize, minimize or avoid unnecessary risks found in the surf zone.  

Part 1: E-Learning Theory Development

To prepare for the course, you'll receive an online manual featuring written content and videos that delve into the physiology of breathing and apnea. Understanding the academic aspects of breath-hold training is crucial for safe practice, particularly when pushing your body to its limits. You'll study the causes of blackouts during breath-hold exercises, learn to identify signs and symptoms of hypoxia, and explore high surf risk management, emergency action planning, and strategies for dealing with panic.

Part 2: Day 1 of the Course

The first day of the course is divided into two sessions. In the morning, from 9 am to 11 pm, you'll review the online content in a classroom environment through a PowerPoint presentation. This session will focus on safe breathing and breath-holding techniques, and you'll practice the breathing exercises that will be used throughout the course.

In the afternoon, from 12 pm to 3 pm, you'll begin the water training portion of the course. You'll learn apnea safety and rescue protocols to train safely with a partner in the ocean. The underwater apnea exercises will include static apnea, dynamic apnea, and stress apnea training, all of which simulate realistic surfing scenarios. Throughout the class, you'll work with a training partner.

Part 3: Day 2 of the Course

Classroom, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm -  We will cover surf risk management, swell forecasting, emergency action planning, manage bleeding and immobilization for surfing injuries.

These are the main aspects of the training:

• Physiology of breathing & apnea;
• Risks and dangers of training apnea;
  
• Proper breathing exercises to improve ventilation and strengthening of the lungs;
  
• Water safety;
  
• Static apnea, dynamic apnea and stressed apnea exercises
  
• Surf survival drills  

• Day 2: Water Training
  Pool Session: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  

VENUE DETAILS

Class is held in a space right next to Paul Brown Salon (marked with a red “X” on the map). While the venue isn’t listed on the directory, Paul Brown Salon is—use it as your main landmark.

📍 Look for Paul Brown Salon, located near Johnny’s Dog Spa Hawaii and Village Books & Music.
📍 The space we’re using is immediately next door to Paul Brown Salon.

🧭 The shopping center’s directory sign is right in front of Logos Bookstore, so you can use that as your starting point

And here's another great benefit: It's a one-time investment that includes the ability to attend future refreshers for free whenever Ricardo holds them, whether on the North or South Shore. This means you can keep your skills sharp and your confidence high year after year without paying again. It's investing in your long-term safety and enjoyment in the ocean.

If you're ready to move past fear, increase your confidence, and feel more capable whenever you're in the water, this class is for you. Note that the class only caters up to 16 slots! Reserve yours today!

Sign up today!