Why Performance Freediver Matters for Progressing Freedivers

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The wait is over. The Performance Freediver program has just been completely updated, with clearer explanations, improved structure, and a more modern learning flow—while keeping the core content that advanced freedivers rely on.

The updated Performance Freediver program supports freedivers who want to go deeper, perform better, and train smarter. It combines advanced knowledge, practical skills, equipment understanding, and safety awareness into a clear, performance-oriented learning path.

In this article, we explore what sets Performance Freediver apart—and why it plays a key role in freediver progression.

In This Article

1. Why Take the Performance Freediver Program?
2. Real Value for Real Divers
3. Flexible Training That Fits Your Schedule
4. Who Can Take This Program?
5. For Instructors: Teaching the Updated Program
6. For Divers Who Have Already Purchased Performance Freediver
7. Learn More or Get Started

Why Take the Performance Freediver Program?

At SSI, we believe the best divers are informed divers. Understanding the principles and training concepts behind freediving does not just make you smarter—it makes you safer, more confident, and more capable underwater.

The Performance Freediver program addresses the questions that arise as freedivers focus on improving performance, depth control, and training quality:

• How do pressure and depth affect performance at advanced levels?
• How does the body adapt during deeper and more demanding dives?
• How does mouth-fill equalization support safe and efficient depth progression?
• Why do preparation, technique, and recovery become critical as depth increases?
• How do skills, equipment, and safety systems work together at performance level?

This program explains how your body responds to pressure, how performance techniques are applied, and how equipment and safety systems support controlled, efficient dives—so your training is intentional and designed to get the best results.

New to freediving? Check out: Busting the Freediving Myths That Hold Beginners Back

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Pool-based training allows freedivers to refine technique, control, and performance in a structured environment.

Real Value for Real Divers

Performance Freediver delivers practical, real-world benefits that directly improve how you dive, train, and progress. By completing this program, you will:

• Improve control, awareness, and efficiency during deeper dives.
• Develop a clear understanding of mouth-fill equalization and its role in depth progression.
• Apply structured coaching principles to improve training quality and performance outcomes.
• Strengthen preparation, technique, and consistency under challenging dives.
• Make confident decisions as conditions and training demands change.
• Reduce risk by understanding performance limits and safety margins.

RELATED: How to Become a Freediving Instructor: A Six-Month Roadmap

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Performance Freediver training focuses on efficiency, control, and decision-making during deeper dives.

Flexible Training That Fits Your Schedule

The Performance Freediver program combines classroom learning with structured in-water training, allowing freedivers to progress at a pace that fits their schedule.

Training includes both pool and open-water sessions, fully integrated with the academic components of the program. A Performance Pool Freediver certification option allows students to complete and be certified for the pool-based training independently.

Students can begin training at any time of the year and complete open-water sessions when conditions and scheduling allow. Some SSI Training Centers also offer online or virtual classroom options for the academic components.

This structure makes the program ideal for freedivers who want to combine structured education with regular in-water training. The Performance Freediver program also counts toward all SSI recognition cards.

Who Can Take This Program?

• Any SSI Advanced Freediver or equivalent can enroll.

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Updated digital learning materials support instructors and divers with clearer structure and lesson flow.

For Instructors: Teaching the Updated Program

If you are already qualified to teach the Performance Freediver program, you may continue teaching immediately using the new materials. The updates are designed to make instruction clearer, more structured, and more effective—while supporting the development of high-level freedivers.

For Divers Who Have Already Purchased Performance Freediver

When the revised version of the Performance Freediver program is released, your digital materials will be automatically updated in MySSI.

If you are actively working through the academic content when the new version goes live, please note:

• The current (old) program content will no longer be available.
• Any progress made in the current program will be lost.
• Any notes written within the program will be lost.
• All reviews completed in the current program will be reset.

You have two options:

1. Complete the current academic content before the release date to preserve your progress.

2. Continue at your own pace, understanding that when the update goes live, you will need to start the new version from the beginning.

There are no additional fees for accessing the updated content, and it is not possible to revert to the old version after the update. If you have questions, please contact your Training Center.

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Performance Freediver training builds confidence, awareness, and teamwork at advanced levels.

Learn More or Get Started

Join us on February 3rd (Tuesday) at 13:00 CET for the SSI University webinar, where we will present the new Performance Freediver materials and show how this course can benefit you and your divers.

Register for the Performance Freediver Webinar Here

You can also join the SSI community for webinar reminders, discussions, and answers to your questions.

If you are ready to begin right away, contact your local SSI Training Center to enroll in the updated Performance Freediver program and take your next step in freediver education.