FREEDIVE FELLOWSHIP

Cape Town

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE 2023 FREEDIVING FELLOWSHIP!

Freediving is underwater diving without breathing apparatus. It relies on breath-holding techniques that allow you to calmly descend, navigate and resurface using one held breath.

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIp

 
 

The goal is to facilitate ocean access and enhance the skills of 10 African storytellers and scientists based in Cape Town, South Africa with a passion for ocean conservation and storytelling.

This fellowship will be conducted in 2023 over from April 2023 - December 2023, comprising of:

  • A minimum of 10 full day training sessions (hosted monthly)

  • Two x 3 Day Courses (Level 1 and Level 2)

  • Monthly Zoom Calls

  • In-person meet-ups with NEWF Team in Cape Town

OUTCOMEs

 
 

PADI Freediver | Level 1 Certification

This PADI accredited Freediver course introduces the student to static, dynamic and constant weight freediving knowledge and skills. It is intended for the freediving enthusiast as opposed to the casual snorkeler or skin diver, so it emphasizes the specialized breathing techniques, equipment, procedures and safety issues associated with it.

  • This is what you can expect from the course:

  •  1 knowledge and theory session

  • 1 session in a pool (Sea Point Pool or Long Street Baths Pool)

  • 2 sessions in open water (Blue Rock Quarry/the Ocean)

    Requirements to qualify for Level 1

  • comfortable static apnea 90 seconds

  • comfortable 25 m dynamic apnea in the pool

  • comfortable 10 m deep constant weight dive in open water

  • demonstration of rescue skills

  • complete eLearning and exam

    PADI Advanced Freediver | Level 2 Certification

    The PADI Advanced Freediver course is designed to fulfill that personal need to refine and improve your freediving skills, allowing you to progress slowly while learning how your body performs during apnea.

    This is what you can expect from the course:

  • knowledge and theory session

  • 1 session in a pool (Sea Point Pool or Long Street Baths Pool)

  • 2 sessions in open water (Blue Rock Quarry/the Ocean)

    Requirements to qualify for Level 2

  • complete Emergency First Response certification (CPR and basic First Aid training, valid for 2 years)

  • complete eLearning and exam

  • static apnea 2 mins 30 secs

  • dynamic apnea 50 m

  • constant weight 20 m depth

  • demonstrate diver rescue and safety skills.

IDEAL CANDIDATEs

 
 

  • African citizens residing in Cape Town for the full duration of the program

  • Storytellers, Filmmakers, Journalists, Photographers, Marine Scientists, Conservationists

  • Must be able to transport themselves to and from the training and course locations

  • Is in good health and fit to dive, with no known mental, heart, blood, sinus, or respiratory problems (Shortlisted candidates will be required to completed a Diver Medical Form).

  • Participants should be able to tread water and float for 5 min

  • Is deeply passionate about our oceans and protecting our natural history, resources and heritage.

  • Must have an invested interest in using visual media to expand their storytelling and science communication efforts, i.e. film and or photography


SELECTED FELLOWS WILL RECEIVE

 
 

  • A monthly support stipend of R 1 500.00 to cover any wifi or travel costs required to complete the course

  • Mask & Snorkel (upon completion of the Fellowship)

  • 50% discounted cost on a NEWF branded wetsuit

SCHEDULE & COMPULSORY COMMITMENTS

 
 

  • 31 March 2023: Deadline for applications

  • 5th April 2023: Participants notified

    _________

  • 15th April 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 29th April 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 6th May 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 20th May 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 5th - 7th June 2023: Freediver Level 1 Course (Group 1)

  • 12th - 14th June 2023: Freediver Level 1 Course (Group 2)

    _________

  • 1st July 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 8th July 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 5th August 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 19th August 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 2nd September 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 16th September 2023: Qualifying Training

  • 9th -11th October 2023: Freediver Level 2 Course (Group 1)

_________

*Storytelling sessions To Be Confirmed

// Courses will be conducted in English

// Applicants must be able to commit availability to schedule proposed above (7am - 7pm on the above mentioned days)

// Participants may attend additional training sessions not included above

// Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed

// Acknowledgement: NEWF is an Afro-centric, multi-cultural, Pan African organisation, committed to diversity, equity and inclusion embracing all cultures, identities, sexual orientation and differently-abled individuals.