Freediving Water Safety and Skills Workshop

What to Expect

Participants can expect to take part in a focused, hands-on water safety and freediving skills workshop designed to build confidence, capability, and safer decision-making in and around wai.

Pool-Based Skills Session (4 hours)

Delivered in a controlled pool environment, this workshop focuses on foundational skills that support safer freediving, snorkelling, and kai-gathering practices. Participants will learn:

• Breathing and breath-hold techniques to improve control, relaxation, and efficiency in the water
• Duck dive technique and safe underwater movement
• Underwater skills including body positioning, fin use, and communication
• Rescue and buddy skills, including recognising risk and responding appropriately

The pool setting allows participants to learn and practice these skills safely, build confidence at their own pace, and develop good habits before applying them in open water.

Water Safety Knowledge & Decision-Making

Alongside practical skills, participants will be supported to strengthen their understanding of:

• Risk awareness and personal limits
• Safe buddy practices
• Preparation and planning before entering the water

This knowledge is particularly relevant for whānau who spend time in the water for recreation, kai gathering, or cultural connection.

Who is it For?

This workshop is suited for Tāne Māori from aged 15 years and over who are interested in learning about safe diving practices and water safety. It’s ideal for those wanting to build practical dive skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the significance of these skills for our waterways.

Although aimed at Tāne, we also welcome bringing a whānau along with you, such as a partner, child (15+), or friend, to learn alongside you. Please make sure to register both/all those who wish to attend. We recognise that learning together can strengthen confidence, accountability, and safer practices in the water.

Our Dive Instructors

Kristina Arnold – PADI Freedive & EFR Instructor

Kristina is a PADI Freedive and EFR Instructor who brings together water safety, education, and hauora to create empowering diving experiences for whānau. With qualifications in Outdoor Education, Risk Management, and a Bachelor of Health Science, she has a strong foundation in both physical and mental wellbeing.

Kristina has delivered breathwork and water safety workshops for tāne, wāhine, and rangatahi, supporting men seeking positive mental health outlets, women reclaiming space in the water, and rangatahi wanting to connect with their fathers and the moana.

Currently teaching Outdoor Experiences at EIT, Kristina works closely with whānau from Central Hawke’s Bay through to Ruatoria, fostering confidence, safety, and connection through mātauranga Māori and lived experience in the ocean.

Rawiri Broughton – PADI Freedive Instructor

Rawiri has been diving for many years, exploring some of Aotearoa’s most iconic underwater environments, from Fiordland to Whakaari / White Island and Aotea / Great Barrier Island. His journey into freediving instruction began out of necessity. Diving regularly with a close group of friends, Rawiri recognised that while the passion for the moana was strong, the safety knowledge and decision-making needed to be strengthened.

Motivated to ensure his crew were diving safely and confidently, Rawiri stepped up to upskill for the benefit of everyone around him. He qualified as a PADI Freedive Instructor in 2023 and now brings a strong focus on safety, preparedness, and practical, real-world experience to his teaching.

Gear List

Dive Gear: Wetsuit, Mask & Snorkel, fins & booties, weight belt, towel. We can provide masks, snorkel and fins if needed please make sure to note that in your registration.

Kai: Drink Bottle and lunch/snacks

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