Jon & Mike - AIDA 1 Star Review

Awesome Intro to Freediving

My name is Jon, and I am writing-in (blogging?) because Josie ran such a great course for freediving that I wanted to share my experience.  If you think even for a minute that you may want to freedive, you have to check out one of her courses.

This was my second time to TCI, and this year, I wanted to get into scuba diving.  So I did all the PADI prep work before the trip, and while I did, I started reading about freediving and became more and more interested.

I’m kind of a traditionalist in a lot of things that I do, so there was an immediate appeal to the idea of diving comfortably, on a single breath, and without being strapped to a ton of equipment.  I Googled “Freediving Turks and Caicos” and found that Josie has the url (freediveturksandcaicos.com)! Providenciales is not the biggest island, so what luck that I could try my hand at freediving too.

Got in touch with Josie and she was super-helpful in getting me set up for a course, and very accommodating for a family-on-vacation schedule.  I did the Aida 1 course with my friend Mike, as our families were staying together. 

Josie is both a truly professional instructor and awesome personality which made the whole experience a lot of fun.  Josie met us at our place in Sapodilla Bay which was really convenient.  We learned how to breathe properly to prepare for an apnea, and following that did a static apnea (breath hold in water without moving).  I surpassed my expectations of how long I could hold my breath and this was definitely was a confidence boost for the open water session to come. Josie also taught us the correct way to practice this with a buddy and necessary safety techniques.  

We did the open water part of the course at Coral Gardens which had a cool reef on the way out. This part of the course allowed us to practice descending an apnea line (rope that goes straight down from the surface), first without finning and then with.  Josie did a great job demonstrating the not-so-intuitive techniques, never hesitating to show us one more time - I needed more than a few demonstrations of the old “duck dive”.  She always made sure that we were executing proper safe recovery, which I am grateful will be part of my diving habits.

We had a lot of fun getting started in this very cool sport.  If this interests you at all, you really need to check it out and sign up for a course.

Josie - Thanks again, and can’t wait to take it to the next level when we come back!



We also have a Flukes & Flippers website as well as a dedicated Freediving website.  There's also a Facebook page set up, and we're currently thinking of what silliness can be got up to with the power of the Instagram and that little bird.

Mermaid Treasure Hunt with Turtle Voyager

Meet John & Stephanie Ward, the Husband & Wife team behind the Mermaid Treasure Hunt ...

Together they run 'Turtle Voyager' a Yacht Charter company here in Providenciales, TCI.

They heard that there was a Mermaid in town and thought to themselves how fabulous it would be to create the most wonderful family fun day EVER ... so the Mermaid Treasure Hunt was born!

The day begins with the search for Bella, who is somewhere to be found around the North Coast of Providenciales ... you MUST find her as she holds the Clue that will lead you on your hunt for Treasure, however, these things aren't just given away, so first be prepared to accept the Mermaids Challenge ... you have to earn that magical Clue!

If you rise to the challenge and impress Bella with your team efforts, then the Clue will be given and you're off on your TREASURE HUNT!  With Captain John at your side you can't go wrong, he's been a TCI resident since 1969 so he knows every nook and cranny of these islands and he'll help you to decipher her riddle.

Your journey will take you along pristine coastline ...

To secluded Beaches for swimming, snorkeling and simply being together.

You'll hang out together on the beautiful MV West ... and maybe take a turn at the wheel?

If Treasure Maps lead to Treasure ...

Then Treasure leads to Memories ...

... and sometimes it's the Memories that are the biggest Treasure of all.

This day charter is a full but relaxed excursion with magic at its heart.  There'll be food and drinks, sightseeing, investigation, stories, laughter, exploration and mystery as well as swimming, snorkeling, fishing and more.

The Mermaid Treasure Hunt is available through Turtle Voyager as a Full Day Charter.  All logistical requirements are arranged directly with Stephanie, who is quite simply a very very lovely lady who will do her utmost to ensure you and your family have the most wonderful day.

Captain, John H. Ward & Stephanie Ward, Esq

USA: 706.255.6239

TCI:  649.441.3497

www.turtlevoyager.com

All photos used on this entry are by the most talented team at Paradise Photography.  Capturing those real moments, the truth within the scene, is what they do best.

I want to learn to Freedive !!??

You're drawn to the Ocean and chances are you can't explain why, and if you tried, you'd sound really odd ... phrases like 'drawn to the blue' or 'one with the Ocean' fall from your mouth and they don't really come close to expressing how you feel.

Or you really really really want to see how deep you can get, but without that 'argh I've got to get back to the surface' feeling that kicks in?

Whatever your reason is, you don't have to justify it.  If you're drawn, and you want to learn how to do it properly, then you have options :)

An entry level course can be either 1 day, or 2.5 days.

The 1 day is great for those restricted with time, or just want to learn some good techniques.  There are no depth, distance or time requirements with the 1 day, the focus here is on technique and getting comfortable in the water.  The 1 day course is $180pp and includes:

• Breathing & Breath Holding Session
• Theory Session & copy of Presentation Slides
• Freedive Session
• Certification

The 2.5 day is a comprehensive course, with emphasis on safe & excellent technique, giving you opportunity to challenge yourself further (safely), get that little bit deeper (safely) and stay just a little longer (yep, you got it, safely).  For those that have time to commit and want the full experience the 2.5 day course is $495pp and includes:

• Breathing & Breath Holding Session w/ Static Apnea
• Dynamic Apnea Session (Distance, horizontally)
• Theory Sessions
• 2 x Freedive Session (First from shore, Second from boat)
• Manual & Certification

Whether 1 day or 2.5, all the modules are done either in or by the pool or ocean.  Always somewhere that reminds you you're on vacation :)  It's informal and it's relaxed, but it still demands your attention and commitment.  You'll get far more from the course than you had anticipated, including the Certification Card when objectives are met.  You'll have to work for it, but it wont feel like work.

You need to be min. age 14 for this course, be in good overall health and willing to complete a medical form stating so.  You need to be comfortable in the water, know how to use mask, fins & snorkel.

If you've not used snorkel gear before then please learn how to before signing up or speak with Josie and she can factor in extra time to get you proficient before you start the course.  You don't head up the slopes if you can't ski, right?

Mostly it's about attitude.  If you really want to learn then Josie really wants to teach you.

Email Josie on info@flukesandflippers.com or on freedivetci@gmail.com.

Or call Josie on +649 344 9915.

See you in the Blue!

xxx

We also have a Flukes & Flippers website as well as a dedicated Freediving website.  There's also a Facebook page set up, and we're currently thinking of what silliness can be got up to with the power of the Instagram and that little bird.