If there's one person redefining what a freediving school looks like in 2025, it's Dan Parsons — and he's doing it 50+ meters underwater, somewhere new, every few weeks.
Dan is the founder and director of Freediving Central, Australia's leading freediving school, based in Sydney. But "school" barely covers it. This year alone, Freediving Central has dispatched over 21 adventure trips back-to-back — bull sharks in Fiji, blue whales in Timor-Leste, remote Indo reefs, and all the way to Mexico multiple times a year — turning Dan into what can only be described as a full-time travelling freediver with a school attached.
From Big Waves to Big Depths
Dan's path into freediving didn't start at the surface — it started in the impact zone. He came from a big wave surfing background, and that comfort with raw ocean power translated seamlessly into the underwater world. Once he caught the freediving bug, there was no going back.
He has now certified over 2,000 students and trained nearly 50 freediving instructors — making Freediving Central not just Australia's leading freediving school, but one of the most prolific instructor-producing operations in the Southern Hemisphere. Many of Sydney's freediving schools owe their foundational expertise to Dan's mentorship and training.
He's also spent serious time at the sharp end of the sport. His career has taken him around the world, training alongside some of the deepest divers on the planet — including a formative 12 months at Egypt's legendary Blue Hole in Dahab across 2012 and 2013.
Not Just a Teacher — A Trusted Safety Expert
Dan's reputation extends well beyond the classroom. He has served as head safety diving consultant on multiple National Geographic projects, including working with renowned explorer and filmmaker Brian Skerry on the 2021 documentary series Secrets of the Whales — providing safety cover in some of the world's most remote locations and challenging conditions.
He has also collaborated with whale researchers, supported underwater expeditions for world-renowned videographers, photographers, and marine scientists, and worked alongside the Olympic canoe slalom team. In the world of freediving, when the stakes are high and the location is remote, Dan Parsons is the name that gets called.
The School That Doesn't Feel Like School
What sets Freediving Central apart isn't just the credentials — it's the culture. They've deliberately removed the typical course pressure from their programs. Sessions are relaxed and fun, often filled with laughter, and that atmosphere naturally helps people relax — which in turn lets them dive deeper, hold their breath longer, and hit their personal goals.
The school offers everything from a Try Freediving Course (a perfect first step — just $250 AUD with all gear included) right through to Level 3 and Instructor-level training. All certifications are internationally recognised.
Every instructor on the Freediving Central team can dive beyond 50 metres and hold their breath for a minimum of five minutes. You are genuinely in safe hands.
21 Trips. One Year. One Very Busy Dan.
Here's where things get properly exciting for the adventure diving community. Freediving Central isn't just teaching pool sessions and weekend shore dives — they are running the most ambitious group trip calendar of any freediving school in Australia, sending Dan Parsons around the world on a near-continuous loop.
This year's lineup has included:
- Bull Sharks, Fiji — including the stunning Kuata Island (next trip: 22–26 May — two spots still available!)
- Blue Whales, Timor-Leste — one of the rarest wildlife encounters on Earth
- Remote Indo reef systems — for depth training and underwater photography
- Mexico — returning multiple times a year for world-class open water
One repeat traveller said it best: "I still have the post-holiday blues a month later — it was that epic. I would never have gone to Timor-Leste or had the mind-blowing experience of swimming with Blue Whales if it weren't for Dan and Freediving Central organising everything."
If you're a diver who's ever thought about adding freediving to your skillset — or a freediver ready to take your travel to the next level — Dan's trip calendar is exactly where to start.
Feature written for DiveBookings.com — your home for scuba, freediving, and spearfishing adventures worldwide.
