SSI Level 1 Beginner Freediving Course

I recently went on the Nguthungulli Julian Rocks (Byron) weekend diving retreat (March 2025) led by Rosie at Eunoia. I was very interested in joining Rosie�s trip because of the very positive things I had heard from friends and other freedivers in the community that had gone on other trips with Rosie or trained with her. Also, the trip was limited to 10 guests, which of course makes for a better experience. Unsurprisingly, the trip sold out in a day. As a bonus, 2 other friends were also on the trip, but I wouldn�t have been bothered if I didn�t know anyone going before the trip.

All in all, this was a fun and memorable trip. Before the trip, Rosie provided basic info on the itinerary to make flight plans and logistics etc easy, and was super helpful when I had any questions. She even checked in to make sure I was comfortable with the accom arrangements as I was the only guy on the trip.

The day before we were to fly over, rough weather conditions due to Cyclone Alfred meant that one of our 2 dive days would be impacted/cancelled. Rosie was able to change the timing of this so that most of us still got to do that dive - after rushing from the airport!

Rosie took care to organise various aspects of the trip such as car pooling, accom, and shared meals. This meant we could just relax and have fun, only having to chip in for meal prep.

The group of freedivers that came on the trip were kind, enthusiastic, and fun, but responsible. Most of them had already known Rosie for a while or had travelled with her before. I�ll definitely miss our group dinners!

Diving at Julian Rocks was amazing. Water visibility was great, conditions felt safe, and the marine life was diverse - leopards sharks, manta rays, spotted Eagle rays, loggerhead, hawksbill, and green sea turtles, and more - we saw most of this in just one or two dives.

In terms of safety we had Rosie plus 2 of her safety divers, and the guide from the boat operator. Our dives were safe and fun.

You don�t need to be a super skilled or experienced freediver to come on a trip like this - I�d only been diving a few months and still consider myself a beginner.

I will be travelling with Rosie again very soon, and I would definitely recommend trips with Rosie and the Eunoia gang!

Diving with Eunoia was an absolutely wonderful experience! I booked the 3h freediving trip as a complete beginner to freediving, and I had a wonderful time. The instructor, Remy, was very kind and careful, which made me feel super safe and secure. We did some breathwork, went over safety information and equalization techniques and were then able to try this out in practise. I absolutely recommend! :)

I know this is a longer review, but it reflects my experience with Eunoia Freediving across a trip, as well as their pool and depth sessions, and how deeply that journey has shaped my relationship with the ocean.

I first connected with Eunoia through a last-minute opportunity to travel to Tweed Heads to swim with the whales. I said yes with excitement, without fully realising it was with a freediving group. From the start, the experience felt thoughtful and special. Rosie chose a beautiful place to stay, and there was a calm, caring energy shared among the group.

At the time, I was injured and undergoing rehabilitation due to permanent damage in my foot. Being surrounded by freedivers sparked something in me. One of the instructors, Sacha, looked at me and said, �I think you can do it.� That moment stayed with me.

When I returned home, I enrolled in the Level 1 freediving course. I had never dived before, only ocean swum and snorkelled, so this was entirely new. Over two days, Rosie and Remy gently guided me through the foundations and helped me understand the patience and presence the sport requires.

I continued with Eunoia through their pool and depth sessions, where I began to see real improvements in my breath-hold, technique, and confidence in the water. Throughout every stage, the team has supported me with genuine care and expertise. I can�t recommend Eunoia highly enough. Thank you. ??

I learned to freedive about six months ago and, despite loving freediving itself, I unfortunately had a less-than-favourable experience with another instructor. Since meeting Rosie, Remy, and the Eunoia team, that experience has been completely healed.
Their instruction is exceptional and delivered within a calm, clear, patient, nurturing, and genuinely supportive environment. Safety is clearly their top priority, which allows me to fully relax and focus on the joy of freediving.
I�ve done both pool sessions and a line session with Eunoia, and I�m amazed at how quickly I�m hitting personal bests under such skilled and encouraging guidance. I can�t wait to continue training, join trips, and spend more time with Rosie, Remy, and the incredible freediving family they�ve cultivated.