Take your freediving further, faster. Whether you are taking your first breath-hold steps or targeting deeper, technical goals, private 1-on-1 training gives you 100% of the focus, tailored coaching, and rapid progression that group courses simply can’t match. Held on location in Cornwall and customized entirely to your current skill level, every session is built to unlock your potential safely, efficiently, and at your own pace.
No rigid group schedules, no pressure—just direct, focused coaching designed entirely around your water time.
Ian Donald is one of the most experienced and respected figures in the global freediving community.
With a teaching career that began in 2009, Ian has dedicated nearly 2 decades to his passion. He holds the certification of AIDA Instructor Trainer, which is the highest and most prestigious qualification an instructor can achieve, marking him as an expert trusted to train other instructors.
Ian authored the bestselling 2014 book, ‘Underwater Foraging – Freediving for Food’, the first guide of its kind to combine the instructions for both freediving and spearfishing into a single, comprehensive volume.
Ian’s expertise is sought out by the best. He regularly trains actors and stunt performers for demanding underwater roles in film and television. His client list also includes a huge breadth of military personnel, including Special Forces units, who have used his elite instruction for group training. You may also recognise him from his many TV appearances, or from his work as a consultant for the landmark BBC “Oceans” series.
Beyond this high-profile work, Ian has personally taught thousands of students from all walks of life. He is incredibly experienced in identifying and overcoming each diver’s specific training hurdles, helping everyone from complete beginners to seasoned athletes reach their potential. His students value his relaxed, patient, and welcoming manner, which creates the perfect environment to build confidence and safely push your boundaries.
Your path to becoming a more confident and capable freediver starts with a simple conversation. Every diver’s journey is unique, and your training plan should be too. Get in touch with Ian today to discuss your ambitions, ask your questions, and begin designing a personalized training program or to book your first transformative session.
Training is conducted in the ocean around Cornwall and the fantastic inland site Delphy pool.
Because my calendar is split between teaching and production work, I run an application process for all new private students to ensure we are a good fit before booking.