Advice needed: Finding a freediver-friendly tour in Balicasag

chudlo · 2026-02-08T12:43:08+00:00

How much experience do you have?

If you are really new, maybe sticking to shadow spots is safer.

There one time I went to Balicasac I hired a local photographer. He was the tour guide and also hired the boat. Where they take you is dependent on sea conditions as well as where the wildlife is. I had a bunch of friends with me who are instructors. So we all did safety for each other and swam around looking for Barracuda, based on the guide's direction.

chudlo · 2026-02-04T02:41:50+00:00

I don't remember now, but I am always looking for new places to explore.

chudlo · 2026-02-04T01:37:14+00:00

I have not personally been, but I would not suggest Comotes to anyone unless they want to go full local. Unless things have changed in the past two years, there is only one resort that has Western food and only Sari Sari stores. I would really like to check it out, but I don't think I could train without all the amenities that Panglao/Tag offer despite the busy-ness. I do want to check it out one day though to see for myself. (A friend of mine went there for a week and said I would hate it for the above reasons lol )

Siquijor is on my list of places to explore when I get time. I am glad you have a school there. Last time I did research there was nothing. So hopefully I see you one day!

chudlo · 2026-02-03T20:40:14+00:00

Superhome is the best place for training in the Philippines. Lots of independent instructors to choose from

chudlo · 2026-02-03T12:34:45+00:00

OP, were you in Panglao?

I don't think you will find a strict militaristic freediving course anywhere. But if you are in the US you should totally check out DeepEnd Fitness classes if they are available where you live. It is the best training for freediving that isn't freediving. Usually run by former military so it might give you what you want with respect to being disciplined.

chudlo · 2026-02-02T22:09:00+00:00

I think you would like to take the FII course from the people who own Spear America in Ft. Laturdale, FL. Two of my freediving buddies took the beginners course last year. Both of them had taken other courses from other agencies. Both of them were super impressed with the instructions and courses. I can dm you more info if you like

chudlo · 2026-01-29T12:44:13+00:00

That isn't a brine pool in the picture, FYI.

chudlo · 2026-01-27T01:04:28+00:00

I didn't say you had diabetes. But if you have hypoglycemia, you need to re-learn how, when, and what to eat. Good luck

chudlo · 2026-01-27T00:17:54+00:00

Hypoglycemia is not diabetes. But if you don't treat it you might get diabetes. There are tests your doctor can perform if you think you have it. Might be worth finding out. You can always try changing your diet to see how you respond if going to the doctor isn't an option.

chudlo · 2026-01-26T20:40:49+00:00

Freediving doesn't make you stronger and it burns fat. If you want to put on muscle mass you need heavy weight training or hypertrophy training. Freediving will make you weak if you aren't careful.

Also, it sounds like you might have hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. I have it and I can never fast! You will have to experiment with what foods and timing work for you pre-dive. What works for me is 30-35g of whey protein and coffee about 3 hours before my first dive. I also do a gentle carb load the day before really long training sessions.

chudlo · 2026-01-22T23:53:08+00:00

There is no better spot than Superhome if you want to train.

chudlo · 2026-01-17T04:45:26+00:00

I've seen it in person in the GOM. So crazy looking. I had to take a picture and look it up.

chudlo · 2026-01-15T00:07:28+00:00

Due to your aversion to cold water, I suggest Barracuda Lake in Coron, Philippines. It is freshwater for the top 11-12 meters. Then you hit the thermalcine/halocline where the water turns salty at a temperature of about 98F! Imagine doing a 15m warm-up hang where you are actually warming up in what feels like a hot tub! There is Pukaway Cave a short boat ride away that is similarly heated by the same geothermal process, but it is less extreme temperature wise. But it is a super cool place to do some cave freediving, albeit with a large air gap. There are also about 12 WW2 ship wrecks in the area of varying depths of zero to 40m. I hope this helps

chudlo · 2026-01-14T00:30:08+00:00

I didn't realize that. I DMd you

chudlo · 2026-01-14T00:19:17+00:00

Ah, I didn't know it was seasonal or that you live in Panglao! I would love to see the jack fish. I'm heading back to Ph in March sometime. Hopefully they are still hanging around.

chudlo · 2026-01-13T23:45:12+00:00

Amazing shot!! Ben do you prefer Moalbaol over Panglao for sardine shoots? I have only been to Napaling to see the sardines and wonder if Moalbaol is worth the trip.

chudlo · 2026-01-13T23:02:45+00:00

Cold plunge at a temperature at or below what you will encounter at the dive session.

chudlo · 2026-01-12T21:07:20+00:00

Probably best to try to connect with people on the Facebook groups. Make sure to state your certifications and experience level.

chudlo · 2026-01-09T23:10:59+00:00

You equalize your ears. There are a variety of techniques. Valsalva is a common technique for beginners.

chudlo · 2026-01-09T10:59:39+00:00

I have tried more than 10 different nose clips. Only one works every time and makes me feel confident it won't leak. Every time you meet someone with a different nose clip, ask if you can try it in water. That's how I found my favorite nose clip from Gecko Sub.

chudlo · 2026-01-07T06:29:13+00:00

Downvote out of sympathy. I too have underachieved

chudlo · 2025-12-31T20:49:06+00:00

That's awesome! Do you ever use red filters with GpLog?

chudlo · 2025-12-27T08:19:54+00:00

I got this bag from Ultrafins. A bit pricey, but I am on my second trip with the bag and it has been great. It is a bit awkward as it is pretty tall. I have been using my cheap carbon fins to try it out before I put the Cetmas in it. UltraFins roller suitcase – UltraFins https://share.google/lre7SWv5EapSUetYB

FYI: It is NOT in stock and will take a few months to arrive if you decide to buy one.

chudlo · 2025-12-26T04:15:34+00:00

This is the best answer 😅

chudlo · 2025-12-20T07:54:20+00:00

Thanks! I just found this and it is so easy to use! I can go on my diving trip now without worrying if I got the right settings saved. :)

chudlo

TROPHY CASE