WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…

“First of all Bob was incredibly flexible and understanding when I had to move my course dates for unforeseen circumstances, and man it was worth the wait!!

He made us feel super comfortable from the jump, his passion for the sport is undeniable and it translates in every dynamic story he shares.  It’s as clear as the Florida Springs that he knows his $hit!!! lol  He wants to share his extensive knowledge, see everyone to succeed in his class and be the biggest cheerleader for your growth beyond the certification. We learned so many critical practices, techniques and exercises to begin consistently implementing in our daily lives to strengthen our minds & bodies for when we return to the water.

All that and he makes himself an invaluable resource AFTER the course is completed to aide in further growth on your freediving journey.  You can stop your search for a Freediving Instructor, you found the best of the best in Bob & Bluewater Freedivers 🩵"

— Colleen G.

“I’ve been wanting to try freediving for years, and this course is what finally got me started. I should have done this years ago! I’m 35 years old and feel so thankful to have found Bob’s course, which is going to payoff for many many years to come. The initial training is just the beginning for ways that Bob will help get you involved in diving, which is important for me because my personal life doesn’t offer much by way of freediving opportunities and connections, until now. Thanks Bob!"

— Will L.

“If you’re at all curious about taking this course, GO FOR IT, you will not be disappointed! Prior to signing up I wasn’t fully aware of how much freediving would provide me a space to stretch and strengthen my mind and my self-trust. The skills you learn are invaluable for diving and applicable for day to day life, and for that I could not be more grateful! Bob does an incredible job of ensuring you feel prepared, empowered and at peace both in and out of the water. No matter your comfort level or skill, you’re in excellent hands and bound to have an experience that leaves you excited for more!"

— Elliana S.

"I recently just took this class and loved every second of it Blue Water Freedivers instructors are extremely knowledgeable and were able to answer every question with great detail this helped build my confidence and learn more about the sport another thing the Blue Water Free Diving instructors emphasized a lot in my class was the importance to safety and proper equipment this helped me feel safer with my dives and also feel more comfortable going deeper I would recommend Blue Water Freedivers to anyone if you’re just a beginner or if you are looking to enhance your skills."

— Mason B.

"One of the single best experiences of my life! Bob is an amazing instructor who will make the first time diver feel right at home or take the most experienced diver and be able to help them in some way. This was my first experience freediving and in every way it was what I was hoping for. Not only did I gain a life long hobby where I can see the most amazing nature, but the breathe work practice that Bob incorporates with the diving class has actually made other areas of my life even better. I’ve been able to incorporate the breathe work into my workouts and my other training and have seen a major positive impact in those areas from the things Bob taught us with our breathing. I cannot recommend Bob enough for an instructor, take his class, enjoy the experience and have fun freediving for the rest of your life! Thanks again Bob!!"

— Matt Y.

"Being a flight instructor for over 30 years, I  would highly recommend Bob as an instructor. He has that way of making it very fun as you learn the techniques of free diving. He has a lot of valuable knowledge that he passes on. Bob isn't afraid to give the student more if they ask for it. At the same time he will not push you into something you might not be comfortable with. Bob made me laugh a lot, at the same time I learned about the safety aspects of free diving that I had never considered. It was a valuable course. I look forward to working with Bob in the future."

— Kevin S.

"This is an amazing course and an incredible group of people. Bob is genuinely passionate about the sport, safety, and his students. This isn’t just a quick certification, it is a community that will always be a text away for questions or a dive. I feel fully confident in safety and rescue and was shocked at some of my abilities when following the course. Highly recommend you join us! Come get certified with Bob! Tell him Meggie sent ya! 💙🌊🤘🏽"

— Meggie C.

"Hey Bob! wanted to send a little message your way. We just recently had the level 2 refresher class for me. I wanted to tell you about the huge difference it made when we spoke on the phone. I implemented breath holding practices and training all out of the water. I even learned that I can use freediving breathing methods to control different things in life. Like anxiety, mentally clearing my mind, and lowering your heart rate to relax. As someone who struggles with those things it has made a huge impact on me. Freediving has made such a huge difference in my life in and out of the water. Thank you Bob for the being the best coach/instructor anyone could ask for."

— Jimmy J.

"This was a course that I did not expect to appreicate as much as I did. I was "volun-told" by my husband, whose ultimate goal is to spearfish 33' grouper grounds, to sign up for this class. I did not expect to get much out of the class in the beginning.

This course was not a typical, learn a technique and go on your merry way. This class, to me, felt more like an introduction to an activity that I can pursue a lifetime; whether that goal is to be completely comfortable being a safety to my (soon-to-be-spear-fishing) husband, or push for depth, or stay in the water completely relaxed for longer. I was very glad to have instructors in this course who always made sure I was able to take my own time to do any diving and I really appreciated that. Even though I was not able to clear all the activities that I need to clear level 1 freediving course, but I am looking for many practices in the future that will help me reach that goal. Highly recommend this course to anyone who is curious about freediving."

— Deborah H.

"I grew up swimming and diving my whole life, lived on the water, I had already done some scuba diving, but I wanted to get into Freediving. So, I did some research and found Bluewater Freedivers and thought this was a good chance to get into Freediving in the central FL region.

I took Bob’s basic course in June of 23. What a phenomenal program and class of instruction Bob puts on. I have a lot of experience teaching others and was thoroughly impressed with his dedication and love to Freediving, and this showed during his instruction.

Of Bob, he is an impassioned lover of the salt and water and truly cares for this sport and those that are within and trying to better themselves. I was so impressed with him and his basic course that I told myself I won’t take Advanced with anyone else.

True to my conviction I took Bob’s Advanced course in SEP 23. Again, I was thoroughly impressed with his class of instruction and passion for Freediving. His attitude and demeanor are so fitting to this community that you feel right at home while in his class. During my couple month train up between courses. Bob took his personal time to call and provide more advanced training techniques and instruction, checking in when I told him of new PBs and other performance measures. He is a and rad and stellar instructor.

Bob is an individual who has a magnetic energy about him, who truly places safety first, and treats you as if you’re his only student, going well beyond what any would expect from any Freediving instructor. Also, he has the knowledge and talent to back up his accolades!

Thanks again for the awesome and memorable freediving time in your courses. I’ll be back eventually for that Masters course eventually!!"

— Anthony R.

"Bob was great, very thorough, yet he kept the class light on feeling like a formal class. You can tell he has a great passion for free diving which only helps you become more thrilled to do it! He tells great stories about free diving as well. I just took the course and planning on purchasing my gear ASAP. The class is worth the $, just like anything this helps you start your journey and you will not have it all figured out by the end of day 2. BUT, you will have the knowledge to get there. Great job Bob."

— Dustin K.

"I showed up to this class without any expectations. I am not the best swimmer, but my brother and I wanted to do something out of our comfort zone and this exceeded in every way. Bob is informed and enthusiastic as an instructor, and couldn't asked for a better coach or experience. I even talked my wife and younger brother into taking the class at a later date. Now it is something we all plan to do together any chance we get. Blue Water Freedivers is a constant topic in our house. I would recommend this class and Bob to anyone."

— Josh York

“Awesome experience! It was my first time freediving and it was a blast. Highly recommended!"

— Kyle R.

"Bob was extremely knowledgeable and hospitable, explaining all aspects of the curriculum/water based components extremely well. He tailored his approach differently for each student to make sure they were comfortable, and in turn giving them their own personalized learning experience. I couldn’t be more happy with my own personal experience and look forward to future classes with Bob."

— Brett M.

"Bob really puts his all into providing in-depth training. What seems like it could be an over easy course is explained with such great context that all parts of the material are informative. His enthusiasm has helped create a network of engaged likeminded freedivers with whom you can connect for additional dives. I love how safety is at the forefront of his training. I went home with more strategies and homework to improve my skills. I hope to move up to the next level when I return."

— Jen I.

"This past week marked my second course with Blue Water Freedivers (my Level 2)! I drove down from Wisconsin last year for my level 1 course (1200 miles each way), and then I did it all again this year (but even further this time, since I made it all the way to Palm Beach); SO WORTH IT!!! I have seen such a dramatic and positive change in myself this past year since becoming a Freediver. I’ve learned breathing skills that have helped me to lower my heart rate and stay calm in many areas of my life. I’ve become more in tune with my body, and more confident as a result. Coming from a military background, I find these techniques applicable to emotional regulation and anxiety control as well. It was just a couple weeks before my 40th birthday that I decided to take Bobs level 1 course; and since then, the whole year has been one of the best years of my life, by far! I’ve also entered into a culture of incredible people from all walks of life who share a deeper understanding of what living really means. I’d be letting you down if I didn’t touch on how incredible the locations of these courses are. Some of the most stunning clarity and wildlife I can imagine. Hidden springs and ocean spots that rival the worlds best. This past week alone, in the 2 day advanced course, I saw a spotted eagle ray, a seahorse, several starfish, parrot fish and water snakes to name just a few. The technical aspect of the freediving courses are great, but the continued support and training advice that comes even after taking a class is an added bonus I never imagined I’d receive. Theres even an active Facebook group for those who have completed courses, so you can link with others once you’ve learned how to safely dive with others (by the way, NEVER dive alone). Nuff said. Sign up today, and thank me tomorrow! Thanks for everything Bob!”

— Chad C.

"Walking into the freediving course i was so intrigued about the whole aspects of the freediving world. I have learned alot in the course level 1 class. I will use what i have learned into the real world and keep on freediving and i beilve that this course showed me that it is a part of a meditation and Bob really has helped me to understand that."

— Benny S.

Your CO2 tolerance techniques not only helped me hold my breath longer underwater, but they also helped me be more confident pushing the limits of my holds so I can continue to improve!"

— Zach R. (Air Force Special Warfare Candidate)

“After my free diving experience solo with my kids in the Philippines. I decided after my trip, I wanted to reach out to the freediving community in Florida. That's when I found blue water freedivers. After reading all the reviews, is when I reached out to Bob about getting certified. I shared with him my videos from my trip, he responded immediately that I should not attempt to freedive solo and we discussed Netflix’s movie The Deepest Breath. I decided to sign up for blue water freedivers level one course with Bob. Bob was always available if I had any questions or concerns preparing myself for this course. Finally the day came, and right off the back after meeting Bob that Saturday morning with an huge hug embrace I immediately felt his passion, and energy for the sport. Bob classroom introduction had me engaged, and I felt immediately that I was in good hands. The entire experience left me fully educated, and I knew that I would in the future I would move forward with blue water freedivers level 2, and 3 courses to perfect the sport. I recommend Blue Water Freedivers course with Bob for anyone looking to explore freediving I highly recommend Blue Water Freedivers. Thank you Bob for an amazing experience, and looking forward to diving with you in the future."

— Anthony M.

"Bob is an outstanding instructor.  I greatly appreciated the communication before the course.  Not only expectation of the class.  But what I could do while working to the class.  During the actual class, I was impressed with his knowledge and easy nature. Though there were serious elements, there was a feeling of confidence that we could accomplish the tasking and he would work us through. I definitely look forward to future learning with Blue Water Freedivers.  Great organization!"

— Romadel D.

"I recently traveled about 10 hours away for my first freediving class with Bob and it was extremely educational and fun! Bob is a very knowledgeable  instructor who taught me so much within those couple days and he always kept our class laughing.. always 😂 - there was never a dull moment and it never once felt like work. I had such a great time and was at complete peace while diving, it was definitely therapeutic for me. What an amazing trip, thank you Mr. Bob, We are looking forward til’ next time 🤙🏻"

— Kaitlyn M.

“I looked into Bluewater freedivers and the moment I spoke to Bob he made me feel so welcome into the freediving community. Gave me huge tips, and checked on me time to time before the class. I appreciate the patience Bob has and helping me achieve my goals! I can’t wait for our next dive and accomplish more goals!"

— Xiomary M.

"Bob is an amazing instructor and obviously is very passionate about freediving! I felt very safe the entire time and he talked every little detail through thoroughly. It was a great intro into the world of freediving. We left with tons of resources and training tips to improve our skills. Overall a fun (but challenging) weekend!"

— Natalie N.

"When I say this course was everything I needed to feel comfortable going deep, I mean it to the fullest! Living in Florida my whole life I've always loved being in the water but never knew the limits to diving deep SAFELY until now, after taking the Blue Water Freedivers course & listening to Bob and all the knowledge he shared I can say I now have the confidence to explore what I've always loved in a safe and comfortable way. Bob's teaching style is full of passion, you can tell he lives and breathes everything he teaches and that made this experience one of a lifetime! I recommend Bob's course to anyone looking for the perfect instructor in this sport!"

— Jessica P.

"Bob Fanok provided some amazing instructions and annectdotes to prepare me for my first attempt at free diving. Not only do I feel secure and confident enough to continue exploring this new skill, I have a wealth of knowledge I can tap into anytime I need guidance along this journey. Can't wait to explore new depths!"

— Huong N.

"It was a super amazing experience, I loved how much I learn about what I can really do under water and how easy it can be. If your scared of not been able to hold your breath don’t worry you will learn how to, Bob is an amazing instructor with lots of knowledge and stories you will have a good time."

— Gabriel A.

"This was one of the most exciting 2 days of my life...we had such a wonderful time learning the skills and understanding what it takes to free dive..And with a wonderful instructor just made it that much more comfortable! Mr Bob has a way to make the class fun with the comedy,stories,and his uplifting spirit! As he's loading you up with the knowledge you need to strive and be safe while taking on a great hobby! We cannot wait for the next class we attend! THANKS FOR HAVING US BLUE WATER!!!!!"

— John P.

"Bob’s combination of patience, charisma, and subject matter expertise made for an excellent introduction to freediving!"

— Sam G.

"Awesome class. Not a lot of unnecessary information. Learned a lot and looking forward to building on what I learned! Bob is awesome!"

— Tom G.

"I didn't know what to expect but Bob was so helpful and patient, it was impossible not to have a good time!"

— Jen S.

"I am new to Florida & I have been searching for hobbies I can be passionate about. I always admired freedivers, swimming with sea life and looking so graceful..peaceful. So I decided to try free diving and sign up for the Level 1 Class with Bob.

Day 1 I was feeling nervous and excited. I took in a lot of information and was able to experience the wetsuit and breathing exercises. I did not complete my breath hold on Day 1 and was feeling defeated. I was not sure I was going to be able to meet the requirements to complete Level 1.

Day 2 I tried to stay positive and planned to give my best - This day was the most magical day I have ever had in water. I was able to complete all the requirements and then some! I dove 45 feet… on my first day of diving!!  All of the information taken in from Day 1 was re-focused on and acted out. You are able to grasp all of the safety protocols and free diving skills you learned the day before. Always dive with a buddy!!

Bob’s free diving class has such a great fun, team family atmosphere. Talk to him, tell him your fears, struggles & accomplishments. Guess what. He has 458 stories to go right along with what you are saying and he will not only tell you how you can do it but also how to do it safely. The co-instructors are just as amazing. They are all helpful right in the water and so encouraging.

Bob says you get addicted….After day 2 it’s all I’ve been thinking about. You will be hooked. You will enjoy this class so much! Blue Water Freedivers is the best!!

I left with friends, skills to improve & an amazing experience. I’m so thankful. 🤿🫧💙 "

— Arae J.

"Incredible knowledge and enthusiasm from Bob. He is infectious and a great person to learn from. I know I came away from Level 1 a safer, more competent and better freediver, even after 20 years of diving across the Caribbean on my own. I put this off for years but am so glad I took the step to become level 1 certified, and especially happy I took the course with Bob at Blue Water Free Divers. The stoke is real!"

— John K.

"Working with Bob was an eye opener to new experiences and RELAXING. The passion he showed while teaching the group gave everyone so much motivation to do skills they didn't think they had the ability to do.  The way Bob taught the class he made the whole experience more than obtaining a certificate."

— Alejandra V.

"Mr. Fanok was an INCREDIBLE instructor to learn from. His expertise, knowledge, and overall skill in the sport and how to become better at it were incredible. Would highly recommend to anyone that would love to learn about the fascinating world of freediving!"

— Nikolas P.

"One of the most introspective experiences of my life. I am now moving forward with a better sense of self. Thank you Bob for this. I really can’t put into words how it helped me to realize things about myself and how I can change for the better (not that I’m crazy, maybe just slightly baseline crazy) - one has to be somewhat crazy to want to Freedive right?!?! I digress…. The course was well organized and I cannot say enough great things about Bob and Krissy. Both instructors made me feel in control, empowered and very comfortable in maybe not the most comfortable experience. I’ll be back for more!"

— Lindsay F.

"What a class!! I learned how to swim at a very young age and as a result I was very comfortable in bodies of water until an incident happened where I almost drowned… luckily for me, as long as I was above water, I was ok. But more than 20 seconds under water would trigger a mini panic attack… I was tired of living with this fear and decided to conquer it. That’s when a friend of mine suggested taking Bobs Freediving class which at the time seemed crazy! Fast forward a few months, I gained the courage to sign up and man oh man it was just what I needed! Bobs passion for Freediving was so obvious and contagious! He was charismatic, patient and thorough! I didn’t have ANY panic attacks and I can proudly say that I’m level 1 certified!! I HIGHLY recommend this class for anyone and everyone!"

— Olivier K.

"I completed the course with my wife and we had alot of fun with the class. I definitely learned a ton about freediving and especially the safety protocols. Our Instructor Bob did an awesome job with the course and gave us confidence in completing it. 10/10 would recommend!"

— Rene E.

"Everything was 👍🏽 classroom instruction was on point pool time was excellent learn how to hold my breath and I was able to use those skills at Troy Springs park to pass my class."

— Valentino S.

"Bob did such an amazing Job! I didn’t know what to expect and I was nervous. Bob made it fun and explained everything in detail. He didn’t rush and had a lot of patience. He took his time and overall it was a great class. Highly recommended him."

— Lisette S.

“The Short Answer: Blue Water Freedivers level 1 course has been everything I had hoped for, and much, MUCH more; and I highly recommend Bob as an instructor to everyone interested in the sport of Freediving! During my 40 years on earth, I have been to some cool places around the world and done some pretty amazing things, and I will say: “Hanging out at the bottom of a crystal clear Florida spring on a single breath hold, while getting my level one freediving certification with Blue Water Freedivers, has been one of the most memorable moments of my life”!

The Long Answer: Let me start off by saying, that I have been infatuated with being underwater for a while now, and freediving is a passion that I sought out to learn more about on purpose. I did a lot of extensive research before booking with Blue Water Freedivers, because I like to feel confident and get my moneys worth with every purchase; in this case, I feel that I got WAY more than I paid for. I have some scuba diving experience under my belt, so I wanted to take the level 1 freediving course and SAFELY learn how to push my personal boundaries; to be able to explore the underwater world on a single breath hold is something that has always interested me. The class that I was a part of has opened me up to new possibilities, that I honestly never even knew that I was capable of. Bob embodies the sport of Freediving in full. He instructs with enthusiasm and patience, and he builds a strong foundation on relaxation with his teachings. He has an uncanny ability to relay his experience to others seeking the same for themselves. He really knows how to help others strengthen their mental game comfortably, in a way that I didn’t think possible. He radiates a confident and fun vibe throughout his course, which makes trusting his instructions and demonstrations, all that much easier. I personally feel that Blue Water Freedivers gave me way more than just PADI instruction; the course honestly gave me an extension of the abilities I have over my mind and body, which will certainly transfer over into everything else I do in my day to day life. I received inspiration and motivation, as well as a super positive vibe while being taught. I was comfortable with every step of the course while learning my own physiology, knowing that I had a competent and experienced instructor making absolute sure every student in class was safe. It is mind blowing to learn the material I did in this course. To know the science behind how a human body can function like a superhero under water, and then get to actually put that information to use, has been life changing to say the least! After a phone conversation with Blue Water Freedivers, and getting a feel for Bobs personality, I literally drove over 1200 miles to specifically take the course with Bob; before ever meeting him in person. And honestly, I’d do it again and again for the experience I have had in his course. I’ll certainly be progressing my level 2 and beyond with Bob in the near future.”

— Chad C.

“As a person who doesn’t have diving experience, I wasn’t sure what to expect when taking the class. Not only have I learned a great deal of the technicals in freediving, but I truly enjoyed the experience and had tons of fun! Bob is personable and wants his students to succeed. You feel you want to push yourself and Bob sets up the environment in a way where you feel safe and comfortable to do so. The course is a group class, but Bob took as much time needed to ensure each student was helped through any challenges they had. During my experience, he spent additional time guiding me through equalization. It’s a testament to him wanting to see his students succeed. I took a lot away from the course and would highly recommend him.”

— Brian C.

“If you’re thinking about it… stop…BOOK IT RIGHT NOW! Go go go!”

— Monica C.

“Best  $399 I’ve ever spent! this two day level one course was more than enjoyable throughout the theory, pool session, and line dives Bob was more than supportive and encouraging to myself and the whole group. I see that many of the most doubtful students end up crushing their static apnea, aswell as exceeding their own expectations. Throughout this course you will become familiar with every bodily function that plays it’s role in free diving allowing you to become more comfortable in the the water. Having Bob there making sure I was using correct form and assisting throughout each dive builds a foundation for your free diving journey. Don’t hesitate to jump in a class and discover something new or expand on your abilities!”

— Evan H.

"My experience with Blue Water Freedivers was phenomenal. I came in extremely nervous having had a bad episode in the water. Bob and Krissy went above and beyond to make sure our experience was positive. They made all the logistics easy. The knowledge portion was interesting and helped put me more at ease. They made sure we had equipment that was well fitting and comfortable which made a huge difference. Most importantly, they treated everyone’s free diving journey as unique and special and fostered a group dynamic where every single person in our group was supportive of me and rooting for me to get through my nerves. I started the weekend completely seized up and nervous and finished having a blast taking pictures and practicing my skills and just enjoying finally being RELAXED in the water. It is so peaceful and so good for the soul, I highly recommend everyone try it and do it with Blue Water Freedivers!!!"

— Kirsten K.

"I am a new mom of an 11 month old  and this is something I have been wanting to do for awhile!  I had my mom watch the baby and flew from NJ for the weekend for this class. It has been so amazing. Being under the water and having a fish pass right by me opened up my world! I loved this class and have found a new passion that I will keep practicing and pass to my daughter one day! 🙏🏼💜"

— Summer S.

“Bob is an exceptional instructor! He was knowledgeable, patient, and highly safety-conscious. I felt comfortable and confident throughout the entire course, and I learned so much about proper technique, safety procedures, and the mental and physical aspects of Freediving. The open water dives were simply breathtaking. While diving at Troy springs, we had turtles swimming all around us in the crystal-clear blue water. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to either dip their toes (pun intended) into the Freediving world, or expand their current skill set!”

— Nicholas T.

“I came into the course with minimal swimming experience and no diving experience. Bob made me feel comfortable in the class, in the pool and in the spring. I had trouble with some aspects and had every chance to work out any issues 1 on 1 with him! Unreal experience and my confidence in the water has skyrocketed! Already thinking about when my next dive will be, 10/10 recommended. 💪🏻”

— Warren Y.

“Great course. Instructors are super welcoming, thorough and patient. There is a real emphasis on the inherent dangers and the absolute need for proper safety practices.

I’m sure most people come into this with some apprehension about whether or not they will be physically able to breath hold or equalize to depth but the Blue Water crew does a great job of breaking down the mechanics and physiology into understandable terms and instilling the confidence that you can achieve the goals. Everyone progresses at different speeds and they are quick to work one on one when they recognize someone has hit a bit of a roadblock.”

— Brian D.

“I was really nervous but Bob made us feel safe and confident in the water. Learning this skill can be applied to so many aspects of life, with the breathing techniques, breath control and realizing how incredibly adaptive our bodies are. We’ll definitely be back!”

— Roxanne L.

“Coming to Florida, I knew that I’d meet like minded individuals in the Blue Water  Freedivers course, but I never expected to meet a lifetime brother in arms during my level 1. During our open water session, I met another veteran of the Iraq war, there for the same reason as myself: to find solace and therapy underwater on a single breath hold. After briefly chatting about our service and finding common ground, we knew that we clicked. Bob was kind enough to facilitate a change of contact information for us, and we immediately hit it off. I was scheduled to drive back home over a thousand miles away, but I stayed back for another day to hang out with the new friend I had made during the course. I knew I had a heavy drive ahead of me, but I took a chance to engage with others (since that is what my trip was all about); and it was more rewarding than I could’ve imagined. I was invited to his home and shown some exciting local spots. The course helps people develop such magnitude for trust in others and one’s self. Trusting in freediving buddies means trusting in them to save your life if need be (very much on par with battle buddies in combat), and being trusted into someones house is also a privilege I don’t take lightly; those are the like minds you find while freediving. The other student and I set up a time to link up, and we planned a whole day to interact. I was offered an extra mountain bike of his to use and shown amazing trails in the area, while also sharing combat stories of trauma for the purpose of healing. I remain in contact with that other student to this day, and I am currently making plans for my return visit. being in a community of Freedivers is a whole new set of relationships with so many unexplored possibilities. Again, I figured I would have a lot in common with some of the other students, but I had no idea how close I’d become to my freediving classmates during my first experience. Bob, thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating a safe environment for these exchanges to happen. I hope others are as fortunate as I have been while exploring themselves through your course.”

— Chad C.

"Throughout my career, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to achieve instructor-level certifications in the disciplines of rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, and alpine skiing.  Because of this I have attended countless outdoor adventure training classes, and I can say with confidence that Bluewater Freedivers is one of the best educational operations in the country.  Bob and Krissy are definitely among the most skilled teachers with whom I have ever had the opportunity to train.  I was brand new to freediving and they had me hooked on a new lifelong passion immediately.  Their enthusiasm for the sport totally captivated me.  Then they led us through a perfect progression to help me quickly develop a brand new unfamiliar skill set.  Throughout the training they provided me with timely and targeted feedback to maximize my progression.  By the end of the class, I felt very confident diving to depths I never could have imagined possible just a few hours earlier.  The Level 1 training was truly transformative.  It not only changed how I look at diving but all of life.  My friends are already sick of hearing me rave about freediving."

— Heath A.

“This class was excellent it exceeded my expectations. Bob was great and is really good at what he does.This class helped me to think more about my health, my mind and my physical abilities and for that I'm thankful!”

— Thomas L.

“Bob is a great instructor. Not only did he make the course fun and exciting, but he was also professional and thorough. I definitely recommend him for all levels of free diving.”

— Jesus M.

"Had an awesome time with Bob for a level 1 freediving class. I know I have equalization problem before taking the class and it indeed doesn’t work in the first day. However, Bob is very patient and pointed out my problems after each try. I was able work through the equalization and passed the class on the second day! Bob is definitely an awesome instructor and look forward to diving with him again!!"

— Da H.

“Bob and Chrissy are really phenomenal  instructors, very passionate about freediving and teaching it. My son and I absolutely enjoyed and were completely stoked by the experience and we can't wait to employ our new found "underwater super powers" 😎

— Shaun A.

“I had an absolutely breathtaking level 1 course this past weekend! The training was thorough, patient, and even with the maximum class size of 10 people it still felt like we got a lot of individualized attention and focus. I didn't fully pass (did not make it to 10m/33ft) and I'm totally, beyond fine with it because that means I have the chance to go back on day 2 of another course and try again! It's fairly common and the instructors made me feel very reassured that I can and will achieve it with some more practice. I feel well equipped with the knowledge and tools to perfect my equalizing (never knew I could do it hands-free but now I can figure that out even more!) The instructors made me feel very safe and supported under their guidance the entire time. Honestly the most thrilling thing I've ever done!”

— Emma S.

"I am a very new, and timid diver, in regards to my breathhold. Bob taught some very simple techniques to control not only my breathing but my anxiety as well. Felt very comfortable in the water. Changed my mental approach to diving."

— Brett F.

"A total game-changer."

— Terrance G.

“Bob was eager and open to all my questions about freediving and did everything to make sure it could work for me.  Had a great time in the course and always felt safe while learning new things like diving to 30ft.  Highly recommend Blue Water!”

— Michael R.

“Bob believed in me knowing i would pass, he is extremely patient and tries to motivate you every chance he gets!!”

— Quadarius C.

“This was an amazing  experience, the instructors Bob and his assistant instructor Krissy really know frediving and made the class extremely fun and exciting!”

— Jedediah A.

“I took Bobs class after my bestie took it the year earlier. Class room experience: very informative. Not only to the actual diving but the physiological part of diving, and great humor.  Practical diving: great pace, lots of practice of what you learn in the classroom, great dive spots. With the experience demonstrated, I would trust them to instruct my children. Bob and his co-instructor have a great teaching style, very thorough, extremely reassuring, approachable and friendly. The class is a must if you are ready to go to the next level.

Thank you!!!”

— Charlene R.

“This was a terrific class, lots of fun and extremely useful. Bob and his co-instructor’s instructions were clear and professional and entertaining. The class has really heightened my enthusiasm for this sport

— Larry W.

“Mr. Bob helped me realize that Free Diving takes confidence and a relaxed behavior. He helped my seal off the thoughts that were previously wandering through my head shouting “What’s around the next corner? It’s a little dark down there! I’m not so sure I want to pass by that ledge.” He taught me how to relax my thoughts and my breathing and focus on something calm and peaceful; and for that I am extremely grateful! Thank you so much, Bob! I appreciate the time you spent with me to teach me the Free Diving skills I probably would’ve learned three years after those two EPIC days of Free Diving classes! Again, Thank you!”

— Danika E.

“Oh my goodness!!! Where to begin, I took my level one course back in May and had absolutely not one single idea as to what I was really getting myself into. Bobs class was so informative and he made us all feel super welcomed. I was truly amazed by all of the things that actually go into freediving. It’s not just putting on a mask and some cool gear and hopping in the water like a lot of people think! I learned so much information on equalization and safety techniques and more! I get tears typing this because I had to go back in august to complete my level one to its entirety and I was blessed to take a class with Krissy who kept me so in the zone of relaxation. Her ability to work with people one on one with an open mind and heart was a gift I’ll forever treasure. I’m not even trying to be super cheesy but I’m so serious! If you are remotely DEBATING on taking a course with Blue Water Free Divers stop what your doing right now after reading this and go put some change in your piggy bank and contact one of these amazing people NOW!💙✨ Your life will forever be changed. Thank you Blue Water Free Divers for showing people like me that life truly starts at the end of your comfort zone!!! 🙏 Thank you Bob for your passion and dedication and thank you to every person in this community!!!”

— Caitlyn B.

“After my experience in the level 1 course with blue water freedivers, I won't be going anywhere else for training in my freediving journey. Bob is an incredible human with a contagious energy of excitement, passion, and knowledge that is felt. During the course, I always felt safe and heard while being pushed to explore my edges. The co-instructor for this course was equally amazing and provided great feedback on ways to improve in and out of the water. I didn't know how profoundly impactful freediving could be in my life and I can't wait to take more courses in the future!”

— Morgan M.

"Awesome experience that allows you to safely push your diving limit!"

-- Marco U.

“This course is hands down one of the best for me!! If you have questions in your ability to dive and want to dive confidently this is the place to be !! Stoke level is high!!”

— Joshua W.

“Bob is a fantastic instructor and an engaging personality. The class was all different levels and yet Bob was able to cater to each and every skill level. My wife and I would recommend this class to anyone interested in learning how to become more comfortable exploring deeper waters. We hope to take an advanced course with Bob in the future.”

— Blaze A.

“Bob was an excellent instructor! He had so much charisma, it made every bit of the class fun, exciting and extremely enjoyable. My wife and I felt especially safe as he taught us everything from the physiological effects of co2 and o2 on the body, safety preparedness prior to entering the water, and guidance through our experience. All the equipment that was provided was top notch and very comfortable, the locations for our sessions were beautiful, and there wasn’t a shortage of laughs and good times. This was one of the best courses I have ever taken and I would highly recommend using Blue Water Freediving. My wife and I are already looking forward to our advance classes and excited to practice everything we learned.”

— Johnathan J.

“This class was worth every penny! It’s a great intro to Freediving and clarifies so many uncertainties and misconceptions about the sport. Bob did an excellent job explaining everything and made everyone feel comfortable in the water. Definitely recommend this class! So excited to get back out there and practice :)”

— Casey H.

“Bob and the Blue Water Freediving team are incredibly friendly, experienced and knowledgeable on all the aspects of Free Diving. They do a great job explaining everything and preparing you for your dives and all safety aspects. It’s a very fun environment to learn and I look forward to taking more courses with Blue Water in the future.”

— Kevin M.

“Bob's expertise helped me feel comfortable hitting deeper depths. I had been freediving for a while without instruction (stupid, I know) and I now feel comfortable having learned the proper techniques and safety.

He's personable and kind hearted with a no-pressure attitude for students who were having a difficult time meeting the certification requirements. He's confident and passionate about his work which shows in his delivery.

I was able to break my max depth record while in his level 1 freediving course and am already wanting to continue my certifications to level 2 with him.

I highly recommend him to freedivers of all levels 💯”

— Megan G.

“So much gratefulness for the opportunity to learn from Bob and share my advanced course with such an awesome group of individuals. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on freediving, safety, and comfortability in the water, Bob’s your guy. Taking time to enjoy my advanced experiences but will be back again for masters ❤️

— Alison B.

“Bob is a very passionate instructor knowing that this is what he loves to do! He takes his time and is patient with each student whether its showing you you how to improve your technique or if you are struggling to learn something basic from the class! Great class highly recommend!”

— Raul C.

“Keep on being amazing. I loved the class.”

— Jimmy J.

“Bob has an amazing knack for helping you to stomp out the self-doubt that crept into my mind. This was one of the most incredible experiences for me. Bob and his assistant instructor listened and provided feedback and were able to help me become a better version of myself. It's not just about the epic freediving experience and knowledge, but it's also about improving yourself. My self-esteem has never been higher. Thank you so much for an amazing experience!”

— Bobby C.

“For anyone trying to understand or enhance their free diving abilities. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to get into free diving. Bob and Chissy are super knowledgeable and accommodating. They make you feel comfortable in and out of the water throughout the course. Giving you the tools to succeed, they go over the science, dive techniques, safety, and gear recommendations. They have the experience and understanding to make everyone a free diver. Bob also gives you the ability to experience areas that are not open to the public. It was pleasure working with a passionate team of freedive masters. When you leave this course you will have the power to unlock your potenial in this sport whether you are doing this for recreation or competition.”

— Justin K.

“Mr Bob Fanok always has a passionate and positive vibe around him especially to freediving, which influenced me for sure when i had level 1 class with him, and is one of the reasons i decided to take level 2 class with him right after i finished my level 1 class. Freediving is addictive also can be dangerous so anyone who dive need a responsible and experienced buddy/instructor Bob and his co-instructor are such people who i would trust my diving/life with. Cant wait to go to take the master diver class with Bob!”

— Mingya M.

“I met Bob when I was a level 1 freediver last year in the Florida Springs. He made my solo trip down there exciting and very welcoming as well as introducing me to a bunch of new friends. He’s an awesome leader who is patient, caring about his students, and is an expert in his knowledge of freediving. I recognized his leadership right away and made another trip down to Florida 7 months later to get my Freediver Level 2 Certification. No regrets, money well spent, and I will be back again for my Masters Certification! Thank you, Bob!”

— Matthew G.

“We had a great time with Bob and enjoyed not only our level 1 course with him but also our level 2! Bob is a great teacher that provides years of experience and an atmosphere of positive vibes with clearly taught lessons and objectives to both meet and surpass standards while maintaining easy and safe dives. We can’t wait to continue our journey deeper into the blue waters as he continues to dive deeper into our hearts!”

— Gavin F.

“I've used Blue water Freedivers for all my training, having now completed levels 1,2 and 3,  I have been fortunate enough to have had Bob and his awesome co-instructors for all 3 levels , their passion and love for the sport shows in their teaching style and due to the low student to teacher ratio I have always gotten lots of one on one instruction! Blue water is the best freediving organization with the best instructors in the S.E and I would highly recommend them whether you are just beginning your freediving journey or building on it!”

— Brett G.

“Where do I even start? Bob is the man!! To say the class exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. If Bob told me what I would be able to do on Day 2 at the beginning of the class I wouldn’t have believed him. Before this class, the thought of swimming to the bottom of a pool made my ears hurt.

“Bob worked with each member of the class to instill confidence in our breath holds and alleviate any anxiety associated with the dive on day 2. I was experiencing issues with equalization but Bob took the time to coach me through it. By the end of the day I was able to dive (with no ear pain or discomfort) to depths that blew my mind. If you’re reading this and on the fence, do yourself a favor and sign up. Seriously, you won’t regret it. Through the class I was able to meet several local folks and intend to stay in touch and continue diving with them. It’s an incredible experience and Bob will keep you entertained from beginning to end. Can’t recommend his class enough.”

— Cole M.

“I've been through SCUBA training and work in Emergency Medicine, but I learned so much more about the physiology at work when diving. The safety and rescue techniques were practical and well designed. I really appreciated the relaxation techniques and was amazed at the way my my breath hold improved.”

— Natalie V.

“Bob was awesome! He covered all the required skills thoroughly and proficiently. He ensured everyone fully understood every aspect of the material before moving on to the next topic or skill.  He was also extremely funny and made the course very fun. Bob was very patient with everyone, but also kept us on schedule without ever making anyone feel rushed. He obviously knows Florida dive sites very well and is able to make changes quickly due to weather or conditions to ensure everyone has a great experience. I highly recommend Blue Water Freedivers for any freediving training. Can’t wait for my next course!”

— Chris C.

“Learned a lot of different techniques and knowledge about freediving! Really patient and encouraging instructor, never frustrated and super positive experience.”

— Jennifer T.

“Bob is a great instructor who does well to meet individual student needs for all his students. Very knowledgeable on what he teaches and is good at explaining it to others. Would definitely take another course from him. Thanks Bob!”

— Jonathan S.

“Although I have been certified for a couple of years, I was still having difficulty with one of challenging aspects of freediving, the Frenzel equalization technique.  I was in town and found Bob who worked with me to fix the mental block I was having with his encouragement and patience.  He was so relaxed in his instruction, giving just enough feedback that a person can handle in the water at the right moments. As a beginner, it seems as if there can be so many things going on and Bob took the complexity out of everything.   Bob helped me break through my difficulties and was easily hitting my depth targets.  Thank you!”

— Jimmy P.

“Bob’s class is fun and into details, and expect many great storytelling :) The relaxation class was so effective that i doubled my static apnea time in a couple of hours of practice. They are also very knowledge about the diving spots in FL and can always find the best spot for the class.”

— Mingya M.

“Constantly being near, on, or in the water I wanted to take this course to gain a different level of confidence and comfort. I gained much more than that! Bob harped on knowledge is power and being in such a powerful space I feel that having the correct knowledge is SO important. Not only did I learn a lot, I had a blast doing so. Excited to continue learning and experiencing new depths, as well as continuing to make connections with individuals who share the same love and appreciation for the water!”

— Tori M.

“We had a nice time training with Bob in the beautiful fresh water springs of northern Florida. He is very knowledgeable about freediving and extremely stoked!”

— John L.

“Take a course with Blue Water Freedivers if you want to have a great laugh while kicking your own butt and getting those awesome SAFE PBs”

— Siren Aurura

“Absolutely loved it it was heartbreaking that mental barrier but Bob and his assistant made it so possible and I am very grateful. I want to dive every day now!!”

— Bianca M.

“Mr. Fanok was an awesome instructor. Very informative, professional, enthusiastic, and overall made the class very enjoyable.”

— Chantz M.

“I really enjoyed the class - Bob was very knowledgeable, a great communicator and engaging with students. This class is a great way to learn the basics and get practice, and most importantly have fun with the sport.”

— Walker O.

“Bob was super exciting and fun, giving me new skills for reaching my diving and life goals.“

— Judah K.

“Bob's course on freediving was in-depth (pun intended), but the small class capacity made it so he could spend more time one on one and hone in on your needs and help you with whatever area of the course you might need extra assistance in. The guy sees the potential in all of his students and wants to make us the best divers we can be. Highly highly recommend taking his courses if you're interested in becoming serious about the sport, want to pursue it safely, and with a wide ranging support system all throughout the state (and beyond).”

— Madelyn M.

“Absolutely fabulous class. Bob is informative, knowledgeable , fun (and funny), and shows a genuine interest in seeing his students succeed while having a good time completing the class. Highly recommend the class. Thumbs up, and big thanks to Krissy too, she is a perfect coach for breathing up and running through the static apnea exercises.

Class room setting was perfect for the class size. The grounds where really picturesque. And the open water site was perfect! If you have any doubts cast them aside. Your in excellent hands with Bob.”

— Brian W.

“I’ve been comfortable snorkeling and diving down my whole life. I didn’t realize there was so much I did not know about the sport of freediving. Bob and Chrissy brought together fundamental skills, core concepts of safety, and fun all in a two day experience. The assistant instructor adds to the class instruction and allows for a student teacher ratio that gets everybody lots of practice. Safety, breath holding, body form and equalizing are just a few of the fun things that you be “immersed” in. Also, this course is set in a beautiful Florida spring that allows for world-class water clarity. The 72° springs provide environmental comfort year round! Nothing but good vibes and great takeaways. I definitely made some new friends.🤙”

— Trent B.

“Bob and his assistant instructor put on such an amazing course. They turned the four students in our class, complete strangers, into a team by the end of the weekend. With nothing but positive energy and encouragement, they found a way to help each of us achieve success in our own ways. 11/10 program, off-the-charts-quality instructors.”

— Jessica D.

“I love Bob’s cadence and stories and attitude. He’s laid back and not for the fancy schmacy types. He was friendly and inspiring and took very good care, and took his time with each of us. He provided excellent gear and advice on gear. Krissy was his sidekick and kick ass she did! What great freediving instructors with loads of information and advice. I had a great time and learned so much.”

— Cortney P.

“We had a nice time training with Bob in the beautiful fresh water springs of northern Florida. He is very knowledgeable about freediving and extremely stoked!”

— John L.

“My husband and myself had a fantastic experience with Blue Water freediving. Bob was super personable and funny, he’s got a great sense of humor and a facial expressions that don’t lie; he made the class a fun time. Christy was super helpful and informative, she was really good at helping you find that calm place in your mind as we prepared to dive. My husband had some equalization issues and they worked vigorously trying to guide him through that at depth. Unfortunately he was a unicorn that would need more time training and adjusting to the that pressure and Bob made my husband feel better about the normalcy of this issue and how he was willing to continue to work with him to get past that barrier and to get him certified.

The class was fun and we learned so much. The weather was in the 50’s and overcast; far from ideal diving conditions but this crew had all the gear to keep us more than comfortable and made being in the water on a super cold day, completely worth while. If you’re looking to get certified, I’d highly recommend Blue Water FreeDiving.”

— Carolyn C.

“Such an amazing weekend! I took this course while I was in Florida for school and I was a little nervous being by myself learning the ropes but everyone was so amazing and helpful! It really felt like family. Now I can’t wait to be back and learn some more!”

— Whitney S.

“Fantastic course, really enjoyed learning the physiological aspects of freediving and appreciated Bob’s patience and willingness to work with you individually til you got it right. Looking forward to taking Bob’s more advanced courses. Highly recommend taking this course even if you’re just freedive curious.”

— Jorge G.

“I’m so glad I decided to take my class with Bob he is truly the best! Amazing class and super fun experience. Bob made it very easy to understand and follow.”

— Nataly P.

“Bob taught us a variety of tricks to help remember technique and safety. I feel much more confident in the water and have a better foundation to improve upon.”

— Julia Q.

“This course was AWESOME!! Bob is the best and has some great stories to tell. He's a great and very thorough instructor but keeps you engaged and has fun in the course while he's relaying a ton of information at the same time. I really enjoyed this course and I am so excited to continue freediving and getting better! Thanks Bob and Bluewater Freedivers for the best experience ever!!”

— Sarah T.

“This class was excellent, I learned a lot and the instructors worked hard to make sure the class was fun and safe at the same time. I can’t wait to go again.”

— Will W.

“Bob is a really personable instructor who really cares about his students. He doesn't just teach you some skills in a weekend, he gives you the tools to keep freediving and keep learning. He also definitely makes some of the dry portions fun and entertaining, so the weekend is never boring!”

— Viviane M.

“The internet isn’t a viable substitute for an in-person mentor.”

—Victor H.

“Freediving sounds scary, I had no previous freediving experience and was pretty nervous to try. Bob helped me get over those fears and realize that I could do much more than I thought. I managed an 2:05 breath hold and could stay at 30ft for a significant time! The whole experience is really a mental battle and any progress feels amazing! Bob was a great instructor and has inspired me to progress my skills in the sport.”

— Daniel B.

“This was hands down one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! Not just including diving or swimming or anything including water. I mean all experiences! This was awesome! Bob and his assistant instructor Krissy are the nicest most informative instructors I could have asked for. On top of that they’re super chill and have great energy! The dive was so much fun! I was instantly addicted to freediving after doing it! I can’t recommend Blue Water Freedivers enough! If you want an amazing experience with some of the coolest people on the planet than go check them out! You won’t regret it!”

— Phillip V.

“Bob was a great instructor, very knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm.  I'd highly recommend Blue Water Freedivers.”

— Mark A.

“The learning environment is relaxed and amazing. I felt so welcome. There’s a strong camaraderie (it’s like a family). Everyone (from instructors to previous freediving students) cares about one another. Instructor Bob ensures the information he relates to us as students is clear and understandable. He motivates you to learn and focus on the right/best things techniques as well as behaviors to grasp many freediving concepts. He is helpful, professional, supportive, and makes everything feels adventurous. Recommended!”

— Christopher L. (Virginia)

“If you love the water I want to challenge yourself Freediving it’s an amazing way to push your limits and experience some of the most beautiful things this life can offer you. Bob Fanok and Blue Water Freedivers is hands-down the best instructor you could have along your journey. If you’re questioning trying it don’t hesitate. Take the leap and jump in won’t regret it. Thank you for an amazing experience Master Fanok.”

— Ron D.

“Amazing experience!! I can’t believe I did 3 minutes and 44 seconds underwater  in the pool just doing what Bob told me.  Then I did 50 ft underwater in the spring with no problem. Bob is great, I’m so glad I took this course with him. I feel amazing and thanks to Bob I have the necessary knowledge to improve and practice freediving safe!”

— Alvaro M.

“I found Bob Fanok online and was impressed by the reviews saying what a great instructor and person he was and how several people decided to take the trip from South Florida up to central Florida to train with him.  Well I decided to take the trip from New Hampshire to train and I can certify it was certainly worth it.  Bob certainly has the didactic knowledge to teach about freediving, but most importantly  he has the kindness and passion to really make you see and feel how much he loves freediving.  His energy is very contagious and you well have the most enjoyable time as you learn.  I plan to come back to take all the courses I can with Bob. “

— Timothy M.

“So glad I did the course. Although I’ve been freediving for a while as a for-fun sport, I wasn’t sure how much value I would get from the beginner level 1 course. After concluding the course, I found how naive I was about the standard safety procedures as well as breathing techniques to safely and efficiently practice freediving. I highly recommend the course for even the most amateur of divers. It was thorough and enjoyable, and excited to put everything I learned into practice.”

— Alissa S.

“This course rocked!! Bob is a rad dude. That’s the only way I can put it. He’s an awesome teacher who you can really tell is super passionate about the sport of freediving, and sharing it with others. No matter their skill level, he worked with every member of the class until they were comfortable with each skill required in the course. Even as I left after a long day in the water, he continued to work with students on their technique far beyond what was “required” to pass the class. He was also super communicative and helpful during the 2 day course, from recommendations on where to stay, to food options close by… and needles to say that all of his recommendations were on point. 

What an absolutely perfect way to spend a weekend. Gaining a new skill and being able to do your training in one of the beautiful springs of our state, thanks to Bob and the rest of the Bluewater Freedivers crew! I’m already looking forward to the level 2 course!”

— Spence G.

“I’m so glad I chose Bob to be my freediving instructor. He is very knowledgeable, patient, and very funny! Thank you so much for the great time we all had today. 🤩”

— Enith H.

“It was an honor being able to work with Bob Fanok for my Level 1 Freediving course. Working with Bob was an amazing experience. He made the learning environment very calm and inviting.  During the classroom portion Bob made the information very easy to comprehend and understand. Everything from basic freediving techniques to the physiological mechanics of the sport.

The open water session was a phenomenal experience. Bob had extra wetsuits, fins and supplies to accommodate every student. Bob and his co-instructor Krissy created such a safe atmosphere that everyone felt comfortable in the water. They were both very hands on. Both of them gave each individual the personalized attention that they needed throughout the course.  This was especially evident in the open water session. Overall the Blue Water Freedivers Level 1 Freediving course is fantastic. It not only gave me a new skill but introduced me to a great group of people (freedivers).”

— Jewell B.

“I didn’t know anything about breath work methods, clearing, gravity and duckdive or even safety but always wanted to learn freediving to accompany my spear fishing dreams. Bob is very responsive, friendly and willing to share everything he knows. I now have confidence and couldn’t have imagined ever in my life I could dive to 30ft-40ft! Definitely a life changing experience! - Strika Certified Freediving Level 1 graduate.”

— Orville “Strika” D.

“I’m so glad I flew down to Florida for the Blue Water Freedivers course. The instructors are very good instructors, keeping it light and fun while getting the important information across through repetition and plenty of opportunities to practice the skills. I also greatly appreciated the loaner equipment, which was also a draw to Blue Water Freedivers. I highly recommend the course to anyone curious about freediving and learning more about yourself.”

— Robert B.

“I was a little skeptical of the class. I feel real comfortable in the water swimming, diving and scuba diving so I didn’t think I would learn much from the class….but I was so wrong.  Bob made the class fun and enjoyable.  I learned how to perform some needed safety procedures if certain issues arise. I realized my whole life I was not breathing right before or after my dives.  I feel this class is beneficial for any one wanting to get better at diving. Looking forward to advancing and leveling up with Blue Water Freedivers.”

— Daniel M.

“We did a private group with Bob and he is awesome! Our “tonnage group” kept him on his toes and he passed the test! Thanks again, looking forward to the next one!”

— Jordan M.

“Good afternoon, in the air on the way home. Ears are doing well, I’m sure if I would have ignored your advice and continued to dive I would have been in pain and discomfort yesterday and today. I was good yesterday and I’m good today! Thank you and I’ll be see you again to complete my certification check-off! I’ll also be following up with you from Houston. You were great and definitely an authority on freediving!  I totally enjoyed myself. Let me know what I can do (besides advertise my satisfaction with your program) to further your growth!

I can not express enough how pleased I was to have have such a wonderful experience. You are truly a great instructor. Your charisma and approachable demeanor made the classroom time informative, engaging and a breeze to get through! And I’ve made some diving friends!!!! Take care and I wish you continued success!!!!”

— Sylvester A.

“I was definitely a bit nervous coming to this course, not having much experience snorkeling let alone diving at any depth.  With Bob’s instruction I was able to get to depths I’ve never thought I could go. The best part is I now know exactly what I need to do to improve my dives and am beyond stoked to seeing it happen!  I’m pretty sure Bob could teach a rock to swim so don’t hesitate to jump into one of his courses!”

— Robert W.

“I’m so happy I took the level 1 course with Blue Water Freedivers! It was the perfect combination of fun and learning, and I really appreciated how individualized Bob was able to make the class for each person that was in it. I learned a ton and definitely feel more confident in my abilities and inspired to continue freediving as much as I can after taking this course!”

— Shannon A.

“Bob is a fantastic instructor! Perfect balance of seriousness and having a good time. He spends time with each and every student. I greatly appreciated that safety was a priority in his class. My eyes were opened to the exciting world of freediving. I would want Bob on any trip I ever go on. See you in the water!!”

— Chris R.

“I have never taken a freediving course before, this was completely new to me aside from standard swimming experience. I found Blue Water Freedivers’ website, read the reviews and knew this was the place to go.

I can't put into words how great of an experience this was. The instructors were amazing, very patient, answered any questions you may have. I definitely asked alot. 

At no point did I feel rushed or uncomfortable, Bob really walks you through all the steps until you're ready. 

The open water session was so amazing, when you first take that deep dive it's sereal. You know you’re safe and have the knowledge to do the dive. 

I will definitely be taking another course with them and highly recommend you take this if your looking for a freediving class, you won't regret it!”

— Tiffany E.

“This class was so much fun and very informative! Bob is very knowledgeable and knows how to make his students feel comfortable and confident in the water. This was just the push I needed to advance in my freediving skills!!!”

— Sasha D.

“Class with Bob was informative, exciting,  fun and very much worth the time and effort. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills in freediving.  Thanks Bob!”

— Jesse B.

“I took Bob’s class with a few friends at the amazing Blue Grotto Dive Resort. Bob is an excellent instructor. He was very thorough and happily answered any questions, but also made the class fun and entertaining. Would definitely recommend the class to anyone looking to get into freediving or just improve their knowledge / safety!”

— Brian L.

“Bob is truly amazing at what he does he's also a very good freediver he breaks down the technique perfectly makes you feel confident so you don't have to worry and wants you to take the initiative also truly good guy with a great heart I enjoy this course.  The feediving community needs people like that.”

— Michael V.

“Excellent instructors. Excellent course. I started with 'experience' but no 'training'. My goal was to become a better, safer and more knowledgeable free diver. Through this course and Bob’s teaching I achieved that and more. Bob's teaching style was relaxed and laid back. I didn't think that would work for me as I am an old school geezer used to a rigid teaching style. It turns out quite the opposite. As if by osmosis I find myself using tips, techniques and safety practices both in and out of the water that Bob taught us. We had experience levels from non-swimmer and up. Super impressed how everybody received personal attention and by the end of the course all of us were diving.”

— Rick A.

“Had a great experience during the level 1 freediving course! Bob is great and super fun. I am a beginner and he really helped me feel more comfortable and knowledgeable in order to be able to take my skills to the next level. I held my breath longer than I thought I could with the tips and guidance of Bob and while I wasn’t able to reach my depth requirement this time, Bob assured me I’d be able come back free of charge to for any requirements missed to get the certificate so I’m looking forward to practicing the skills I learned and being able to nail the 10 meters equalizing like a pro!”

— Chelsea F.

“I flew from Chicago to Florida just for Bob’s freedive course and it was more than worth it. That weekend was amazing. Bob made us all feel safe and empowered. Both days of the course were super fun and we got to spend an extra day with him diving! I learned so much about not only freediving, but myself. I can’t wait to come back for my advance course!”“Hey Bob!!!  Just wanted to say a hugeeee thank you for this wonderfulllll amazinggg incredibleeee time! You have no idea how special this trip was to me, and how grateful I am for learning and understanding how the brain can trick us and how much we can push ourselves in every aspect of our lives. Thank you for helping me feel safe when I was too scared of going too deep. Thanks for being an awesome instructor and funny as hell person!”

— Brianda V.

“Bob is the man! What a great experience I was able to share with my son. If you want a instructor who cares and can give you knowledge take his courses. Great times!!”

— Brando T.

“This course was truly enlightening to say the least. The main thing I took from it (from physiology of the breath hold) was that when things start getting hard you still have more left in your tank to take you even further. This lesson can be applied to a lot of different facets of life. Bob also provides for a “safe to fail” environment that facilitates learning. Register for the course if you haven’t. You won’t regret it.”

— Erick H.

“The course was great.  Going from a novice through the course taught me how much I didn't know.  I'm more confident in my own skills as well as my ability to help safety others.”

— Michael W.

“Instructor was great! Lots of focus on safety and technique. I'm pushing 60 and been freediving and spear fishing for many years and had no idea the number of bad habits I had, the things I learned from the course will definitely improve my diving and look forward to continuing my training with Bob. Would encourage everyone, even if you're an old timer to sign up!”

— Brett G.

“Bob and team are the best! I’m more than comfortable in the water but had ZERO freediving experience. I wanted to branch out and try something new and after a half day of training, I was doing 3 minute breath holds! The safety level and attention to detail are on point and at no time was I nervous about all the craziness that can go through our heads. Thanks again for a great weekend and I’m looking forward to Level 2 and diving with a whole new group of friends.”

— Jude W.

“I had a good idea what to expect, but didn't realize how much fun I was going to have.  I was able to achieve things physically that I didn't think were possible and made amazing new friends! I was really impressed with the safety portion of the class, which while a lot of  fun, was taken very seriously by our instructors.  Freediving is a team sport.  I have goals I want to achieve, and can't wait to get in the water again. To properly put into words how happy I am to be a part of this amazing community would be impossible.  I absolutely love it!  Big thank you to my instructors Bob and Jesse.  Blue Water Freedivers is the best!”

— John W.

“The main reason I chose Bob’s course is he allows you to come back and complete the course (should you not pass) at any time. You can hop into future classes. I have a hard time equalizing and knew it would be an issue…and another company in FL would have charged me $100 every time I wanted to come back and try to complete the course. So Bob has a great policy on this! He wants to see his students succeed.”

— Amanda K.

“Taking this class was my first experience with freediving, prior to this class I might have had a snorkel on my face once and was deathly afraid to go under water and in the deep end of a pool, so I was as beginnner as they come. Throughout the whole weekend never once did I feel out of place, or that I needed some more experience under my belt before taking this class. The classroom portion was unbelievable.  Bob really made sure we had the knowledge of what our bodies and mind are truly capable of before letting us lose in the water. Given the fact how inexperience I was when it came to being in the water, there wasn’t a time where I felt afraid or I can’t do this, as an instructor, he is a really good balance of you can do this, and - ok let’s work on this. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from my first freediving class, but I was caught off guard by how much I loved it, and I left that weekend wanting more time underwater, and that is solely because of the teacher Bob is. Every part of my first class with Blue Water Freedivers was amazing, and I can’t wait for more !!! Bob, you are awesome!! and I am glad to be part of this group! Thank you !!!”

— Jade E.

“I had a great time in my training with Bob, I’m deaf, so I got a private lesson to make things easier and not hold up others from learning.  Bob did a great job speaking loud enough for me to hear and he made sure I understood before moving on. When I got interested in getting freediving lessons , it was so I could eventually get into spear fishing, but after I finished with my lesson, I’m now just excited to challenge myself in freediving in itself. There’s something very rewarding as you conquer the different drills, different depths longer breath holds, etc.  I can’t wait to go on and take the next level as soon as the drills and techniques are second nature that I learned in this first level. Thanks Bob for a great class👊🏼”

— Lee E.

“Instructors Bob and Jesse are both phenomenal knowledgeable divers and provided tools and instruction I needed so that I may perfect the art of my free diving.  Blue Water Freedivers will prepare and educate you so that you will feel more confident. Knowledge is power.  I enjoyed the comaraderie and the connections that I've made in the free diving community. Thanks again Bob! Best regards,”

— Robin W.

“Bob got us up to speed quickly, dispelled some of my own misconceptions about freediving and had me and the class pushing our mental limits from the very first day. He also created a comfortable sense of family as we shared meals and laughs together. If you have ever thought about freediving take this class. IT’S BEYOND AWESOME.”

— Paul W.

“I really had no idea how much I would enjoy free diving. Bob really has a heart for it and does a great job helping you to understand all of the concepts. I’m super excited for this new adventure and awesome community.”

— Tonya S.

“I had so much fun this past weekend learning to safely freedive! I’m so excited to continue with some next level courses.”

— Dana M.

“Freediving is something I have been interested in for a long time now. I live in Miami and was in search for a course closer to me. However, based on the Blue Water Freedivers reviews AND the experience shared by some friends of mine who participated, it was worth making the 5 hour drive to be instructed by Bob. I’ve always had a hard time with equalizing and prolonged breath holds, but this class provides different techniques for self improvement on both and more. By the second day of the course, I was much more aware and comfortable in the water. I will definitely be coming back!! I highly recommend this course!” 

— Lisa R.

“I am a PADI Advance Open Water certified scuba diver, but I was about 4 years out of the water, for personal reasons, so I decided to try freediving because like the name indicates, you just need mask, fin, a wetsuit.  For me is freedom, but definitely I didn’t realize how much I miss feeling your heartbeat and the calmness under water and most important - how you feel after your diving session.  I just summarize with one word, REBORN. Thanks to Bob for being so particular instructor he has a unique method to make you feel comfortable along in the process. Definitely I will reach out to him again to keep going in this journey.”

— Hernan T.

“Thank you Bob for an amazing weekend!!! The entire weekend was unreal getting to dive in the spring and being coached in such small groups really enhanced my experience. Diving sunday afternoon in the Grotto was unreal and even when we were just diving Bob was able to help me mentally breakthrough into a space that was truly zen and out of this world. Thank You So Much Bob!!!!”

— Mercy P.

“I'm a Scuba Instructor and have always wanted to go to the dark side (lol) and try Freediving. I had the opportunity to do that with Bob at Blue Water Freedivers. I can't say enough good things about the course. Bob makes you feel like you belong from the start of meeting him and from there continues to build your confidence in yourself and soon to come your safety. Thanks Bob for a awesome adventure and look forward to many more.”

— Will M.

“I grew up spear fishing in the Florida Keys and have dove with some of the best watermen in the world but Bob Fanok has a natural ability to move through the water like I’ve never seen before. His course was hands down amazing! I would suggest it for people who have never dove - or even the hardcore spearo. Bob has you covered! I reached out to him yesterday on what fins he recommended and responds in a timely fashion - always great guy!”

— John B.

“Between the exceptional training and top tier professionalism, Bob and his cadre are top notch. I have extensive training and certifications within the diving community and I was holistically impressed with the curriculum and progression. They are able to take a class of experienced enthusiasts to novice level individuals and mold it as to every member comes away with valuable information. Thank you and cheers!”

— Michael P., U.S. Army Special Forces - Green Beret (TEXAS)

“This is a great course that balances safety, fun and entertainment super well. Bob brings great energy and insight. Loved the class!”

— Charles M. (MASSACHUSETTS)

“Yewww!  Drove 14 hours from NJ to train with Bob, and it was TOTALLY worth it. I'm an intermediate level spearo and took the course during a cold Jersey winter just to escape the cold, and I learned a ton. We covered physiology of freediving, proper dive technique, equipment, safety, breathing techniques to increase breath hold, static and dynamic breath holds, duck diving and rescue procedures. Bob also tailors the training to whatever you wish to improve upon. We had a beginner underwater photographer, a firefighter, a surfer, and an average Joe in our class. Ages ranged from 20ish to mid 50's. We all had a blast and increased our comfort level underwater and our love for training to be fish. I've read dozens of books prior to the course and learned more practical and applicable information from Bob than all books combined. There is no better way to become a water creature than to spend time in the water! I will definitely be back for the Advanced level 2 course with Blue Water Freedivers.  Bob is the man.”

— Bill H. (NEW JERSEY)

“Bob is a fantastic instructor. He is able to meet each student in their journey regardless of experience or background and help them get to the next level to be a better diver. His proficiency and charm are welcoming, endearing, and encouraging. Without a doubt he has empowered me to be a stronger freediver and I look forward to taking the next level course as soon as I can!”

— Josh D.

”The experience and fun that I’ve gained learning and doing in my freediving course was my 1st step to doing what I love to do! 😎 Very enthusiastic instructors!”

— Frank R.

“10/10 experience. I was hesitant about taking a class as an overweight person. Bob was very positive and encouraging. I left the class feeling empowered and excited to start my freediving journey.”

— Danielle C.


“Amazing instructor with a amazing group of fellow instructors and divers.” 

— Colin D. (NEW JERSEY)


“What at great weekend! I am very new to freediving but wanted to learn the proper techniques and saftey protocols. Bob did an awesome job of covering all these bases for me in his extremely fun and educational course. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to get into the sport.” 

— Jimmy S.


“First and foremost, this class was a fantastic, fun, and eye opening experience. Bob did a great job not only going over the safety portion completely and thoroughly, but also making the class engaging and encouraging for the students.  Most of our PADI 1 class was going over safety which I greatly appreciated. The rest of the class was a very encouraging experience. Bob’s pumped up and “go get’em” attitude made sure we weren’t nervous at all. The spring that we dove was crystal clear.  My father and I took the class and we are from Arkansas. There is nothing like this there, maybe a handful of people in Arkansas do this. The lakes in Arkansas can be pretty clear but nothing like this, so for us this environment couldn’t have been better for reassuring us that we could really continue to pursue this hobby.  We are super excited to take what we learned here home with us and we also plan on coming back for the Advanced Level 2 class as well.  Bob is awesome to work with, we loved it and anyone else would too.”

— Matthew W. (ARKANSAS)

“Blue Water Freedivers’ Level 1 freediving course was exactly what I needed to improve my basic freediving skills. Now I feel safer and more comfortable diving in Florida springs. Bob made the course informative, enjoyable, and applicable. 10 out of 10, would definitley recommend!”

— Greg H.


“Bob nailed it from start to finish. Straight and to the point and a big emphasis on safety. He made sure everyone in the class was on the same page, every step of the way. Stoked to book my Level 2 Advanced course with Blue Water Freedivers!”

— Mike M.

“I’m almost 60 and way overweight and I have to say, I wasn’t sure I could succeed at getting certified. I had so much fear of failing. Our instructor, Bob Fanok was amazing though. He helped me focus on the moment, instead of all my fears and the scary depths. Turns out, he kept leading me gently forward over the next milestone and before I knew it, he had me at 30 feet with almost no effort. VICTORIOUS!  At 60, you’re really thinking about how much time you have left and maybe some missed opportunities you wish you had tried. So this is for the old guys who want to stay young and do something that is challenging and crazy fun. I was so scared and now I’ve conquered something that very few people attempt. I am victorious! (Plus my wife honestly was very impressed if you know what I mean. ;-)”

— Brent W. (ARKANSAS)

“Great course, boosted my confidence through the roof and feel as I have a solid foundation. Super stoked for some more courses with Bob.” 

— Howie M.


“Where do I even begin? Bob and everyone associated with Blue Water Freedivers are just incredible. They go above and beyond to make you feel encouraged, educated, safe, and successful. They are full of patience and they truly meet you at your level and your pace. I can’t imagine taking this course with anyone but Bob. My husband and I know that he is now stuck with us forever, since he’s best coach we could ask for, and we can’t wait to continue to grow in the sport with the wisdom and invaluable tools he provided us with.”

— Christina R.

"Best damn class, worth every second. Bob is amazing, very knowledgeable and the perfect guide for a student at any stage."

— Alisha S.

“I’ve had a few times in my life where I’ve felt my capacities were truly stretched and this was one of them. Thankful for the knowledge and experience, and very much excited to connect with the freedive community that Bob facilitates, which seem like a whole bunch of absolutely first class humans!”

— Jonathan L.

“Bob and Jesse were great high energy instructors who seemed very knowledgeable and were always helping to push their students forward in progression. Stoked to have taken the course and felt like I learned more than I thought I would going in. Great experience.”

— Charles M.

“Bob and Jesse were a phenomenal team of instructors. They gave me the tools and skills I need to safely freedive and to be able to practice the skills on my own. I’d 100% recommend them and I plan on taking many more courses with them!” 

— Jesse R.

“The course was both experiential and professional. I have greatly enriched my knowledge in the world of freediving. We learned safety and behavior rules, movement technique through lots and lots of exercises in the water. Thank you Bob!”

— Nir S.

“This was an amazing class! The class was held in beautiful West Palm Beach making the classroom portion and dive portion both things to look forward to. Taking a boat out on our second day for open water diving was a dream! Beautiful weather, beautiful water and we saw freaking dolphins and swam with them! Bob proves again he is an expert in this field, making everything super fun yet very informative. There are so many great things about this experience it's hard to put in a review. Bob is a great example to me of what diving is at its core: Fun and relaxed. Bob also made me feel very safe in the water with his training and guidance, something that is crucial and practiced in this course. In his last class I took I hit a personal best breathe hold, this class hit a personal best depth. To put simply, YOU GET RESULTS WITH BOB!”

— Brandon P.

“I came into this Advanced Freediver course hoping to work on some obstacles that were preventing me from achieving deeper dives. Bob quickly helped me identify habits that were holding me back and implement better diving techniques and form, and with his guidance, I achieved a new personal best depth and felt WAY more comfortable overall. This course exceeded my expectations in every way. From clear pre-course communication, to informative and fun classroom and safety learning, to crystal clear, open water diving off of the beautiful Palm Beaches, Blue Water Freedivers delivered a fun and professional experience! And, after completion of this course, I was invited to join Blue Water Freedivers student Facebook group and immediately connected with tons of other certified, safe dive buddies for future dives/friendships! Highly recommend this course and instructor!”

— Krissy G.

"I have been raised around water and always curious about the world below the surface but I never had the skillset or knowledge I needed to truly explore it. Bob gave me both the confidence in myself and knowledge to fulfill a personal a goal of mine i’ve been pushing off for years. Bob can make the most beginner of beginners (like myself) feel comfortable with being uncomfortable. One of the most terrific experiences of my life. I would refer anyone and everyone to Bob for freediving!"

— Taylor B.

"Following my first interaction with Bob, I knew he was a passionate, qualified and perceptive instructor. Not only did he add a Level 1 course to his schedule so I could participate, but he also lent me and other students the gear we didn't have. During the lecture and pool portion of the course, I felt comfortable asking questions and was assured by his entertaining anecdotes, that Bob was an experienced freediver. I also really appreciated his non-number focused pedagogic style. I was not concerned with thought about passing the class while preforming the static apnea and freediving. Instead I was focused on practicing the distraction strategies we learned and having proper form. Overall, I had a 10/10 experience, and the drive from Sarasota was more than worth it. I know the community of Bob's past students is an amazing resource to utilize to keep practicing my skills and dive with."

— Robin H. (COLORADO)

"I recently did my level 1 cert with Bob at Blue Grotto. From there I went on to take his Advanced Freediver course this past weekend in Palm beach and what an amazing experience! The crew was awesome and he guided us through each dive with one-on-one training, giving advice on areas where I could be more efficient and I love constructive criticism, so for me personally I know without a doubt this course has made me a better more efficient diver."

— Katie S.

"I had tried freediving on my own, and I loved the experience, but problems with equalization kept me from going any deeper than 15 feet or so. Bob’s class was fun, interesting, and provided me with the knowledge and individualized attention I needed to overcome these issues and achieve new depths with safety, confidence, and ease. Highly recommend this course and excellent instructor. I’m looking forward to taking Advanced next!"

— Ryan H.

"Bob and Jessie were exceptional at helping me build a solid foundation for my freediving. Their instructing style is clear and thorough, yet relaxed enough to help everyone truly enjoy their time, regardless of skill or comfort level. Highly recommended!"

— Brandon S. (ILLINOIS)

“Bob did such a fantastic job explaining not only the basics of freediving but also how to take your dives to the next level (without over thinking it!) If you’re looking for a freediving instructor, I will recommend Bob time and time again!”

— Alison G. (ILLINOIS)

“Amazing class and experience. Bob is very knowledgeable and always very helpful and patient. He has a great understanding of what is going on in your body throughout different parts of the dive and his explanations made me feel more confident and comfortable. The class atmosphere was always very relaxed. I felt completely safe pushing myself throughout the dives knowing that I always had someone watching me if I made a mistake. I had some limited freediving experience before the class but I did not feel comfortable diving deeper than 20ft. At the end of the class I was able to reach 40ft comfortably and safely.”

— Ignacio S.

“Bob pushed me to be a better diver, more so than I ever thought I could in just my first class. Just in my Level 1 freediving course he and his team helped me perform a 3:31 breath-hold, my longest ever!  On top of that, we learned proper diving techniques to help us reach maximum depth. More importantly, we went through extensive safety practices which alone was worth the cost of the course. I fully believe after taking this course that anyone who wants to dive and keep themselves and others safe - need to take this course. Bob has a great knowledge and an even greater personality. This class was the most fun I've had in a while and opens doors to a lot of new opportunities I wouldn't have had before. I recommend 11/10!”

— Brandon P.

“Bob and his co-instructor did an awesome job of explaining and demonstrating all of the material taught in this class. They provide a safe and engaging environment in order to really push yourself and dive more effectively and safely. I would recommend this course to anyone who is looking to get into freediving.”

— Ethan R.

“All around amazing experience. Bob and his crew are extremely informative, take diving seriously but also know how to have fun while teaching and getting to know his students. I look forward to more dives with them and advancing my diving credentials with them!”

— Katherine S.

“Bob is an awesome instructor. The course exceeded expectations by a long way. Focused greatly on individual training and obstacles. Will recommend his courses to everyone I know!”

— Corey S. (GEORGIA)

“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Bob and Blue Water Freedivers. Not only does Bob present all of the technical information so it is easy to learn and understand, he really works to give you confidence in yourself, your body’s abilities and the power of your mind. If you’re considering taking this course.... DO IT!!!”

— Amanda F.

”Loved every bit of my Blue water freediving course with Bob Fanok and his co-instructor Arianne! My goal was to learn how to be a safer diver and be able to enjoy each dive longer. The amount of knowledge you learn from Bob’s class and techniques, really makes you feel more confident in the water. You will definitely have fun, laugh a ton and feel welcomed in the freediving community! Can’t wait to dive with my new found friends!!”

— Mary Ann Z.

”Had a wonderful experience last weekend during our level 1 freediving course with Bob! I’m new to diving and Bob successfully instilled the skills, techniques and confidence to dive! I really enjoyed the classroom setting/pace, material, class size with more opportunities for coaching and breathing/relaxation training with Bob and Arienne! Safety was also a big focus the entire course. Overall it was an excellent and empowering experience! I now feel confident and safe in the water and look forward to continue growing in my diving journey.”

— Yesaira R.

“Great information and amazing experience! The freediving fundamentals conveyed during the class session was both informative and easily understood due to our fantastic instructor, Bob. I HIGHLY recommend this course to anyone interested in learning how to free dive or sharpening his/her freediving skills.”

— Chris S.

“I had been thinking about taking a freediving class for a while and came across Blue Water Freedivers on the internet. I was drawn to them because of Bob's experience and 5-Star Google reviews.  From the first point of contact, Bob was always very accessible and responsive. He took the time to discuss with me, over the phone, the synopsis of the course as well as any insight into gear that I might need. I took the course with my 13 year old son and we were not disappointed. The classroom portion was a laid back atmosphere. His co-instructor for the weekend, Jesse, was a nice complement and very knowledgeable. They both made us feel comfortable in the water and made safety instruction a priority. Bob is still accessible even after the class has ended and has formed a group where students can all connect. These attributes are what make him unique and exemplify his passion for freediving. I would definitely recommend his course and look forward to opportunities to continue training in the future!”

— David B.

“I am a former Navy SEAL and am an experienced freediver and spearfisherman. I wanted to gain some practical knowledge and better understand the phisiology of freediving. Bob's method of both challenging us with basic skills, and class instruction was great. We also had alot of fun in the process! Bob is an awesome instructor!”

— Jesse S. (Former NAVY, Seal Team One)

“This course was absolutely amazing.  From the moment my husband and I spoke to Bob on the phone and he took the time to walk us through everything, we knew we made the right decision to take lessons with him.  The actual class was even better than we could've imagined.  Bob and Jesse were a wonderful duo that made the class informative and fun.  This was truly one of the best experiences of my life and we are both so grateful for the knowledge, experience, and new friends that we left with.  Thank you Bob and Jesse!”

— Amanda & Josh G.

“This course was phenomenal. I came in having never freedived before, and Bob imparted a huge volume of wisdom over the two days. The focus on safety was great, and the science of freediving was communicated in a very knowledgeable way. Bob is great, and facilitates your learning in such a way that you learn loads but it feels like you've known it for years. The class was a great mix of diving, knowledge, and humor and if you're hesitating in any way - just do it!”

— Frankie W.

“Bob and Jesse were the perfect duo for this course! I was blessed to have had the opportunity to learn the physiology and technical skills of freediving with them! The course was well structured and contained all of the important topics you’d need as a beginner. Loved how much they enforced and emphasized safety drills. If you’re on the fence of freediving, you should definitely aim to take this one! You will be surprised with what your body can naturally accomplish after completing this course! TRUE GAME CHANGER!”

— Fernanda S.

“Bob is a fantastic instructor with phenomenal energy, teaching ability, and passion for the sport. Highly recommended.”

— Lucas L.

“I feel super confident in my own abilities and more relaxed knowing that I have the tools (and buddies) to dive safely because of the Blue Water Freedivers course. Most of all it was super and I felt right at home with everyone. The training was personally tailored and empowering. I’m sincerely glad I chose Bob!”

— Megan K.

“I had a fun weekend with Bob!  He is definitely a great instructor with great energy. He has the patience of a saint whether he is teaching you in the classroom, or in the water.  He’ll take the time to answer your questions or show you how to do something. He has a way of getting you to believe in your abilities. After taking the class, I feel much better in my freediving capabilities as well as my ability keep my friends safe while diving.”

— Jeanelle P.

“Bob was amazing.  The energy he gave off matched the hype I was feeling tenfold, very informative and super patient.  Honestly I never would have thought freediving would be something I was into, booking this class I was part excited for the opportunity to dive deeper into this world (no pun intended) but also worried that maybe it wasn’t really for me. After meeting Bob for the first time I quickly realized I had nothing to be worried about. This class was phenomenal, and was probably the only class I’ve ever truly paid attention too.  But in all seriousness I learned things that could make this journey way more engaging while still being safe. If you’re considering taking a freediving class I’d recommend this one 100%.  Knowledge is power and there’s no lack of that here.”

— Anthony O.

“I’m glad I went with Blue Water Freedivers for my freediving course! My goal was to ultimately feel more comfortable within the water and after this course I can say that I am. Regardless of your experience or knowledge - if you’ve never taken a course, I would highly suggest it as both Bob and his co-instructor Arianne were great at giving tips and guidance to make you a better and safer diver. Plus - the learning doesn’t stop once the course is over.  Bob connects with his students and makes himself available to continue the education. Take your course with BLue Water Freedivers, you won’t regret it!”

— Johanna C.

“I finally got the chance to take the PADI Freediver course with Bob and Arienne assisted him at Blue Grotto Dive Resort. From the minute I met Bob and saw him dive with his students/friends I knew he was the instructor and mentor I wanted to guide me through my freediving journey. Bob isn't just an amazing instructor, but instantly becomes a valued friend and someone who gives off that great energy you just want to be around. The class was very detailed and informative but he also found a way to make every lesson fun and exciting. Whether your someone who wants to just build up comfort in the water or trying to expand and fine tune your freediving skills, Bob is the instructor for you. PROOF: I had never attempted a static apnea breath hold before this class and after learning and listening to Bob's techniques and tips I set a first breath hold of 3 min 27 sec!! I was in shock, and truly thought he was a magician or sorcerer, but the truth is he's just a truly amazing coach and very well educated in his craft. I just want to thank Bob for the whole experience, and can't wait to sign up for the Advanced Freediving class! The adventure continues!”

— Mikey T.

“I would HIGHLY recommend Blue Water Freedivers to anyone wanting to advance to any level of freediving. Bob is always watching and willing to very humbly critique and help you grow your knowledge and tighten up techniques to get you closer to any goals you may have. The course was both very helpful and very fun all the way around. Hurry up and book your class, you will NOT regret it. Thanks Bob!”

— Ryan H.

“I took a huge leap in signing up for this class but was determined to further my underwater journey. I was nervous going in, but Bob took time to answer any questions I had leading up to the class and reassured me as the nerves crept in. Bob is friendly, extremely knowledgeable and patient. Being under the water is unreal! I can NOT wait to see where this new adventure takes me and to continue my freediving education with Blue Water Freedivers. I would absolutely recommend this class!”

— Lori F.

“My freediving experience with Bob was amazing!! First of all, let me say I do not speak much English (my husband is helping me type this, lol). But Bob was very understanding and patient with me. I was able to get through the entire class without being left behind due to the language barrier. I was able to reach a depth I hadn't reached before and was able to equalize better by the end of the class. I had such a great time and learned a lot. AND! I swam with a turtle!!! :-D It was a great class! Thanks Bob!!”

— Eloisa V.

“This class was official!! Bob is a great teacher! He engaged with everyone the whole time and made the class entertaining. My wife and I learned a lot. He made it super easy and fun. My expectations were definitely met! I wanted to get a better time underwater and more depth... after just one class i was able to hold my breath for almost 3 minutes! So yeah, I recommend his class to anyone looking to grow in their freediving journey.”

— Luis V.

“Bob’s class was full of learning and laughter. He has a great balance of knowledge and fun. I learned so much and came out of the course with great foundational skills to start my freediving journey. He made me feel confident I could succeed in the course and beyond. 10/10 would recommend.”

— Christine B.

“This course was amazing, fun, and a dream come true! I am amazed at the depths I am able to reach and lengths I can stay there, all in two days. The day after the course I am left with the feeling that I just want to go dive more!  Bob is an amazing instructor, thank you so much!”

— Gretchen M.

“The class was super informative, and a lot of fun! The instructors were very knowledgeable, and patient, making all different skill levels feel comfortable every step of the way. I would highly recommend this class to anyone interested in exploring the sport of freediving!”

— Traci L.

“I first met Bob at Ginnie springs and knew right away how knowledgeable he was. As soon as he reached out to me for a class, I said let's do this. I learned so much more than I thought I would in his course and the safety and guidance was impeccable. I left there with memories that will forever be permanent in my head!”

— Jonathan G.

“One of the best diving courses I have taken. Bob is a wealth of knowledge and great instructor!”

— Garrett W.

“I couldn’t be happier to endorse Bob or a PADI Freediver certification. Bob is a great teacher and an experienced diver. And also, a really funny and nice guy. The class was filled with great stories and laughs. And the Freediver certification is a must for any diver, I learned so many new techniques and safety procedures even after 2 years of diving. I’d give this course with Bob my highest recommendation.”

— Colton B.

“Super stoked I took the course! I’ve been diving for quite a while but started to get more into freediving in the last couple years. Wether you are a more experienced diver or beginner, this course is great place to start! It was extremely informative and interactive. We learned in the classroom proper freediving techniques and then most importantly - safety procedures to always ensure a safe dive. Then we got to go put our new knowledge to the test in the pool for static apnea and then in the spring. You can tell Bob really has a passion for all things feediving which made the course such a fun time. I’m excited to get back in the water again and continue to further refine my skills. Thanks Bob for passing down your knowledge, I really enjoyed it!”

— Brandon H.

”Great learning experience. The instructors worked very hard and the personal attention was incredible. I look forward to practicing all the skills that I learned and hope to try the more advanced courses in the future!”

— Mark W.

“Bob Fanok was an amazing instructor that really made me feel at ease during his class. I was worried I would be the most inexperienced and far behind the others. That was not the case. Bob put us in several groups for several exercises. This tactic made it so that I got to meet everyone and learn their level of diving experience. I was really nervous about meeting the requirements and Bob really helped push me through it and focus more on having a good time and being more comfortable in the water. I’ll definitely take Bob again for future certifications!”

— Caitlyn P.

“Just completed Bob's Freediver Level 1 course and couldn't be happier. Bob is knowledgable, patient and very safety-conscious while super fun to take the class with. I walked away from the course with a much better understanding of freediving physiology, technique, and dive buddies. I'm very fortunate to have found Bob and Logan as my instructors and certainly recommend Blue Water Freedivers to anyone interested in learning or improving their freediving skills.”

— Ryan H.

“I had a great experience! I had zero experience with diving. Bob and Logan provided so much knowledge that I will remember for a lifetime. If you are interested in freediving, I would highly recommend scheduling with Blue Water Freedivers!”

— Jack M.

“I would for sure recommend this course to anybody wanting to try, experience, or to gain or review their knowledge in freediving. I am new to freediving even though I’ve spend all my life living near the ocean. I recently discovered how amazing and relaxing freediving is and decided to start my journey with a knowledgeable and experienced person to guide me through the safety and techniques required to make it even more fun. Bob definitely excels at demonstrating his knowledge and experience and providing you with the confidence boost needed to face any challenge or mental road blocks while learning. Bob is also a very outgoing and outspoken person and is always ready to follow up with his students and become another dive buddy which means that every penny spend on the course is well invested, especially knowing that your diving network will expand after the course. The price is really great for a course like this. Value for money is top notch. I would definitely recommend this course to anybody wanting to learn how to freedive.

Thanks for the experience Bob!”

— Juan C.

“So you want to become a freediver? Lucky you, cause you’ve just hit the jackpot! Be prepared to have the most fun time of your life! Bob is truly an amazing instructor and is very down to earth person. He genuinely cares about his students and is dedicated to making sure you feel comfortable and qualified in the water. Most importantly, he emphases safety as the #1 priority. After taking his PADI Level 1 Freediver course, I feel confident knowing that Bob’s taught me all the necessary information to have an enjoyable and safe water experience. I had a great time because he’s super encouraging, funny, and makes everything easy to understand. In fact, before taking his course my record breath hold was 3 minutes and 42 seconds. During the pool portion of the course I implemented what I’d learned and he helped me crush my personal best. I’m super stoked to have a 4 minutes and 20, my personal best now! Knowledge, technique, and understanding are the keys to becoming a successful freediver. So take his course cause at the end of the day Freediving is Life and Safety is the #1 priority! One day you may have to save someone's life and through repetition you will naturally snap into action and properly rescue a fellow freediver. Always remember to NEVER DIVE ALONE! You’re only as safe as your weakest diver.”

— Rich A.

“We recently completed our PADI Level Freediver 1 course with Bob Fanok from Blue Water Freedivers. Bob was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the freediving sport, I would encourage anyone that’s interested in freediving or anyone that wants to progress their skills even further to contact him. Bob kept the class very fun all while learning the basic do’s and dont’s of freediving. The course exceeded my expectations and I met great new friends in the community. What I personally like the most from Bob is he enjoys watching his students progression after the course, in other words you will see him again at a nearby spring and he will be willing to work with you. I’m looking forward to using my training I recently acquired from his class and to continue our progression in the sport. I couldn’t thank Bob and Bluewater Freedivers enough!!”

— Jason M.

“My boyfriend and I took Bob’s course over the weekend. He makes learning the sport of freediving so much fun! We took away even more than we hoped to from the two days spent in the classroom, pool, to the open water spring. We both feel much more comfortable in the water, with longer breath holds and deeper depths. Bob is encouraging us to continue our journey as freedivers and values his students’ progression. We can’t wait to get back into the water with him! I highly recommend Bluewater Freedivers.

— Lauren H.

“Bob was a great guy and awesome instructor. He was very patient and explained parts of the course by telling stories of his and his buddies’ real life experiences which made it interactive and fun. It was easy diving with him and we felt safe at all times. Using his techniques, I did a 42' dive and static apnea of 2:15. Can't wait to keep on practicing and being more comfortable at depth and pushing my PB depth.”

— Vinod N.

“I've wanted to take a freediving course for some time now but finding the right instructor was key! When I discovered Bob, I immediately knew he was going to be the one. He was extremely knowledgeable not to mention patient and funny. Even when I doubted myself he reassured me it could be done and more importantly I could do it. The weekend was filled with laughter, progression, and overcoming mental blocks and for that, I am extremely grateful! Thanks homie! 😎”

— Yolande W.

“I’m not sure I’m one of those folks that will ever be forever chasing their “personal best” depth when diving. So why did I take a freediving course? ‘ Cuz there’s so much more to it than just swimming deep. Bob did an amazing job of explaining the science involved with diving, demonstrating proper techniques, and safety education. So, even though I may not dive to 80 ft anytime soon... I’ll be able to swim to new depths safely and efficiently to catch different perspectives of this amazing spring state :) And did I mention he kept the class fun and entertaining?? Yup, he did that too!!”

— Brandy C.

“Where do I even begin?!  Bob was an incredible Instructor and so much fun to be around. I'm so thankful to have been able to learn from him. He is very knowledgeable and has a great way of teaching everything so that you don't feel like you're "in class".  He helped me improve my duck dives, feel confident in rescue procedures, and even got me comfortable with using a snorkel!  That in itself helped me tremendously.  I now know how to do proper breathe-ups that ACTUALLY calm me down and my breath hold went up by almost a minute in one day!!  That's pretty awesome!  He worked with each of us individually to ensure that we were covering our personal goals for the class and leaving feeling comfortable, confident, and on the same page.  He has a definite gift and passion for teaching and it shows every step of the way.  I could go on all day about Bob and his awesomeness, but bottom line is.... he's the BEST and we can't wait to take the advanced course with him in the future!”

— Cheri S.

"I've wanted to get certified for years and was so glad to meet Bob at a recent freediving event. He's friendly, welcoming, and invested in everyone's success from wherever they are in their freediving journey. I felt empowered to do well in the course and now have the confidence that I can dive and push my personal limits safely (and have a lot of fun doing it, too!). Thanks Bob, I'll be sending others your way!"

— Molly M.

“I’m a PADI Dive Professional and I have been teaching scuba and other scuba professionals for 17 years. After meeting Bob at the springs one weekend, and talking with him about freediving and what a course would teach me, I signed up for his PADI Freediver course. The course was fun & informative, and challenging in the best ways! Bob was very knowledgeable and did a great job of passing his knowledge along to us. All of the course’s activities, (classroom, pool and dive site, ) were conveniently in one place, which made scheduling and logistics very easy. While I loved the freediving at the dive site, I’d say that the Static Apnea training we did in the pool was my favorite part. It was just me challenging myself, and I was really surprised how well the breathing skills Bob taught us helped my breath hold times!!! I’m super excited about all I’ve learned and pretty sure I want to learn more. Advanced Freediver course, here I come!!!”

— Mike Winkles PADI Course Director #180952

“One of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had! Thanks to my awesome instructor Bob Fanok for being the best mentor and coach during my training. I gained a lot of knowledge from this course and I am stoked to further my training in the near future.”

— Casey B.

“Bob is an awesome instructor and our class was spot on! We learned, we trained, we had fun … what else can you ask for? 10/10 I highly recommend you take this course!”

— Pete R.

“Bob has an amazing talent for instructing a course, with such a high level of professionalism and attention to safety details, while making it fun! I was 100% satisfied with the information and skills I learned and was able to put it all to work in the water!”

— Matt P.

“Freediving is something new to me, considering I have been scuba diving for 25 years, and a PADI Instructor for the past 8 years. This year I decided to ditch the tank (not permanently), and try my hand at freediving. A friend of mine set up an Instructor for us to take the PADI Freediver course. I had a great time learning new skills and challenging myself under the instruction of Bob Fanok. Bob clearly loves the sport, and his enthusiasm for it is infectious. He taught a fun, yet thorough class, emphasizing safe practices continuously, while sticking to required standards. Bob was great about providing positive reinforcement, while pushing you just a little further each time, in a good way. I have already incorporated the breathing techniques I learned in class into my every day life to help calm my mind. I am really looking forward to continuing my Freediving training, and Bob will be the first person I call when I do!”

— Michelle T.

“Bob is a one of the best out there!! He is knowledgeable, encouraging, and insightful in his teaching. He personalizes his classes to the individual student from first-time snorkeler to master spearo. It’s also worth mentioning, he’s downright hilarious and fun to be around! You can’t go wrong with Blue Waters Freedivers!! Highest recommendations!! “

— Amanda Smerge, PADI Freediver Instructor

“I spent my whole life scared of the water, never going deeper than the ‘deep end’ in a pool. I wasn’t confident swimming or holding my breath. After meeting with Bob to learn about freediving, I decided to give the water another try. During my first session, I broke through so many mental boundaries and pushed myself to new limits I never thought obtainable. Bob explained every step in a way that made me feel comfortable and confident and was there to guide me through each dive. Even though I’ve never been comfortable in the water, I felt completely safe knowing that Bob was always within arm’s reach. If you’re looking to discover the incredible world that exists underwater, or wanting to just become more confident in yourself and learn a new skill, I highly recommend working with Bob at Blue Water Freediving.”

— James H.

“After years of do-it-yourself free diving I finally took this course (which I had been talking about doing for years). It turns out I was doing it all wrong. In just a one weekend course I doubled the depth I can dive to and more importantly I learned how to do so safely. I can't wait for my next trip to the Bahamas so I can spearfish out past the shallow reef!”

— Brian S.

“Bob's enthusiasm for training others to learn a sport that he clearly loves is infectious. We had a great time in his class and hope we get a chance to dive with him again soon. His encouraging words made learning the skills seem less intimidating. He's gregarious, fun, and not at all aloof. I highly recommend training with him!”

— Jordan S.

“Bob is a patient, knowledgeable instructor that keeps up with the latest information on increasing free-dive performance while maintaining a safe and fun atmosphere.”

— Charles B.

“Bob is a true waterman with a sincere safety-first commitment and approach to diving. He is also the most passionate freediver I’ve ever met and excels at bringing out the best performance in any freediver: from beginner to advanced. I cannot more highly recommend Bob!”

— Ryan B.

“If you were always fascinated with freediving and wanted to do it, you want to learn it from Bob. You will not regret it one bit. Two great days of training from the best. He is very knowledgable and fun at the same time. He works with each and every student to make sure you do everything right to have safe and fun dives. Definitely 10/10”

— Adam A.

“Bob is a sensational free dive instructor and great guy. He did a great job of making the class an enjoyable experience. I would recommend him to anyone interested in taking a free diving course!”

— Elijah P.

“I didn't think I had anything to gain from a freediving course. I'm quite difficult. Bob was exactly what I needed from an instructor. I learned so much valuable information that will change my diving for the better. I’m very grateful for Bob!”

— Tori H.

“Amanda and Bob were fantastic instructors. They tailored our lessons to directly address our concerns and areas of need. Their ability to teach us in the classroom and the pool and the open water coupled with their super-advanced freediving skills allowed us as students to concentrate on our advancement without a worry as to our safety. That and having two experts in the water to imitate certainly helped in the learning process. I can't recommend these two any more strongly to anyone looking for freedive training.”

— Timothy O. (Course co-instructored with PADI Freediver Instructor Amanda Smerge)

“Bob is for sure one of a kind dude. His ability to lead and bring complete strangers together is enough of a reason to spend time with the guy. When he coaches others you can tell he treats them with the same attention he would his very own family. I love learning freediving skills from this guy and highly recommend him for training!”

— Philomena P.

"Confidence comes from training and experience... and time spent with Bob will get you both of those in spades! What lies under water is unbelievable! Working with Bob will give you the confidence you need to safely explore! Get with Bluewater Freedivers and never look back!"

— Nate T.

“Bob tailors the training to your level of experience, so it doesn't matter if you have been freediving for a few years or have never dived/dove before, he helps you meet the certification requirements and sets you up for further success. Just be real with him and let him know where you are in your freediving journey and where you would like to go.”

— Jose F.