Om Space ReviewAll-inclusive courses and accommodation make you a Little Liuqiu freediving VIP

Kint's experience was the Om Space AIDA2 Freediving in Xiaoliuqiu certification course, which began with a video call for equalization training before the three-day in-person program.

On the first day, after meeting up, the morning was dedicated to completing part of the academic and confined water sessions, with video recording during practice. In the afternoon, the remaining academic lessons and video reviews continued at the dive venue, where the instructor provided personalized feedback based on the recordings. Equalization is often a sticking point for many, so the evening included extra practice and explanations.

The second day is dedicated to ocean training, with two sessions and video recording. After a break back at the venue, there's a written exam and video review.

The final day begins with an early morning ocean session, completing the last open water course.

Om Space is highly rated, and the registration process is smooth and easy, making it perfect for someone like Kint. The Om Space fee includes not only the certification course but also round-trip ferry tickets from Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu, three days and two nights of accommodation, scooter rental, insurance, and equipment use. Kint simply needs to arrive at Donggang on time to board the ferry. Upon disembarking, Om Space even arranged for someone to pick Kint up and take them to collect the scooter, which was incredibly convenient.

If you're unsure how to get to Donggang for the ferry, this Freediving in Xiaoliuqiu venue even provides helpful information on taking a car from Kaohsiung HSR Station to Donggang—just book in advance. It's a godsend for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy VIP service!

After the classroom session, it was time for confined water practice. The first dive focused on snorkel use, a two-minute static breath-hold, and a 40-meter dynamic apnea.

Our instructor had mentioned that breath-holding underwater would definitely last longer than on land, and not to worry—everyone truly did improve. Kint, for example, went from 1.5 minutes to 2.5 minutes, and everyone averaged at least a 30-second improvement, successfully meeting the AIDA2 requirement of a two-minute static breath-hold.

Next, we practiced dynamic apnea with fins, aiming for 40 meters. Kint struggled with finning due to a lack of ankle flexibility, so the instructor not only offered patient guidance but also extended Kint's practice time.

After class, the instructor specifically reassured Kint not to worry, explaining that many men encounter similar issues and that consistent practice and stretching would resolve it. This really helped ease the mental pressure!

After lunch, we began the academic portion of the course, which mostly expanded on high school biology, focusing on how oxygen is transported in the body. Our instructor, a former nurse, was incredibly professional and kept us engaged with interactive questions, making the information easy to absorb and preventing any drowsiness.

As the lesson neared sunset, the instructor even paused the class to take us to see the Xiaoliuqiu sunset, creating a truly unforgettable memory.

On the second day, we headed out for our second open-water dive, arriving bright and early at Beauty Cave to practice equalization, rope descent, and duck diving.

As we slowly swam out, Kint was captivated by the underwater scenery: the vibrant ecosystem on the reefs, the tropical fish gracefully swimming by, and at least a dozen sea turtles resting on the coral. It was an instant confirmation that Freediving in Xiaoliuqiu was an incredible experience, fueling Kint's motivation to learn even more.

Once we reached our spot, the instructor didn't rush into the lesson. Instead, they had us stop all movement in the water and check where our faces were relative to the surface when completely still. The main point was to show us that even motionless, the buoyancy of our bodies combined with the wetsuits would keep us stable enough to breathe easily on the surface. Only after confirming everyone was more relaxed did the instruction begin.

During the actual instruction, the coach not only demonstrates and explains techniques but also provides individual guidance for each student's weaknesses. Kint found the most valuable advice was to observe each dive, equalization, or practice from your own perspective, and to identify the problem areas yourself rather than relying solely on the coach. This approach allows for the most efficient correction!

After the ocean training, it's time to rest and prepare for the afternoon's written exam. You shouldn't worry too much about the written test content; if you paid attention in class, took good notes, and spent a little time reviewing, you'll be fine.

Once the written exam is over, you'll review the videos from the morning's ocean training. Watching the footage, you'll discuss with your instructor how to improve the areas you identified for correction, ensuring even greater progress during the third day of ocean training.

The third day of ocean training included just one dive, allowing everyone to focus on areas for improvement from the previous day and to test their 12-meter duck dive.

Although Kint didn't successfully complete the 12-meter duck dive test, each dive showed steady progress. With the instructor's friendly guidance, there was no sense of frustration, making this Freediving in Xiaoliuqiu trip feel incredibly worthwhile.

Plus, Om Space offers a free monthly group practice session for returning students, with instructors always on hand to provide guidance. With consistent practice, passing the certification retake should be quick.

One highlight was when our instructor took us to an authentic noodle stall for lunch; after that, the entire class asked him for restaurant recommendations for the next three days. The Om Space instructor truly knows all the best places to eat, which was a nice bonus on top of learning Freediving in Xiaoliuqiu!