Molchanovs Wave 1
3 days · Min 12 m - Max 20 m
Your first certification, and the level where the Wave progression begins.
10,900 THB (~288 €) Molchanovs Wave 1 details
Molchanovs at Orenda
Molchanovs freediving in Koh Tao
The full Wave pathway, taught by an Instructor Trainer from SV Freedom Fargo.
Molchanovs is a structured freediving pathway, from your first certification through to instructor level. Each Wave builds on the last with clear pool and open water requirements, and every course is taught by Coach Nikki, a Molchanovs Instructor Trainer, here in Koh Tao.
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Taught by an Instructor Trainer
Coach Nikki has coached freedivers worldwide since 2013. The same instructor can take you from Wave 1 through to instructor level.
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The full pathway
Wave 1, Wave 2, Wave 3, Instructor and Crossover are all available at Orenda.
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Small groups from our own boat
Most courses run from SV Freedom Fargo, with shore sessions at Tanote Bay when conditions suit.
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Online learning included
Every course includes lifetime access to the Molchanovs online platform.
The Molchanovs pathway at Orenda
Each level has its own page with the full detail, the requirements and what is included. Prices below are the current Orenda prices.
Molchanovs Wave 2
4 days · Max depth 24 to 30 m
Freefall, deeper relaxation, and the step from your first depths towards 30 metres.
14,900 THB (~393 €) Molchanovs Wave 2 details
Molchanovs Wave 3
6 to 7 days · Min depth 34 m
The semi-professional level, with mouthfill equalization and FRC diving.
18,900 THB (~499 €) Molchanovs Wave 3 details
Molchanovs Instructor (IC)
10 days
Become a Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor and teach the first two levels yourself.
45,000 THB (~1,188 €) Molchanovs Instructor (IC) details
Instructor Crossover
5 to 7 days
Already an instructor with another agency? Cross over in person, here on the island.
25,000 THB (~660 €) Instructor Crossover details
Instructor Crossover Online
10 to 12 contact hours, fully online
The same crossover run remotely, with live contact hours and a twelve-month practical window.
19,000 THB (~502 €) Instructor Crossover Online details
What each Wave asks of you
Each Wave has clear pool and open water performance requirements, so you'll know exactly what you're working towards before you start.
Minimum age is 16, and all students complete a medical and liability declaration before entering the water.
Wave 1 (Beginner)
- Prerequisites
- 200 m swim, beginner-friendly
- In the pool
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- Static (STA): about 1:30
- Dynamic bifins (DYNB): 30 m
- No fins (DNF): technique only, not a requirement yet
- In open water
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- Depth, bifins and Free Immersion (CWTB and FIM): 12 to 20 m
- Rescue and buddy skills (CWTB): 6 to 10 m
Wave 2 (Intermediate)
- Prerequisites
- Certified freediver (Wave 1 / Level 1)
- In the pool
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- Static (STA): about 2:30
- Dynamic bifins (DYNB): 50 m
- No fins (DNF): 35 m
- Monofin (DYNM): technique introduced
- In open water
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- Depth, bifins and Free Immersion (CWTB and FIM): 24 to 30 m
- No fins depth (CNF): 15 m
- Buddy and rescue (CWTB): 10 to 15 m
Wave 3 (Master)
- Prerequisites
- Wave 2 / advanced freediver
- In the pool
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- Static (STA): 3:30 or more
- Dynamic bifins (DYNB): 75 m
- No fins (DNF): 50 m
- In open water
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- Depth, bifins and Free Immersion (CWTB and FIM): 34 to 40 m
- No fins depth (CNF): 25 m
- Buddying: 20 m
- Rescue: 20 m
- Surface tow: 20 m
You'll work towards these requirements throughout the course, and certification is awarded once they're met. Dynamic No Fins is introduced from Wave 1, even before it becomes a certification requirement.
Master Course
If you're looking for long-term depth progression rather than a single certification, the Master Course runs alongside the Wave pathway.
- Half Master: 10 water sessions, working towards 40 m.
- Full Master: 4–5 weeks, working towards 46 m.
- Molchanovs Wave 3 certification can be added for 1,250 THB (materials and certification).
Course schedules
We schedule around sea conditions rather than fixed dates.
- Wave 1: 2–3 times a week
- Wave 2: 3–4 times a week
- Wave 3 & Instructor: on request (minimum two students)
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with Wave 1 as a beginner?
Yes. You only need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim 200 m.
Can I join if I certified with another agency?
Yes. We'll place you at the right level based on your experience.
Is the Molchanovs platform included?
Yes. It's included with every course.
Ready to start?
Tell us your experience, your travel dates and which Wave you're interested in. We'll help you choose the right course for the time you have on Koh Tao.