Deep Sensations Freediving

Deep Sensations Freediving is a dedicated freediving centre located in Thirroul, serving a wide range of coastal locations across New South Wales, including Sydney, Wollongong, and the Central Coast. Since 2022, the centre has built one of Australia's largest freediving communities, moving away from high-pressure performance towards a focus on technical skill and ocean connection.

The centre is designed for those looking to progress through structured levels, whether you are taking your first breath-hold in a pool or exploring deep volcanic lakes. Beyond local training, they organise international retreats to iconic destinations such as Ningaloo Reef, the Maldives, and Bali, providing access to world-class pelagic encounters.

The team is led by founder Curtis Tredway, a Master Freediving Instructor who also brings professional expertise as an underwater photographer and safety diver. This background ensures that training is not only focused on physiological progression but also on the technical aspects of capturing the underwater world.

Instruction is delivered in small groups to ensure personalised coaching and safety. The centre's philosophy is built on a 'no ego' approach, prioritising a supportive environment where divers can develop their skills at their own pace without the pressure of constant performance metrics.

The curriculum covers the full spectrum of freediving progression, starting with a Freediving Taster in the pool and moving through Beginner (Level 1), Advanced (Level 2), and Master (Level 3) certifications. For those looking to specialise, they offer Freediver Refresher courses and instructor training.

Additional specialised training includes Beginner Spearfishing, Underwater Photography, and Surf Survival Apnea. This diverse range of courses allows divers to bridge the gap between pure breath-hold ability and practical ocean skills.

For those travelling without their own kit, the centre provides a full range of equipment for hire. This allows divers to test different setups before committing to a full rig.

Beyond equipment, the centre offers long-term support and mentorship for its students, acting as a resource for those looking to refine their technique long after their initial course is completed.

The local waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, from reef-dwelling species to larger predators. You can regularly encounter octopus, wobbegong sharks, and various species of fish, as well as sea urchins and starfish.

In the kelp forests and rocky reefs, such as those found at Bare Island, keep an eye out for leafy seadragons, nudibranchs, and octopus. These habitats also host a variety of smaller creatures including sea slugs and diverse invertebrates.

Seasonal encounters offer significant highlights for visiting divers. During the summer, nurse sharks are frequently spotted near Shellharbour. In the NSW region, humpback whales can be observed from May to November, with specific opportunities to swim with them in Jervis Bay between September and October.

Conditions vary significantly depending on the location. Sites like The Gap are subject to stronger ocean currents, requiring more experience, while locations like Gordons Bay offer sheltered, calm waters suitable for beginners.

Seasonal planning is important for certain encounters; for example, whale watching is best suited to the spring months in Jervis Bay. When visiting reef locations like Ningaloo, the use of spotting aircraft can assist in locating whale sharks feeding near the surface.