Drifters Freediving Melbourne — Course Review

About Drifters Freediving

Drifters Freediving is a Melbourne-based freediving school offering AIDA certification courses, beginner spearfishing instruction, and adventure retreats. The school was founded by Jarrod Briffa and Brenton Loh, both of whom hold multiple instructor certifications.

Jarrod Briffa is an AIDA Master Instructor — one of the highest AIDA teaching qualifications — as well as 2019 Australian pool freediving champion and a national representative at AIDA and CMAS World Championships. Brenton Loh holds AIDA, Molchanovs, and SSI instructor certifications. Ashleigh Mercer, a registered nurse, trained under 12-time world record holder Carlos Coste and represented Australia at the 2023 AIDA Pool World Championships.

On paper, the credentials are strong. Whether those credentials translate to quality course delivery is what community members have questioned.

Courses and Pricing

• AIDA 1 — Freediving Discovery: One day. Introduction to breath-hold physiology, safe diving protocols, basic technique. ~$350.
• AIDA 2 — Freediving Fundamentals: Three days. Foundational skills for safe, competent freediving. No prior experience required — just water confidence. ~$660.
• AIDA 3 — Advanced Freediver: Four or more days. Free fall, Frenzel equalisation, training tables, pressure-related safety. Requires AIDA 2 or equivalent.
• Beginner Spearfishing: Introduction to safe, selective underwater harvesting.
• Depth coaching, monofin and DNF masterclasses, breathwork training.
• Retreats: Multi-day programs at Kilsby Sinkhole (South Australia), Bali, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu.

Kilsby Sinkhole is a genuine standout location — a deep, crystal-clear freshwater sinkhole that is genuinely beautiful. Drifters' access to this site is one of their most distinctive offerings.

Community Experiences and Concerns

A detailed first-person account of multiple Drifters Freediving courses — including an AIDA 4 liveaboard — was submitted to Freediving For All in March 2025. The account raises the following concerns:

Course delivery vs. expectations

The contributor completed four courses with Drifters over several years and felt their skills plateaued without meaningful improvement. On a spearfishing liveaboard that was supposed to include AIDA 4 certification requirements, neither the pool session nor the required depth training was provided, despite these being a stated reason for participation.

Instructor qualifications for spearfishing

During the spearfishing portion of the liveaboard, instruction was delivered by individuals whose qualifications for that specific role were unclear to the student. This raised questions about whether students were being taught by appropriately credentialled instructors for each discipline.

Safety instruction

When learning to dispatch a fish, the technique initially demonstrated would have caused serious finger injury if followed exactly. The error was only corrected after the student questioned it. This raised broader concerns about the thoroughness of safety protocols throughout the course.

Training environment

Sessions were described as disorganised and lacking structure. Instructors were reported as dismissive of questions, and the contributor felt that minimal effort was being made toward genuine skill development or coaching.

Professional boundaries and instructor conduct

The contributor had previously confided in one instructor about personal challenges. During the liveaboard, they experienced what they describe as targeted harassment — including body shaming and culturally insensitive comments — and felt that personal information shared in trust was used against them. This is the most serious allegation in the account.

Complaint channels

Attempts to raise concerns were complicated by the overlap between Drifters instructors and Melbourne Freedivers Club, where several Drifters instructors are members or hold committee positions. The contributor found complaint processes inadequate and found concerns were not taken seriously.

What to Check Before Booking Any School

The concerns raised about Drifters are not unique to one school — they are the kinds of issues that can arise anywhere. Before booking any freediving course, ask:

• What exactly will be covered and delivered? Get it in writing.
• Are the instructors certified for every component of the course (spearfishing instruction, specific depth disciplines)?
• What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
• What is the complaints process if something goes wrong?
• Can you speak to a past student before booking?

See our full guide on how to choose a freediving course in Melbourne.

Alternatives to Drifters Freediving

Melbourne has several other reputable freediving schools:

• Salt Sessions Freediving — Melbourne's largest school. PADI certification. Monthly courses. Established track record since 2016.
• Freediving Family — Australia's leading Molchanovs provider. Strong safety culture, boat access, experienced instructors.
• Liv For The Sea — Small-group, personalised AIDA courses. Excellent for beginners and those who prefer a slower learning pace.
• Freediving Australia — Molchanovs Wave 1 and 2 courses in Melbourne.

For a full comparison of every Melbourne provider, see our complete guide to freediving schools in Melbourne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Drifters Freediving Melbourne reputable?

Drifters has certified AIDA instructors and access to excellent dive locations. However, community members have raised concerns about course delivery, safety protocols, and instructor conduct. Read the full independent account on Freediving For All and do your own due diligence before booking.

How much do Drifters Freediving courses cost?

Approximately $350 for AIDA 1 (one day) and $660 for AIDA 2 (three days). Retreats and liveaboards are priced separately.

Who are the Drifters Freediving instructors?

Founders Jarrod Briffa (AIDA Master Instructor, Australian pool champion) and Brenton Loh (AIDA/Molchanovs/SSI instructor). Ashleigh Mercer is also an instructor, trained under world record holder Carlos Coste.