Freediving Clubs in Melbourne

Connect with Melbourne's freediving community — find training partners, safety buddies, and organized dives.

Freediving is a buddy sport — you should never dive alone. Joining a club is the best way to find reliable dive partners, access local knowledge, and improve your skills safely.

Why Join a Club?

  • Safety buddies — Never struggle to find someone to dive with
  • Organized dives — Regular trips to the best spots
  • Local knowledge — Learn about conditions, tides, and hidden gems
  • Skill development — Learn from more experienced divers
  • Equipment sharing — Try before you buy
  • Social connection — Meet people who share your passion

Melbourne Freediving Clubs

Southern Freedivers

Melbourne's most established freediving club with an active community of divers at all levels.

  • Activities: Regular pool sessions, pier dives, boat trips
  • Pool training: Weekly sessions at various Melbourne pools
  • Open water: Organized dives around Port Phillip Bay and beyond
  • Membership: Annual fee (typically $50–$100)
  • Best for: All levels, especially those wanting structured training

Find them: Search "Southern Freedivers" on Facebook

Melbourne Freedivers

An informal group that organizes regular dives and social events.

  • Activities: Pier dives, spearfishing trips, social meetups
  • Structure: Informal — no membership fees
  • Communication: Facebook group for organizing dives
  • Best for: Those who prefer casual, self-organized diving

Find them: Search "Melbourne Freedivers" on Facebook

Spearfishing-Focused Groups

Several Facebook groups cater specifically to spearfishers in Melbourne and Victoria:

  • Melbourne Spearfishing Club
  • Victorian Spearfishing
  • Port Phillip Bay Spearos

These groups organize trips and share knowledge about local spots, seasons, and regulations.

What to Expect

Pool Sessions

Club pool sessions typically include:

  • Static breath-hold practice with safety supervision
  • Dynamic swimming (with and without fins)
  • Technique drills and coaching
  • Rescue skill practice

Open Water Dives

Organized club dives usually feature:

  • Designated meeting point and time
  • Buddy pairing system
  • Shared float and flag
  • Post-dive social (often breakfast or coffee)

Etiquette and Expectations

  • Never dive alone — Always have a buddy watching you
  • Communicate clearly — Confirm plans before the dive
  • Be reliable — Show up when you say you will
  • Know your limits — Don't push beyond your training
  • Share knowledge — Help newer divers learn
  • Respect the environment — Leave only bubbles

Finding Dive Buddies Outside Clubs

If formal clubs aren't your style, you can still find buddies through:

  • Course alumni groups from your freediving school
  • Local dive shop communities
  • Meetup.com freediving groups
  • Instagram freediving community

Safety reminder: Never freedive alone, regardless of your experience level. Most freediving deaths occur when diving solo. A buddy can save your life.

Getting Involved

  1. Complete a course first — Clubs expect basic competency and safety knowledge
  2. Join the Facebook groups — Introduce yourself and express interest
  3. Attend a pool session — Low-pressure way to meet people
  4. Join an organized dive — Experience the community firsthand
  5. Become a regular — Consistency builds trust and friendships

For more on why the buddy system is critical, see The Buddy System: Your Lifeline Underwater on Freediving For All.