mt+ssi hybrid program
“Where Self-Discovery and Structure align”
the term hybrid simply means online and in person
what is a hybrid program?
Check it out! here's what you get:
8 x zoom sessions across 4 weeks
WHEN? - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7-8:30 PM, starting September 2.
WHERE? - Online via Zoom, with replay sent after every webclass.
Academic Sessions – Freediving Foundations
I will be meeting you guys online twice each week to break down the 6 core academic sections of the SSI Freediver program. These sessions are straight to the point — giving you the knowledge you need to dive deeper, stay safer, and understand what’s really happening in your body and environment when you’re underwater.
We cover:
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Physiology – How your body responds to breath-hold diving
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Pressure – What pressure does at depth, and how to adapt safely
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Freediving Disciplines – The different types of freediving and their purpose
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Freediving Equipment – Gear knowledge, maintenance, and choosing what works
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Freediving Experience – What to expect as a diver and how to build confidence
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Safe and Responsible Freediving – Safety protocols, buddy system, and ocean awareness
These sessions are about understanding the why behind what we do in the water. We connect the dots between theory and practice, so that when you dive, you do it with clarity, trust in your gear, and full presence.
gear discount & recommendations
You’ll get exclusive discounts on quality dive gear through our trusted partner Wettie – so you can gear up with the right tools at a better price. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade, we’ve got you sorted.
We also proudly recommend Aquatic Rehab Spearfishing wetsuits – these are high-quality suits that we use ourselves and stand behind for performance and durability in Aotearoa waters.
At any of our camps you will also have the option to borrow our spare gear.
2 nights in a beautiful airbnb + shared dinners
WHEN? - September 26-28
WHERE? - Taupō
At the end of the 4 week program we'll be traveling to the middle of the North Island, to Taupō, for our practical weekend and stay at Motuoapa – A Lakeside Haven.
For two nights — Friday and Saturday — we’ll settle into a peaceful Airbnb stay in Motuoapa, a hidden gem on the southern edge of Lake Taupō.
This place is a quiet haven. Simple, warm, and surrounded by nature. It’s where we rest, reset, and connect as a crew. You’ll have your own bed, shared spaces to kōrero, and a deck to watch the sunset melt over the lake.
Dinner is included both nights, made fresh and shared together. Good kai, good company — it’s all part of the experience.
This time is for slowing down, reflecting on what you’re learning, and soaking in the energy of the whenua before the next day out on (or under) the water.
1 full practical / assessment day (pool/lake)
On Saturday 27 we'll have full day of practicals. In the morning we'll go to the local pool to do the confined water assessment. In the afternoon we'll dive in lake Taupō for the open water assessment.
This full-day practical session is designed to complete all open water performance requirements for the SSI Freediver certification.
What you’ll complete:
POOL
✅ Dynamic Apnea Attempt – 30 meters
✅ Arms-Only Dynamic – 15 meters
LAKE
✅ Constant Weight Dive – 10 meters
✅ Arms-Only Ascent – 10 meters
✅ No-Mask Ascent – 10 meters
✅ Deepwater Blackout Rescue – 10 meters
Led by experienced instructors, this day is about safe, confident performance in confined/open water conditions. If unable to complete the necessary requirements in open water no need to worry you will be issued a pool free diver or recognition card.
ssi freediver certification
Certification & Recognition
Once you've successfully completed all assessments and in-water requirements, you’ll receive your official SSI Freediver Certification — a globally recognised qualification that opens the door to ocean exploration around the world.
Scuba Schools International (SSI) is the world’s largest professional business-based training agency, known for its high standards, safety-first approach, and accessible teaching style. With this certification, you become part of a global community of ocean guardians and breath-hold explorers.
This course is held in alignment with the kaupapa of Moana Toa — honouring the ocean as both teacher and healer. Your training is more than just skill-based; it’s a journey of reconnection, responsibility, and empowerment as an ocean warrior of Aotearoa.
Your instructors
Harlem (Rā) Ratapu
Main instructor
Rangi Ririnui
Assisting instructor during our practical weekend
pricing & payment options
Investment: $725 (incl. Gst)
This includes:
- A 4-week guided program with: 8 online classes + 1 practical weekend immersion, including 2 nights of accommodation and 2 group dinners
- An official SSI Freedive Certification (upon successful completion of both the confined water and deep water assessments during the practical weekend)
You have two payment options:
Option 1 – Pay in Full: $725 upfront to secure your spot.
Option 2 – Weekly Payment Plan: Pay $121 per week over 6 weeks, starting from the moment you book your spot.
If you're not happy with the whole experience you'll receive a full refund. Please read the Booking Policy below.
Ready to Dive In?🔥
booking policy
1. REGISTRATION & PAYMENT The total price for the Moana Toa Dive Program is $725 NZD (including GST). This includes: - A 4-week guided program with: 8 online classes + 1 practical weekend immersion, including 2 nights of accommodation and 2 group dinners - An official SSI Freedive Certification (upon successful completion of both the confined water and deep water assessments during the practical weekend) You can secure your spot by choosing one of the following options: Option 1: Pay in full — $725 upfront Option 2: Payment plan — $121 per week over 6 weeks How the payment plan works: The weekly payment plan of $121 NZD (incl. GST) runs over 6 weeks, or until the full amount of $726 is paid. Payments begin immediately upon sign-up and recur automatically every 7 days from the date you register (e.g. if you start on a Monday, your next payment will be the following Monday). The plan will be ended manually by us once completed — no action is needed from you to cancel. Please note: Your registration is only confirmed once payment has been received or your payment plan has been set up. If you sign up but do not complete this step, your spot is not secured. Spots are limited. By enrolling, you commit to completing the full payment for the program, even if you choose not to attend all sessions. 2. REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY We do not offer refunds once payment has begun. However, if you complete the full program and feel it did not meet your expectations, we offer a full money-back guarantee. 3. HEALTH & SAFETY You are responsible for ensuring you are physically and mentally fit to participate in freediving. All participants will be required to complete and submit the necessary SSI medical and liability forms before the program begins. (More details on this will be provided upon registration.) 4. VIDEO & PHOTO CONSENT Photos and video may be taken during the program for promotional purposes. You can choose to opt in or out of this during registration.
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words from ocean warriors...
sign up now
spaces are limited
Please note: Your registration is only confirmed once payment has been received or your payment plan has been set up. If you sign up but do not complete this step, your spot is not secured.
Choose your payment option below and fill in the form.
After receiving your registration we'll send you an email with the next steps.
We are looking forward to having you on this incredible journey!
book here to pay in full
Option 1 – Pay the total $725 upfront to secure your spot.
book with payment plan
Option 2 – Set up the Weekly Payment Plan of $121 per week over 6 weeks, starting from the moment you book your spot.
