Surf / Dive Apnea and Safety Training
Control stress. Stay calm under pressure. Perform when it matters.
Developed by big wave surfers, free divers and ocean professionals, Surf Apnea training teaches practical breath control, surf safety techniques, stress management and decision making in high-pressure environments.
The Problem
Most people have never been trained to manage stress in critical situations.
When pressure hits, people often:
- Panic
- Burn oxygen
- Lose composure
- Make poor decisions
Whether it’s a surfing hold down, a rescue situation, a high-performance sporting moment or a high-pressure workplace environment, the outcome often comes down to one thing.
Can you control your mind and breathing under pressure?
Where Surf Apnea Comes From
Surf Apnea training was born from the real-world demands of big wave surfing.
In heavy wipeouts surfers can experience:
- Multiple wave hold downs
- Violent underwater turbulence
- Near blackout situations
Survival depends on the ability to:
- Control panic
- Regulate breathing
- Conserve oxygen
- Stay calm under extreme pressure
These same principles apply far beyond surfing.
What Surf Apnea Teaches
Surf Apnea training teaches individuals how to:
- Control their nervous system response to stress
- Manage fear and discomfort
- Improve breath control
- Make better decisions under pressure
- Remain calm in challenging environments
These are transferable skills applicable to sport, leadership, emergency response and everyday life.
Key Skills Participants Develop
- Hold their breath longer
- Develop greater self-awareness
- Improve responses to stress and fear
- Enhance decision making under pressure
- Stay calm and in control
- Perform better in high-stress environments
The training builds both mental resilience and physical capability.
The Science of Breath and Stress
Understanding how the body reacts under stress allows individuals to remain calm and in control when it matters most.
Participants learn about:
- The mammalian dive reflex
- Carbon dioxide tolerance
- The urge to breathe response
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Nervous system regulation
Course Structure
Available Formats:
- Half day programs
- Full day immersive training
- Multi-session training programs
- Customised training blocks
Training Combines:
- Theory and education
- Breathing drills
- Land based exercises
- Water based training scenarios
Delivery Locations:
- Ocean environments
- Swimming pools
- Training facilities
- Tailored environments
Programs can be tailored depending on the organisation.
Who This Training Is For
Surf Apnea training benefits a wide range of organisations including:
- Schools and outdoor education programs
- Sporting organisations
- Corporate teams
- Emergency responders
- Defence personnel
- Anyone operating in high-stress environments
The core skill being taught is control under pressure.
Real World Impact
Participants trained in Surf Apnea have used the skills learned in the program in real-life rescue situations. Rescue techniques and stress management tools taught in the course have been used by participants to:
- Assist distressed swimmers
- Perform water rescues
- Remain calm during emergency situations
Participants have saved people's lives.
Instructors
Shanan Worrall
WSL Big Wave Award Winner
Commercial abalone diver
Founder of Shark Eyes
Public speaker
For over 8 years Shanan has been training surfers, ocean professionals and organisations in heavy water safety and Surf Apnea techniques. His experience in extreme ocean environments forms the foundation of the program.
Russell Ord
Professional surf photographer
Former professional rugby league player
Ocean safety advocate
Russell has spent decades working in extreme ocean environments documenting big wave surfing and ocean athletes around the world. His experience working alongside elite surfers brings unique insight into performance and safety in heavy water.
Case Study
Christchurch Grammar School
Surf Apnea training has been delivered to students as part of outdoor education and water safety programs. Students consistently report increased confidence in the water and a greater understanding of how to remain calm in challenging situations.
The training focused on:
- Breath control
- Managing stress and fear
- Improving water confidence
- Developing practical safety skills
Outcomes
Participants typically leave the program with:
- Improved breath hold capability
- Stronger mental resilience
- Practical stress management tools
- Greater confidence in the water
- Improved self-awareness and control
Many participants achieve breath hold capabilities they previously believed were impossible.
Enquire About Training
Surf Apnea training programs can be tailored for organisations, schools and teams.
