Just finished two days of training with Jon Lata and some NCUH members. 

I have been given conflicting information on when and if someone should take a dive class.  I have a new opinion now that I have taken the class.

I am truly glad that I learned some basics from guys on this site before going to push my limits, but also agree that if you were completely new you can gain lots of good info right from the start. That way as you build your skills they will become embedded in your brain the right way.  I had to modify a few things but they will not be to hard to change since I have only been diving for 6 months. 

If you are given the chance to dive with a world class guy/freediver you should take it.  It only makes it better that he welcomes past students to come out and train with new ones.  So if you are new you can learn a lot and build your skills and then come out and work on beating your previous records.

I doubled my breath holds and my depth during this class and was very pleased by doing so. 

Thanks to a few corrections by Jon and the loaning of a mask that fits better than any I have tried prior.  I just can't thank you enough.  And for the veteran divers that shared some other tips about spearfishing that I am sure will be beneficial in the future, I appreciate it and apologize if I asked to many questions.

Prior to the lake I was able to manage a 4 minute underwater breath hold.  I never timed them in the past but know the longest underwater breath hold prior was probably 1 minute.  Stars aligned for me to get that and I was so excited. I know that in no way translates into that long underwater when conditions are rough and I am excreting a lot of energy, but know I can push my limits in an emergency and hope it keeps me from panicking.

So I have never dove in a lake and was not sure what to expect.  After a few Practice dives I went for it and was able to dive to 70'.  As I approached 60' the temperature dropped a good 10 degrees or more and a sudden chill took hold.  The water went from murky to pitch black in an instant.  It was a little unsettling and I just was not expecting it.  I still managed to go and extra 10' before heading back.  It was obviously the longest trip back up since it was the deepest dive to date.  It just seemed like forever. 

I am now relaxing on the couch with a beer contemplating my next adventure.  Just can't wait to practice my new skills and return to one of his future classes to see how much I can improve. 

Stoked you took the freedive class. Took mine about 6 years ago and one of the best things I ever did related to freediving. 

that is awesome bro.

that is awesome bro.

I wish you didn't have prior obligations and could have made it.  I know you would have loved it and also got some personal bests. 

I want SOOOOOOOO much more info.
I have set a personal goal of 50 feet by the end of November in the salt.
Literally every day at work I sit in my truck and for 1/2 hour lunch I practice my breathe ups and breath holds with a stop watch.
My personal best is only 2:43. It was 2:20 before that and I have never even come close since the last one.
I practice by diving for trash at local lakes. These lakes are at elevation. Average 5000 ft.
My biggest problem is I have trouble clearing my left ear.
I actually have an appointment with an ENT on Nov 19 to address this issue.
I've been working hard on mastering the Frenzell method of clearing. Takes a lot of energy for me, but then gain I haven't tried it yet on a dive.
Got some 'new to me' 20 Fathom Edge fins which I have yet to use. Hoping the full pocket fins will work a lot better than the Cressi Sub Rondine Gara open heel I have been using for years.
How does one find out about these classes?
And If I may ask, what is the cost and when will he be presenting another one?
I GOTTA hit 50!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a personal goal of mine.

When you say 4 mins underwater is that on the surface with just your face submerged? Or an actual dive?

That's an awesome improvement from your previous static breath hold.