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AIDA Asian Freediving Cup 2026: Training and Accommodation Guide

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The AIDA Asian Freediving Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and we hope everyone’s training is going well! 

Photo: Federico Buzzoni

We’re kicking off the competition excitement early by posting a series of articles presenting our sponsors, team members, and providing useful information ahead of  this year’s main freediving event in Panglao. Our first article will be about training and accommodation information in Panglao.

More information will also be posted in the SuperHOME training chat on Facebook Messenger. If you’re an athlete, make sure you get an invite to the group!

Training at SuperHOME Before the AIDA Asian Freediving Cup 2026

Whether you’re a minimalist looking for autonomous sessions on a buoy, someone who wants to train directly on the platform with buddies, or need a full counter ballast setup with members of the safety team watching over you, there are several options for training available at Freedive SuperHOME! 

Autonomous Training 

Before joining autonomous training at SuperHOME, all divers complete a check dive with one of our instructors or safety team members. The purpose of this dive is to confirm that you’re comfortable with the required safety procedures, buddy practices, equalization, rescue awareness, and the overall in-water behavior expected during autonomous sessions, to the benefit of everyone.

This is not an exam, but a way to ensure that everyone training independently shares the same safety standards and can contribute to a safe environment for themselves and others. 

  • Autonomous training on Buoy (drifting)
    Divers training to depths of 89 meters or less can enjoy the freedom of drift diving on a buoy. You can either book a session with your buddies or we match you with other freedivers working within the same depth range, ensuring a safe and efficient training environment.
     
  • Autonomous training on Y-260 Platform
    For dives up to 99 meters, training takes place on our dedicated diving platform. To join these sessions, you’ll need to organize your own group of three divers, allowing us to maintain proper safety and rotation during deep training sessions.

  • Autonomous on Y-260 Platform + CBS
    Freedivers training to 100 meters or deeper must also use the platform, supported by our counter ballast system (CBS) for maximum safety during extreme-depth sessions. As with 90–99 meter dives, you’ll need to form your own group of at least three divers.

Competition Setup Training on Y-260 Platform

Train in a complete competition-style environment on the Y-260 platform every Tuesday and Friday. Sessions include an AIDA-certified safety team, counter ballast system, sonar operator, deco O₂ and evacuation boat, official countdown procedures, and dedicated warm-up lines — providing a professional and safety-focused setup designed to closely simulate real competition conditions. 

Pro Safety Sessions

If you’re an athlete wanting to train purely for yourself and not worry about having to provide safety for other divers, our Pro Safety sessions let you stay focused on your own dives under the watchful eye of our experienced safety divers. All of our safety divers have AIDA Competition Safety Freediver certification.

  • Pro Safety I – Drifting on Buoy
    Dives up to 89 meters: This will be done drifting with an evacuation boat nearby. Post-dive oxygen is available for divers diving deeper than 70 meters.

  • Pro Safety II – On Y-260 Platform
    Dives more than 90 meters: You’ll get two safety divers and post-dive oxygen. For dives deeper than 100 meters, you’ll also have sonar and CBS.

Coached Sessions

Open water coaching is available for divers of all experience levels. From first-time beginners building confidence and technique, to seasoned athletes preparing for competition, we match you with the instructor best suited to your goals. Each session is designed to refine your skills, improve efficiency, and support your growth in a safe, structured environment. 

Please contact Freedive SuperHOME directly for more details:

Other Options in Panglao

Spots at SuperHOME will fill up quickly in the time leading up to the AIDA Asian Freediving Cup 2026. There are plenty of other places to train freediving in Panglao, so it might be a good idea to check some of them out during the busiest days.

Training Days Before AIDA Asian Freediving Cup 2026

For the AIDA Asian Freediving Cup 2026, the full setup training days before the competition is scheduled as follows:

  • July 8: Women
  • July 9: Men
  • July 11: Women
  • July 12: Men

Where Can I Stay During the AIDA Asian Freediving Cup?

There are plenty of other options in Panglao that can fit most budgets and requirements. Location-wise, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

  • Freedive SuperHOME
    The easiest and most convenient place to stay during the competition or training is at Freedive SuperHOME itself. As of now, there are no available rooms during AFC2026, but there are some rooms available during the training period leading up to competition. We recommend booking as early as possible!

  • Doljo
    The competition itself is held at Freedive SuperHOME in Doljo—the same venue that has hosted AFC events since 2018. If you value a short drive to your training location and a nice beach, we recommend the Doljo area.

  • Panglao Poblacion
    The next nearest location to AFC is Panglao Poblacion, which is about 2.5 kilometers from Freedive SuperHOME. This is the main town of Panglao, where you can find markets, mostly local restaurants, and more. 

  • Alona
    The third location of interest is the Alona area. This is the main tourist area of Panglao and also where most hotels and restaurants are located. It’s about seven kilometers away from Freedive SuperHOME.

  • Other Locations in Panglao or Dauis
    Panglao island is conveniently small, so staying anywhere in the Panglao municipality (and even locations further away in Dauis) will be less than a 30-minute drive away.

Sponsors of AIDA Asian Freediving Cup 2026:

  • BESTDIVE
  • CETMA Composites
  • Molchanovs
  • Garmin
  • Dive & Sail
  • Freediving Planet
  • Sideways
  • 南康家具
  • World Apnea – AIDA International

Organizers of AIDA Asian Freediving Cup 2026

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