Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the Seals
The AFA is the national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the sport of freediving. The AFA regulates competitions, maintains national rankings, and selects the national team. Any competition in Australia must be AFA-approved. The AFA sits under the Australian Underwater Federation (AUF), the governing body for all underwater sports in Australia, and represents Australia with AIDA internationally. The AFA supports all affiliated clubs, including the Sydney Seals.
The AFA provides third-party liability insurance for members undertaking freediving activities via Sydney Seals. By joining the Sydney Seals, you also join the AFA, which you need to compete. When attending approved Seals or AFA events, you are covered under that insurance.
You get access to Sydney Seals events, including:
- Masterclasses and workshops
- Pool training
- Depth sessions
- Competitions
- Fun dives
Some events and activities come at an additional cost. The club does its best to keep costs as low as possible for members.
The club is a registered not-for-profit organisation with NSW Fair Trading. We have a constitution that sets out how the organisation should run, along with the rights and obligations for the committee and members.
The club sees its role as distinct from freediving businesses and schools. Certifications, run by qualified instructors at established schools, ensure a baseline understanding of freediving and safety protocols. The club helps freedivers progress throughout their journey. Some of our coaches are instructors or assistant instructors.
Currently, pool training runs on Tuesday evenings at Marrickville. We are exploring further locations for pool training.
We recommend having all of your own equipment: a wetsuit, freediving fins, a weight belt, weights, mask, and snorkel. If you have any questions about gear, please ask.
We are spoilt for choice. The Eastern Beaches—Bondi, Maroubra, Clovelly, Coogee, Little Bay, La Pérouse—and the Northern Beaches like Shelly Beach are all on our doorstep. When you join the club, you get access to our WhatsApp group where you can connect with other members and organise dives.
We call for committee nominations approximately each March, because committee members need to be elected each April. Terms last one year. We encourage all members to nominate. You do not have to be on the committee to suggest or lead a project.
At the Annual General Meeting, the club presents its financials. We are committed to being an open, accountable, and transparent organisation. The AGM is an opportunity for members to ask questions and make suggestions for what they want the club to do.