Freediving Class or College Education?
by Errol Putigna - June 07th
Ok, I admit.. the title is a bit clickbaity. But now that I have your attention, what’s worth more, your life or your education? I know I gave you a loaded question but if we break it down, you’ll soon understand why a freediving class will not only give you an education that will last the rest of your days, but it could be the exact thing that will save your life.
We spend thousands of dollars on college education. In the United States, we can safely say a 4-year degree will set you back around $100,000 at this point in time. Parents save for years to put their children through college, invest in 529 plans, and sacrifice quite a bit for this reality to happen. If you're one of the hard-working students, yes, you can earn scholarships and grants. If you’re one of the unfortunate ones, you’ll take out student loans and put yourself in debt for the next “X” years only to have the “future you” paying off the debts you incurred before you land a job in hopes to get that job that will eventually pay off the debt ( I know… it seems like a vicious cycle).
Let’s take a look at a freediving class. The cost of an FII Level 1 class is about 0.005% of what a 4-year college degree costs and will take a fraction of the time to complete. Let’s be honest, freediving and spearfish is our outlet. It gives us pleasure, our escape, and a place of refuge from the college careers we pursue. It’s a sport/activity we share with our friends and family. It provides stories for generations and it allows us to harvest from the ocean in the most sustainable way known to man.
Did I mention a freediving class could most likely save your life? Yes, with the education you would receive, you’ll know how to come home safe and sound to your friends and families. As a parent, I have started to educate my kid in freediving and spearfishing. He and my wife are the epicenters of my life. There’s nothing I want more than for us to be a family and enjoy life together. I am investing for my son to study for an advanced degree but I also know he will be a freediver/spearfisherman. It is my duty as a parent to give my son the proper tools and education to practice this sport in a safe and fun manner. With this education, he’ll learn to respect the sea and all of its creatures and most importantly, to come home safe each and every day.
And finally, while both college and freediving will be a journey in themselves, both will have a purpose. Let’s cover all fronts of education: one for land and one for the sea. It’s about having the tools to be prepared in life. Remember, prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child. And the same goes for you!
Happy diving!
