USA FREEDIVING MEMBERSHIP FAQs
Q1: WHAT IS USA FREEDIVING?
USA Freediving (also called AIDA USA) is the official national organization for athletes, students, instructors, and events organizers under AIDA (Association Internationale pour le Développement de l’Apnée) — the governing body for the sport of competitive freediving. We proudly represent US freedivers both nationally and internationally.
USA Freediving sanctions all US National Records and competitions, supports Team USA athletes, and promotes safety and participation in the sport of competitive and recreational freediving.
Q2: WHY JOIN USA FREEDIVING?
(1) Because joining USA Freediving connects you to an entire community of freedivers including other athletes, instructors, and event organizers!
(2) If you’re a US citizen interested in participating in an official AIDA competition (pool or depth), you must first be affiliated with your national AIDA — which is USA Freediving. If you’re not an active member of USA Freediving, your performance will not be recognized by AIDA. And only active USA Freediving members receive AIDA rankings for their performances.
(3) Only active USA Freediving members have voting power in our organization. This includes voting in USA Freediving Board elections, voting on internal initiatives, and also voting on how our national organization should vote in as part of the AIDA assembly on issues like rules changes and budget.
(4) Active USA Freediving members are also eligible to become part of “Team USA” to compete in international AIDA competitions in both pool and depth, with support from USA Freediving.
Q3: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
USA Freediving is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We’re a member and sponsor-driven organization that depends on membership fees to cover administrative costs and promote Team USA athletes.
We offer three different membership options:
- $35/year one-time membership (does not renew automatically)
- $35/year annual membership (automatically renews)
- $500/lifetime membership (paid only once)
Q4: HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Becoming a member of USA Freediving is easy. Simply go to the membership page of our website (https://usafreediving.com/membership/) and click on the membership option that’s right for you. Once you’re registered, you’ll be able to login and manage your account.
Once you sign-up you will receive an invite to our membership group which includes member-only email updates, and you’ll have access to our members-only Facebook page.
Q5: IF I WANT TO COMPETE, DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE?
Yes! USA Freediving is a member of — but separate from — AIDA International. Becoming a member of USA Freediving does not automatically make you an “active” member of AIDA International.
To ensure your performance in an official AIDA event is recognized, an athlete must take two steps: (1) You must be an active member of USA Freediving, AND (2) You must have your “National Membership Status” in AIDA International set to “Active”
Q5: HOW DO I DETERMINE MY AIDA INTERNATIONAL STATUS?
To see whether you are considered “active” by AIDA International, you must go to the AIDA website (https://www.aidainternational.org/) and log into your account using the “Account” button on the top right-hand corner of the homepage.
Once you’ve logged in, go to “My Profile” to see your status:
If your status is “Active,” then you’re all set for the year!
But if your status is “Pending,” then you need to update it to active through your AIDA national:
Q6: HOW DO I UPDATE MY AIDA INTERNATIONAL STATUS TO ACTIVE?
If your membership for the year is paid (or on auto-renew or lifetime status), then you simply need to email member@usafreediving.com to request that your AIDA International status be set to Active. Requests are generally fulfilled within 24-48 hours.
Q7: WHY IS MY STATUS “PENDING” WHEN I WAS PREVIOUSLY ACTIVE?
At the beginning of every calendar year, on January 1, AIDA International sets all members’ status back to “Pending.” This is true not only for USA Freediving members but for members from all countries.
If you plan to compete in that calendar year, please just make sure that your USA Freediving membership is active — and email member@usafreediving.com to request that your AIDA International status again be set to Active.
Q8: WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A PROFILE ON AIDA INTERNATIONAL?
Then you need to create one!
To join AIDA International you must create your profile at https://eos.aidainternational.org/Register. Select AIDA USA as your AIDA Organization. Then follow the steps above to ensure your USA Freediving membership is active and that your membership status is set to active.
Q9: I’M NOT A US CITIZEN, CAN I BECOME A USA FREEDIVING MEMBER?
To be a member of AIDA International, and enjoy the perks, which includes official AIDA ranking and voting rights, one must join an AIDA national organization; in the US that’s USA Freediving.
USA Freediving can also endorse members from countries that do not have an AIDA National With your active membership, you’re automatically a member of AIDA, and we will be able to approve your AIDA request with your respective nationality.
But please be aware USA Freediving can only activate US citizens and nationalities that don’t have an AIDA National. If your country does have its own AIDA National, then you must affiliate with AIDA through your country’s National.
Q10:WAIT, I’M STILL CONFUSED!
If you’re still confused or have other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email at member@usafreediving.com. You can also shoot us a DM on instagram @usafreediving.
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QUICK GUIDE TO COMPETE IN AN AIDA EVENT
FIRST, become a USA Freediving member. Simply go to the membership page of our website (https://usafreediving.com/membership/) and choose the membership option that’s right for you.
With your active membership, you’re automatically a member of AIDA, and we will be able to approve your AIDA request with your respective nationality. Once you sign up, you’ll also receive an invite to our membership group which includes member-only email updates.
SECOND, ensure your AIDA International status is active. If you’re a new member or it’s a new calendar year, then your AIDA member status will automatically be set to “Pending.” To activate your AIDA status (if you’re already an active USA Freediving member), just email member@usafreediving.com to request your AIDA International status be set to Active.
THAT’S IT! Now you’re all set and ready to compete for the year!