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Support FreediveSafe! Hawaii

Donate to our cause to give more people access to our FREE, lifesaving training. Every spearfisherman, freediver, waterman and waterwomen this safety program reaches makes a difference to our community.

Join us in preventing freediving and spearfishing deaths in Hawai’i.

FreediveSafe! Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which makes donations to us tax-deductible.

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Donation Total: $100.00 One Time

(808) 900-3331 | 75-5737 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 202 | Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
info@freedivesafe.org | 501(c)(3) Registered Nonprofit

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freedivesafehawaii

🔶 501(c)(3) providing FREE community freediving/spearfishing safety programs in Hawai'i.
🔷 Follow us for upcoming events statewide!

Check out our FreediveSafe! Lead Educator, Dylan C

Check out our FreediveSafe! Lead Educator, Dylan Currier @thesaltyskipper hosting a team meeting off the coast of Hawai’i! 🤩 #theidealteamplayer

Have you ever had an encounter with a whale shark before?! 🦈

#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #teamsport #communityfirst #sharks #sharkencounter #whalesharks

As responsible divers and ocean users, it is essen

As responsible divers and ocean users, it is essential to ensure our dive equipment is labeled with our names and contact numbers in the event of lost gear or an emergency. If you don’t want to write your name with a sharpie, H.O.S.T (Hawaii Ocean Safety Team) has developed a simple QR sticker that is easy to apply, and you can register your name & phone number to the ID sticker.

Together, let’s help ensure precious County resources aren’t wasted on unnecessary missing diver searches from unnamed equipment.

FreediveSafe! will be distributing HOST stickers during our 2023 statewide safety programs!

#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #teamsport #communityfirst #safety #safetyfirst #safetytraining

Throwback to our 2022 Hilo event! 🤙🏽 Well, g

Throwback to our 2022 Hilo event! 🤙🏽 Well, guess what?! We're coming back to #HiloTown on March 25th to serve our East side divers between the ages of 12-25 years old!! Pre-registrations are now open, head over to the link below!

➡️www.freedivesafe.org – events

#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #community #teamsport #events #hilo

We just wanted to take a moment to say that we are

We just wanted to take a moment to say that we are immensely grateful for our team of instructors working selflessly to help improve the safety of spearfishing.

Mike Jutt is one of the outstanding members of our Hawai'i team. As a former North Shore Lifeguard, USA National Teams #2 (with teammate Justin Lee), and current Hawaii County Firefighter, Mike is a champion in ocean safety and the sport of spearfishing! Mahalo nui loa Mike!

Show him some love in the comments! ⬇️

#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #community #teamsport #instructors

The FreediveSafe team members Justin Lee @bigisleb

The FreediveSafe team members Justin Lee @bigisleboy24 and Dylan Currier @makaifreediving had a blast working with the West Hawaii Explorations Academy students! We look forward to following the student's progress as they advance their freediving projects during the term.

Mahalo to project teacher @jules_of_the_sea for championing the students’ interests and supporting FreediveSafe's entry into the first Hawaii Public School!! 🤙

Want to learn more about what we do and how you can get involved? Check out our website! ⬇️

freedivesafe.org

#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #teamsport #communityfirst

Our work is deeply inspired by our great leaders!

Our work is deeply inspired by our great leaders! Sonny Tanabe, Hilo boy, spearfishing legend.

Richard Sonny Tanabe, from the Big Island of Hawai`i, started his swimming career at a young age when he would join his uncle in diving off of the coast of Hilo.

Sonny was a Hilo High School All- American that went on to become an NCAA and AAU All-American at Indiana University and was a member of the U.S. Olympic Swim Team that competed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. After serving in the military, he returned to Indiana University to earn his Master’s degree in Physical
Education, and after teaching and coaching at Hinsdale Township High School in Illinois, Sonny returned to Hawai`i to join the faculty of the Kamehameha Schools where he served as a teacher and coach for over 33 years. In addition to competitive swimming, spearfishing was always an enjoyable activity for Sonny.

His first book, Spearfishing on the Island of Hawai’i, was published by Editions Limited in 2007. Make sure to check it out and get your copy today on Amazon!

➡️The Evolution of Freediving-And History of Spearfishing in Hawaii: Sonny Tanabe: 9780983935704: Amazon.com: Books

#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive

Most of us don’t like to see sharks show up whil

Most of us don’t like to see sharks show up while spearfishing, but they are a natural part of the ocean ecosystem, and we must learn to navigate them in a safe manner.

One of the most important skills for ocean users is to remain calm in stressful situations, whether it’s encountering surface currents, sharks, buddy blackouts, or injuries. Controlling your mind and fear emotions, allows us to think clearly during potentially dangerous situations, and handle them in the most effective manner.

So what should you do if you see a shark? 🦈 Remain calm, never take your eyes off it, and generally, the best plan is to exit the water and hit a new dive spot. Sharks are constantly assessing our energy. They get excited when someone is nervous, splashing, running away, and distressed -- this behavior signals to them its prey. Whereas if you remain calm, dominant, and confident, they will be mostly disinterested in you so you can safely navigate and exit from the situation.

Have you ever had an encounter with a shark while spearfishing? We want to hear about it! Tell us in the comments!👇

Pictured: FreediveSafe! founder Niki Stepanek @nikistepanek with an oceanic white tip. *No shark was touched during this interaction.

📸 by Deron Verbeck @Iamaquatic www.iamaquatic.com

#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #communityfirst #teamsport #sharks #sharkencounter

Mahalo @konafreedivers for getting behind our effo

Mahalo @konafreedivers for getting behind our efforts to increase freediver blackout awareness! FREE warning labels and freediver blackout brochures are available by emailing info@freedivesafe.org.

Pole spear by @evolvediving

www.freedivesafe.org

#freediverblackoutawareness #freedivesafehawaii #konafreedivers #kailuakona #hawaiispearfishing

2023 Freediver Blackout Awareness packages are goi

2023 Freediver Blackout Awareness packages are going out! For more info or to request a package, please email info@freedivesafe.org.

A huge mahalo to our 2023 supporters! www.freedivesafe.org

#freediver #spearfishing #freediverblackout #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #hawaiifishing #spearfishingsafety #freedivesafehawaii

The 2023 Justin Lee Diver Scholarship Program A n

The 2023 Justin Lee Diver Scholarship Program

A new and exciting opportunity is upon us. It is a new avenue of sports and athletic development for the island of Hawaii, targeting spearfishing youth.

In 2023, FreediveSafe Hawaii is launching its first-ever diver scholarship program to nurture and advance youth spearfishers on the Big Island of Hawai'i. This program will train divers to freedive/spearfish safely and more effectively to depth with longer bottom times. They will advance their ocean safety skills with CPR, First Aid, O2 provider and ocean rescue training. The program connects divers with spearfishing industry leaders to inspire and cultivate future leaders of the sport. Graduates of the FREE program will be safe, well-rounded, ethical spearfishing representatives who put sustainability and community first.

Requirements:

Between 12-20 years old

Hawaii Island resident for a minimum of 2 years

Strong interest in spearfishing and advancing opportunities in the freediving or spearfishing industry

Able to attend in-person practical training sessions Kona/Kohala and access ZOOM for industry talk story sessions with Justin Lee and friends.

Application Process (Open until 01/15/23)

Cover page with your full name, address, phone number, age, school name, years freediving/spearfishing, and social media account

Share your story! Tell us about your passion for spearfishing, how this program will help you get closer to your goals, and share your favorite hunting story (land or sea). Maximum 1,000 words.

Optional: share your favorite hunting story on Instagram video and tag @bigisleboy24 and @freedivesafehawaii. (You may add diving videos, but they must not portray any safety violations such as spearfishing alone or illegal or undersize fish. Not sure, feel free to ask.)

* Submit applications to info@freedivesafe.org by Jan 15th 2023 *

In-Person Training Duration:

3 days of freediving depth training for certification

2 days of ocean rescue training

Optional zoom meetings throughout the year

Award Process

USA National Spearfishing Champion, Justin Lee @bigisleboy24 will review the applications and announce our 2023 cohort on 01/31/2023.

In 2022, FreediveSafe! Hawai'i trained Hawaii resi

In 2022, FreediveSafe! Hawai'i trained Hawaii residents on all five main islands, Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai. In addition to our large free community events, we hosted the first-ever freediving course at a Hawaii Public School and look forward to expanding our program availability in 2023!

Mahalo to our supporters and the many volunteers who shared their time and expertise to further our mission in 2022!!!

🎥 by Reel Word Filmmakers featuring Kimi Werner, Mike Lima & the Lima ‘ohana.

@reelworldfilmmakers
@xmikelimax @kimi_swimmy @maka_laka_shaka_braddah
@lukeassenmacher

#reelworldfilmmakers
#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #teamsport #communityfirst

USA National Spearfishing Champion, Justin Lee tal

USA National Spearfishing Champion, Justin Lee talking about sustainability, spearfishing ethics & his passion for the sport of spearfishing at West Hawaii Explorations Academy. #classroom #jleestories

#learningthroughstories #sustainable #spearfishing #bigisland #hawaiispearfishing

We are so proud of our WHEA high school students f

We are so proud of our WHEA high school students for their dedication and commitment to learning new skills during the FII Junior Freediver course with FreediveSafe! Hawai'i.

Many of these high school students decided to step outside their personal comfort zone, and into the safe ocean learning space created by our freediving instructor team, led by Junior Freediving Instructor, Dylan Currier . It was fun to watch the students bring high energy to the water’s edge, only to be washed with a wave of calm as they stepped into the ocean and showed up for their learning experience, embracing important safety and rescue training that may save their life or the life of their buddy one day. Observing their increased self-confidence from excelling in our programs is exciting. We are helping students realize their personal strengths and inspiring them to embrace ocean conservation values and could lead them toward marine related career opportunities in the future.

We are extremely proud of these young students for putting safety first, supporting each other, and demonstrating care and respect for the ocean environment! We look forward to continuing to support their journey into the beautiful and rewarding world of freediving and spearfishing! Make sure to swipe to see some pretty amazing pictures.

📷 kindly provided by Bo Pardau.
👉Check out our website for more: freedivesafe.org
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#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #teamsport #communityfirst

Super stoked to see FreediveSafe! Hawai'i Spokespe

Super stoked to see FreediveSafe! Hawai'i Spokesperson & Youth Mentor JUSTIN LEE @bigisleboy24 in Hawaiian Airlines magazine @hanahoumag with friends @kimi_swimmy @healeywaterops and @perrinjames1 💯

"Whether hunting or fishing Justin attributes his success to "understanding animal nature," he says. To get close with short-range weapons like bows and even closer with speargun, you have to think like your quarry. "You can't make aggressive movements towards ulua," or giant trevally, a prized game fish. Instead of stalking, Justin wedges himself into the reef, watching other fish like a predator while almost blindly aiming his speargun to where the ulua will be. He can wait a long time; both his breath hold and patience are preternatural. So is his endurance: Most spearfishing competitions last six hours, involving dives deeper than you can safely go on recreational scuba, all while battling powerful, wounded fish. But for Justin, that's a typical Saturday dive on the Hamakua Coast."

Hana Hou magazines are free and located in the seat back pocket of all flights on Hawaiian Airlines!

#honokaa #hamakua #hawaiianairlines #hanahou #hawaiispearfishing #hawaiifishing #jleestories #freedivesafehawaii #hawaii #hig #spearfishinginternational #freediving #kimiwerner #divetosurvive

Part 2 – if you didn’t read Part 1, make sure

Part 2 – if you didn’t read Part 1, make sure to check that out so you can continue on with us from this amazing event!

The Lima ohana embraced the organization’s efforts and were proud to see their son's life influencing the direction of ocean safety in Hawaii. Noeau's idol, Kimi Werner, led Michael Lima into the classroom clutching Noeau's ashes and spoke to more than 30 local divers, inspiring them to embrace the safety training and put their community first. Kimi shared a moving story tearing up as she reflected on a recent "close call" event reminding us that freediver blackouts can happen to the best of the best and to never become complacent in the ocean.

It was a deeply moving event that established lifelong bonds among a family reeling from loss and the organization that emerged from it. They reminded us that life is precious, and we must transform our pain to create a better future for our beloved ocean community. Aloha Waianae, the very special Lima 'Ohana, and Kimi Werner for bringing so much inspiration into our work. There was not a dry eye in the room that day and we'll be forever moved by your presence in our organization’s work. Ku Like - Stand Together.

Head over to our website to learn more about freediving & spearfishing safety ➡️ freedivesafe.org & make sure to follow us @freedivesafehawaii to keep up with our statewide events!

📸 Alyssa Rodrigues @_allysssa

Thank you to Waianae Library & @nakamakai
for hosting us.

@kimi_swimmy @xmikelimax @deepfreediving @nikistepanek @hi_tydiver @thesaltyskipper @kristinkuba

#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #communityfirst #teamsport #spearfishingsafety #freedivingsafety

Two years and seven months ago, the State of Hawai

Two years and seven months ago, the State of Hawaii was shaken by the news of a 15-year-old missing diver in Waianae. The young spearfisherman, Noeau Lima, was spearfishing off Kaena Point when he disappeared around 9:00am on May 12th, 2020. That evening the news channels were flooded by the emotional pleas of a desperate father calling upon the dive community to come and help him find his son.

The story had a far-reaching effect on the spearfishing community. Many of us in the professional community felt a level of responsibility, as we watched another young diver lose their life because they did not have access to modern freediving safety training. On May 13th, his young body was recovered from the bottom of the ocean between Kaena Point and Yokahama Bay, and we watched on as a father and mother screamed in pain for the loss of their child. The community called for action, someone had to do something to prevent further losses, and Niki Stepanek responded to that call and immediately began work on creating FreediveSafe! Hawaii, a 501c3 organization to share freediving and spearfishing safety training with the Hawaii Ocean Community at no cost.

Fast forward to October 22, 2022, and Niki finally met the Lima Ohana at an event hosted to remember Noeau and serve as full circle in the creation of a hugely successful movement to improve spearfishing safety training and blackout awareness in Hawaii.

But wait, there’s more we want to share with you from this event! Make sure to stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon. In the meantime, swipe to see some pictures from this amazing event.

📸 Alyssa Rodrigues @_allysssa

Mahalo to the Waianae Library and Na Kama Kai @nakamakai for hosting us.

@kimi_swimmy @xmikelimax @deepfreediving @nikistepanek @hi_tydiver @thesaltyskipper @kristinkuba

www.freedivesafe.org

#freedivinghawaii #freediving #spearfishing #spearfishinghawaii #fishinghawaii #holoholo #spearo #freediverblackout #freedivesafehawaii #ocean #fishing #fish #worldwide #hunting #deep #diving #underwater #saltlife #fishinglife #underwaterphotography #snorkeling #dive #communityfirst #teamsport #spearfishingsafety

Calm before the storm as we have about 30 people c

Calm before the storm as we have about 30 people coming down to do the confined water session of the training.

Beautiful day here at Pokai Bay.

It's been an emotional morning hearing Mike Lima a

It's been an emotional morning hearing Mike Lima and the Lima 'ohana talk about the passing of their son No'eau Lima on May 12, 2020. And the importance of education. Then hearing Kimi recount a very recent story of her dive buddy who had a shallow water blackout (he's ok) and the lessons learned.

"It happens to the best of the best"

If you are not a trained freediver, we highly encourage to look into an upcoming event. Our training is free to Hawai'i residents.

Learn more at www.freedivesafe.org

Instagram post 17894390444638503

Instagram post 17894390444638503

Dylan Currier @thesaltyskipper spreading the word

Dylan Currier @thesaltyskipper spreading the word the importance of the safety diver when practicing freediving and spearfishing activities.

Mahalo to our instructor team @deepfreediving @thesaltyskipper @hi_tydiver @kristinkuba

www.freedivesafe.org

#freediving #freedivesafehawaii #spearfishingsafety #communityfirst

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