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KE OLA MAGAZINE ARTICLE – FREEDIVESAFE! HAWAI’I: LIFESAVING TRAINING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF SPEARFISHERS

October 8, 2022/in Events /by Joseph Bayogo

Article by Sara Stover for Ke Ola Magazine – Hawai’i Island’s Community Magazine (September – October 2022 Edition)

_____

On a breezy Saturday morning at the beginning

of the summer, 25 of Hawai‘i Island’s youth willingly gather in a classroom at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA). Dylan Currier and Sandy Hammel of Freediving Instructors International are demonstrating how to address loss of motor control when freediving.

As Sandy puts her hand under Dylan’s arm and leaves her other hand free, forming a T, she jokes, “Please tell me you wore deodorant today!” which sets off bursts of laughter across the room. Ranging in age from 12 to 25 years old, the young free divers are smiling, learning, and eager to get in the water and apply what the instructors are teaching them about safety, and ultimately, prevention of freediving and spearfishing-related deaths. For many of these divers, the highlight of the spearfishing safety training event is meeting their hero, Justin Lee, the 2022 USA Spearfishing National Champion. Born and raised on Hawai‘i Island, Justin grew up in Honoka‘a and graduated from HPA.

“Justin is a local boy who has traveled the globe and become the spearfishing world record holder. His success story is an inspiration to Hawai‘i’s young divers,” says Niki Stepanek, founder of FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i, of how Justin volunteers as an instructor, ensuring that these divers come to the training events.

“We live on an island, surrounded by a deep, beautiful ocean filled with yummy creatures that we like to bring home to our ‘ohana. But it can also be dangerous. How many times have we read ‘Spearfisherman Goes Missing’ or ‘Search Continues for Missing Diver’ in the headlines? Too many!” says Justin, who goes on to explain that such tragedies can be prevented by freediving and spearfishing with a partner who has safety training.

As many local families rely on the ocean for subsistence, parents and community members alike find it reassuring to know that FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i is working hard to improve the safety of spearfishing and freediving communities through training across the islands of Hawai‘i.

“My daughter, Kirah, and I had just started freediving when I heard about a diver who went missing,” says Angie, whose 13-year-old is learning about the buddy mentality and ‘one up, one down’ through FreediveSafe! “When I heard about this program, I signed her up right away!”

Combating the Headlines and Reversing the Statistics

“From May to July 2020, we lost five members of the freediving and spearfishing community in Hawai‘i. Two of the divers were freediving on the Big Island,” says FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i’s Niki, a Hawai‘i resident originally from New Zealand, where she remains the National Freediving Record holder. “The blow to our community was insufferable and something had to be done!”

Spearfishing National Champion and FreediveSafe! volunteer Justin Lee is passionate about ensuring every diver comes home safe.

Determined to put a halt to these tragedies, Niki teamed up with freediving and spearfishing professionals, subsistence spearfishermen, and national champion Justin to found FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i in August 2020, and create sustainable, long-term change. By dramatically increasing the availability of lifesaving training, the Kona-based nonprofit is committed to combating the “missing diver” headlines and reversing the current, alarming statistics: according to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Health, 50% of all fatal ocean incidents involving Hawai‘i residents are spearfishing and freedivingrelated.

As the sport’s popularity continues to grow, so does the need to make safety training more accessible and sport-specific. FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i’s sole goal is to ensure that critical, modern training is available to everyone who needs it.

“Safety training is not about being a strong swimmer. It is very specific to low oxygen events,” Niki points out. “Training divers in protocols proven to mitigate this sport’s risks can be the difference between life and death.”

Prior to 2020, freediving and spearfishing training was only available to those who could afford to spend $300 or more on a class. Currently operating under a local grant, FreediveSafe! Hawai’i is removing any obstacles preventing young free divers from accessing this training by offering free programs across the state.

Justin shares, “Our hope is that these kids who participate in the program will tell their buddy, ‘My life is in your hands if we’re diving together. Before we go, you’ve got to take a class, man!’ and in turn, that kid will tell his other buddies the same thing. Then the next generation of spearfishermen will know the precautions to take, and how to identify and address any sign of danger.”

“No fish is worth your life!” The FreediveSafe! program teaches young free divers that having a trained partner is vital to diving safely.

Taking Precautions and Recognizing Symptoms

For Justin Lee, water is life. When he was around 10 years old, he followed his father into the ocean. While he has been spearfishing for the past 28 years, it wasn’t until 2014 that Justin began spearfishing competitively. Just eight short years later, he has won the USA National Spearfishing Championship on Lake Powell with an astounding count of 82 invasive fish.

As one of the top spearfishermen in the world, Justin has formed a special connection with the ocean and shares his experiences beneath the waves on social media, inspiring a massive following. He’s also acutely aware of the risks associated with spearfishing.

“FreediveSafe! is a safety initiative that’s been a long time coming. Spearfishing is a way of life for us in Hawai‘i. I want parents to feel confident knowing their kids are doing it safely,” says the father of two, who is just as passionate about ensuring every diver comes home safe as he is about catching his favorite fish, the mū (bigeye emperor).

“There was this one mū with a scar on his cheek. It took me three months to spear that fish!” Justin exclaims as the young divers crowd around him, soaking up every fishing tale and tip he offers during a FreediveSafe! class break. “You need to be part of the rhythm of the ocean and learn to read the fish. And stay calm. It gets you fish and keeps you safe!”

“Bubbles mean trouble.” At FreediveSafe! training, students learn to protect their diving buddy’s airway if they see bubbles.

The students follow Justin back inside, where instructor Dylan teaches them about more precautions and symptoms to be aware of when diving. They learn how to protect their eyes and ears, and that they should never dive when they have a cold. Since freediving is taxing on the nervous system, they review how to rest and hydrate before and after a dive.

Through the program, the young free divers learn what to do when someone experiences a blackout, which commonly happens due to hypoxia (low oxygen). Since the first signs of hypoxia are poor judgment, emotional instability, and disorientation, divers can’t ever be 100% sure that they are within their limits while freediving or spearfishing. This makes having a properly trained partner vital to diving safely and responsibly.

“Bubbles mean trouble. If you see bubbles, protect the airway by putting your buddy in the blackout recovery position,” Dylan asserts as the classroom portion of the program wraps up. “Even if you forget everything you hear today, remember that your number one job is to protect the airway!”

Focusing on the Fish, Staying Safe, and Having Fun

As they head across campus to the pool and suit up, Justin reminds the students how wearing their wetsuit will keep them warm and make them buoyant. Once in the pool, Dylan shows the young divers that they don’t need as much weight as they might assume, while Justin swims around demonstrating how to clear a snorkel.

The pool session is the perfect opportunity to practice what they’ve learned in the classroom, including equalizing the air pressure, so everyone can focus on the fish, stay safe, and have fun.

“The training provided is proven to save lives, allowing everyone to enjoy the freediving and spearfishing lifestyle,” Niki affirms. For young divers like Ka‘ohinani and Dominic The pool session is the perfect opportunity for students to practice what they learned in class, including equalizing air pressure. Christensen, that means sharing the experience with family and friends. “Dominic got me into this!” says Ka‘ohinani, nodding toward her brother, Dominic. “Now the ocean is my second home. I even caught a tako [octopus]!”

“The best part about diving is being out there with my friends,” Dominic adds. “It’s really good to know the things that could save my friends in the water!”

By the end of the day, the class has amassed a wealth of knowledge and they understand the importance of spearfishing with a partner who has their back. “Take the time to discuss your diving plans with your buddy before each dive. Don’t let anyone make you feel rushed,” Justin reminds them. “Don’t dive with a person who disappears. And bring them to this class!”

The most important lesson the national champion hopes to instill in young divers is to get home safe. “No fish is worth your life!” Justin insists. “Take the preventative measures so we can all get home for dinner tonight, enjoy the fish that we caught together, share it with our ‘ohana, and support our community through fishing.”

From kids who have been freediving since they were old enough to walk to those who just picked up a three-prong last week, the students who participate in FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i are certain to leave with the confidence to stay calm in the water, knowing that they are part of a new generation of spearfishers who can prevent freediving deaths, and make the ocean safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

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  • The 2023 Justin Lee Diver Scholarship ProgramDecember 11, 2022 - 1:26 am
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🔶 501(c)(3) providing FREE community freediving/spearfishing safety programs in Hawai'i.
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FreediveSafe! Hawaii
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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SPEARING MAGAZINE ARTICLE – FREEDIVESAFE! HAWAI’I: INTO THE DEPTHS... The 2023 Justin Lee Diver Scholarship Program
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