Meet Your Freediving Instructor

Julia Donath

Freediving is more than a sport; it's a journey of self-discovery and a deep connection with the ocean. Julia's freediving journey began in the cold water of California's rugged central coast, &  bloomed during her college education in Environmental Studies at U.C. Santa Barbara, the University of Queensland Australia, and Solomon Islands National University. Pursuing freediving alongside an environmental science education showed her its powerful ability to connect people to the ocean & themselves & instill positive change ~ a discovery that later deepened, as freediving helped her heal from PTSD. Through surfing, diving, & her work as an ocean lifeguard & junior lifeguards instructor, Julia's love for the ocean has shaped her curiosity about the world, & her life's passion is sharing this gift with others.

A freedriver going down in the water holding a rope.

Mission & Vision

At Jules of the Sea, our mission is to provide high-quality freediving education that empowers individuals to explore the ocean safely and responsibly. We are committed to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where divers of all levels can develop their skills, deepen their connection to the sea, and discover the transformative power of freediving.


We believe that freediving is more than just a sport; it's a gateway to connecting with nature, achieving personal growth, and fostering a profound respect for the marine environment. Our courses are designed with a focus on safety, education, and community.


We aspire to be a leading force for ocean safety & preservation, recognized for our dedication to safety, education, and fostering a deeper connection to marine environments. e


By empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to dive safely and responsibly, we aim to inspire a global community of ocean enthusiasts who share our passion for exploring and protecting the marine environment. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a healthier, more connected world where people and the ocean coexist harmoniously.

julia's Qualifications and Experience

  • Certified Freediving Instructor with Freediving Instructors International (FII)
  • Former Ocean Lifeguard & Junior Lifeguards Instructor
  • U.C. Santa Barbara Environmental Studies Alumni
  • Founder of Hawaii's first public high school freediving program alongside 501(c)(3) non-profit organization FreediveSafe! Hawai'i


With years of experience & dedication, Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every course.

Join me in exploring the magnificent ocean of Kona. Together, we'll discover the freedom, peace, and connection that only freediving can offer.

Are you ready to start your freediving journey?

Julia’s Journey & Deep Connection to the Ocean

My love affair with the ocean began on the shores of central California, where I spent my youth surfing, swimming, and ocean lifeguarding. This connection deepened during my time at U.C. Santa Barbara, where I studied Environmental Studies and became deeply passionate about the intersections of ocean conservation, environmental justice, and community health. 


The transition from surfer to freediver was a natural progression in my journey. My work in ocean lifeguarding introduced me to my first experiences freediving, and opened up a new world beneath the waves; one that was unpredictable but limitless, and expansive in its tranquility and beauty. As I studied and traveled, freediving connected me to communities across the world, from the Solomon Islands to Australia and Hawai‘i. Exploring the ocean in its purest form connected me to myself, nature, and others in profound and life-changing ways. 


While freediving and spearfishing are deeply ingrained traditions with foundational benefits for our bodies and minds, tragically, preventable freediving-related drownings account for a significant number of water-related deaths each year in Hawai‘i. My background as an ocean lifeguard and Junior Lifeguards Instructor instilled a deep passion for water safety in me, witnessing firsthand the life changing impacts that ocean safety education has on our lives. During my time as a public school teacher for the Hawai‘i Department of Education, I started Hawaii’s first public high school freediving safety program, empowering local youth with lifesaving education and empowering young people to experience the transformative power of freediving. 


In my own journey, the ocean has been a place of tremendous empowerment, personal growth, and healing, and it’s a gift to be able to share this with others. In freediving, I discovered a unique sense of healing that helped me overcome traumatic experiences, and the content taught in my courses has literally saved my own life, following a serious surfing accident. I feel deeply privileged to share my passion for the ocean to inspire and empower others. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an informally trained diver looking to deepen your skills, safety, and connection with the ocean, I’m here to guide you on your freediving journey. My focus is on helping you explore the ocean safely and confidently, while fostering respectful, responsible diving practices. 

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