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. 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.
As she works towards her Masters degree in Social Work at U.H. Manoa, Julia is passionate about the intersections of freediving, mental & community health, & environmental justice. She dreams of sharing her love for the sea to inspire connection & healing in others, our communities, & for the pursuit of a just, sustainable world.
Mission & Vision
At Jules of the Sea, our mission is to provide high-quality freediving education that empowers individuals to connect with the ocean safely, respectfully, and reciprocally. Julia is committed to creating a supportive environment where divers of all levels can develop their skills, deepen their connection to the sea, and discover the transformative power of a relationship with the ocean.
Freediving is more than an activity; it's a way of reconnecting to ourselves, our community, and the natural systems that support us all. The ocean is for everyone. Julia's classes focus on safety, empowerment, and community.
Jules of the Sea aspires to be a leading force for ocean safety & preservation, recognized for our passion for sharing ocean safety & uplifting access to blue spaces.
By empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to freedive safely and responsibly, we aim to uplift access to the ocean as a place of wellness & connection. The health of the ocean is the health of ourselves - we hope that by experiencing the innate relationship we all share to our planet's waters, we redefine our connection to each other & the natural world. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a healthier, more connected world.
julia's Qualifications and Experience
- Certified Freediving Instructor with Freediving Instructors International (FII)
- Former Ocean Lifeguard & Junior Lifeguards Instructor
- Licensed Grades 6-12 Teacher, Hawai'i DOE
- 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
- U.H. Manoa Masters of Social Work graduate student
With years of experience & dedication, Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every course.
Freediving Courses for Every Level of Freediver, ages 12 and older.
Are you ready to start your freediving journey?
Julia’s Journey & Deep Connection to the Ocean
The ocean teaches me how to love; that we live in relation to each other & all things.
My deep love & reverence for the ocean began on the shores of central California, where I was raised with the privilege of surfing, swimming, and ocean lifeguarding. The ocean inspired my growth, dreams, and ambitions - I became curious about the intersections of our world's ecological problems and access to healthy, restorative spaces. During my time in U.C. Santa Barbara's Environmental Studies program, my passion for environmental justice, community health, and the healing power of the ocean deepened.
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. Most of these drownings are residents, primarily youth. 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.