About
Dive Aunties Makes Waves: Building an Inclusive Freediving Community Across Southern California
Dive Aunties, a women-led freediving collective and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is redefining what it means to belong in the ocean. Founded by Rosa Hon, the group has grown from a handful of local divers to a thriving community of over 130 members spanning Los Angeles to San Diego—uniting ocean lovers of all backgrounds through shared values of safety, inclusivity, and connection.
What began as a small circle of friends meeting for weekend dives quickly evolved into a movement. Today, Dive Aunties hosts community dives, educational workshops, and mentorship programs designed to lower barriers to entry for women, minorities, and new divers. Their message is simple but powerful: everyone deserves to feel safe and seen in the sea.
Freediving can be intimidating at first—but when you have aunties cheering you on, it transforms into empowerment,” said Rosa Hon. “We’re not just creating safe divers; we’re building confident, capable ocean stewards. Spreading knowledge on safety in freediving benefits not only freedivers, but all ocean curious individuals who are curious about snorkeling and other ocean activities.”
From Orange County’s kelp forests to the sandy coves of La Jolla, Dive Aunties is recognized for its vibrant events such as themed fun dives, treasure hunts, and safety-focused community sessions that blend education with joy. Through the Dive Aunties Foundation, the organization also provides scholarships, gear assistance through sponsored raffles, and freediving safety education to promote accessibility and environmental awareness.​
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Dive Aunties Key Facts
Community Impact: Over 130 active members and growing, with meetups hosted across LA, OC, and SD.
Education First: Offers free, donation-optional, and low-cost safety briefings and introductory session.
Nonprofit Mission: Operates as a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation dedicated to promoting safety, education, and inclusivity in the freediving community.
Ocean Stewardship: Partners with local businesses, instructors, guest speakers, and industry experts to foster responsible foraging, diving ethics, and marine conservation.
Empowerment Through Connection: Encourages intergenerational mentorship—pairing new divers with experienced freedivers affectionately known as “aunties.”
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Meet Our Team
Our Board of Directors and Administrators come from all walks of life, gathered by our love for the ocean & creating an inclusive and safe community for all.
Our Mission
Dive Aunties empowers a diverse freediving community through safety education, accessible learning, gear assistance through sponsorship, and inclusive connection in and out of the water.
Our Vision
To create a safe & inclusive freediving, foraging, spearfishing community for all. Provide community members Certified & Non-Certified Freediving Scholarships through the help from all of you. All are welcomed here!
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Dive Safe & With Love,
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Your Dive Aunties