About

Dive Aunties Makes Waves: Building an Inclusive Freediving Community Across Southern California

 

 Dive Aunties Foundation (DAF), 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, Phuong Pham, and Karla Kizuka, the group has grown from a handful of local divers to a thriving community of over 190members spanning Los Angeles to San Diego, uniting ocean lovers of all backgrounds through shared values of safety, inclusion, and community. DAF’s mission is to promote safety, inclusion, and community within the sport of freediving. The Foundation ismanaged by Community Administrators and Executive Board Members from diverse backgrounds, and morethan 80% of members are women of color. What began as a small circle of friends meeting for weekend divesquickly evolved into a movement. Today, DAF hosts community dives, educational workshops, a gear rentalprogram, and a freediving scholarship designed to lower barriers to entry for women, minorities, and new divers.There are over 100 activities planned for the year of 2026. Their message is simple but powerful: everyonedeserves to feel safe and seen in the ocean. 

“The sport of freediving can feel intimidating to beginners, but when you have aunties cheering you on, ittransforms into empowerment,” said Rosa Hon. “We are not just inspiring others to become certified freediversand promoting safety within freediving. We are creating a space for those that did not grow up near the oceanto feel welcomed into this incredibly healing & fun sport. Spreading knowledge on safety in freediving benefitsnot only other freedivers, but bridges the gap between snorkelers and freedivers.” 

From Los Angeles’ rocky reefs to the sandy coves of La Jolla, Dive Aunties is recognized for its vibrant events suchas themed club dives, catch & cooks, and safety-focused community sessions that blend education with joy. DAFmembers include snorkelers exploring kelp forests for the first time, curious foragers, seasoned blue waterspearfishers, and dive elders who have shared their wisdom with multiple generations. The organization also provides scholarships, gear assistance through raffles, gear rentals, and discounted freediving safety education through accredited instructors to promote accessibility. 

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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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