Welcome to DiveWise!

To the enthusiast, freediving is the seductive allure of an underwater world where one can test the limits of physical endurance on a single breath of air and achieve seemingly impossible goals. For the spearfisher, it is a hunt like no other, as prey is stalked while denying the body the air it craves. For the snorkeler, content to enjoy the beauty of the sea, it is a relaxing escape from the mundane. And for all, it is a glimpse into the secrets of the deep and a sense of oneness with a beauty rarely known.

DiveWise, founded by Julie Richardson, was the first non-profit freedive initiative in the world. In April 2008, Julie nearly lost her two oldest sons to freediver blackout as one tried to rescue the other during a 90 ft freedive. Following the boys’ full recovery, Julie determined to create an outreach program to teach freedivers how to enjoy this sport safely, and to instill a healthy appreciation for the risks involved to the participants.

While the information available in this program is no substitute for hands-on professional training, the diver who habitually practices freedive safety guidelines can greatly reduce his/her risk of death by freediver blackout.

We invite you to explore this site; there is a wealth of information available here designed to enhance your freedive experience. Safe diving!