Chris Hanhimaki

Chris embodies a rare blend of technical expertise, deep presence, and genuine reverence for the ocean. His journey with freediving is not just professional, it is profoundly personal. After years of disconnection, inner turmoil, and struggles with substance abuse, it was the ocean that became his teacher. Through breath, depth, and stillness, freediving offered him a path back to himself. In the water, Chris learned to slow down, to listen, and to meet discomfort with calm rather than escape. What began as a sport gradually became a form of meditation, one that helped him release old patterns, heal unresolved trauma, and cultivate a more centered, grounded way of living. That transformation now lives at the heart of everything he shares. As an instructor, Chris is known for his patience, warmth, and intuitive teaching style. He guides students beyond technique alone, helping them build trust with their breath, their bodies, and the ocean itself, always with safety, respect, and curiosity at the forefront. His approach creates space for growth not just as divers, but as humans. More than an instructor, Chris is a mentor and guide, inviting others into a deeper relationship with the water, one that fosters presence, resilience, and a lasting sense of connection long after the retreat ends.