Breath as Medicine
Freediving teaches us to listen to our bodies, calm our minds, and use breath as a tool for healing, balance, and presence.
The Orenda concept
Discovering depths beyond the ocean.
What began as a passion for freediving has grown into a deeper mission: creating experiences that help people reconnect with themselves, the sea, and each other. At Orenda Freediving, we believe time in the ocean has the power to transform us. Whether you join us to learn freediving, explore the underwater world while snorkelling, or spend a day sailing across turquoise water, every journey with Orenda is about slowing down, breathing deeply, and rediscovering a sense of presence.
At Orenda Freediving, we believe time in the ocean has the power to transform us. What began as a passion for freediving has grown into a deeper mission: creating experiences that help people reconnect with themselves, the sea, and each other.
Orenda is a concept from the Iroquois peoples that refers to the energy within all living things, the idea that intention, focus, and inner strength can shape the world around us. Freediving is not only about depth. It is about presence, calm, and trust. It invites you to slow your breath, listen to your body, and move with the ocean rather than against it.
Why freedive with Orenda?
Comfort in Discomfort
By relaxing into the unknown we build resilience, patience, and calm under pressure, skills that carry into everyday life.
Personal Growth
Progress is not about comparison. It is about tuning into your unique journey and finding strength, stillness, and joy beneath the surface.
A Shared Journey
From first-time snorkellers to experienced freedivers, our community runs on encouragement and curiosity.
Water is Healing
The ocean grounds us, resets us, and invites emotional release. In its depths we find clarity, connection, and peace.
Ocean Adventures
Our sailing trips bring people together to explore hidden bays and vibrant reefs. No diving experience needed, just a love of the ocean.
Orenda Free is about exploring your inner world as much as the ocean. Through breath, stillness, and mindful movement, we unlock the power of presence and rediscover who we really are.
Meet the team
Coach Nikki
Founder, Instructor Trainer
Former national record holder, coaching freediving worldwide since 2013. Molchanovs and Apnea Total Instructor Trainer with more than 2,500 nautical miles of ocean experience and a calm, deeply personal approach.
Coach Thomas
Breathwork and fundamentals
Apnea Total & Shore-Based Training Based in Koh Tao, Thomas specialises in Apnea Total training, freediving fundamentals and safety. Methodical, friendly and supportive, he leads our shore-based freediving sessions at Tanote Bay through our diving partners at Calypso Diving, helping students build strong, confident foundations in the water.
Coach Lukas
Deep diving and athlete development
Based in Koh Phangan, Lukas brings a grounded, technical approach to deep diving and athlete development. Known for his precision and patience, he helps divers progress safely and confidently, from developing solid foundations to training for depth. Lukas joins the Orenda team for selected freediving retreats and specialist training programmes.
Silvia
Yoga instructor
A certified Hatha Yoga teacher with over 15 years of experience in breath-led movement, body awareness and mindful practice. Silvia brings a complementary approach to freediving, helping participants develop greater awareness, relaxation and connection with the breath. Silvia joins the Orenda team for selected freediving retreats, where her sessions complement the training both in and out of the water.
Book your ocean experience
Small groups. Personal attention. Deep transformation. Boat-based freediving courses and coaching, delivered around Koh Tao.