ABOUT US

FreediveMaui-team are passionate ocean lovers. We have a broad knowledge of the ocean waters world wide and many years of experience being in the ocean. Francis has been a lifeguard in Europe and enjoyed windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and other ocean activities since childhood. Naia has a professional personal trainer and wellness coach background. From looping and dancing in the waves as a windsurfer, she now focuses to explore the ocean through freediving and kayaking. Both Francis and Naia are engaged in marine life and environmental protection projects around the world. Maui is their home base and sharing the love and passion for the ocean with everyone is their dedication and joy. You will be one of our ohana (family) by joining us in a course or private sessions. We are looking forward to welcome you as a steward that also shares the appreciation for waters and our planet no matter where you live on this earth. 

Freediving is the piece of my puzzle that was missing. It gives me the opportunity to bring all the elements, all my learnings and experiences of my life together. Freediving became my lifestyle and I am here for you to share my knowledge and experience to support you in your discovery and journey.

Date of birth and about:

  • 7. August 1974
  • Location: Living on Maui/Hawaii since 1995, traveling internationally
  • Married to Francis Koole

Languages:

  • CH-G (Swiss-German), native language
  • G (German), fluent written and oral
  • E (English), fluent written and oral
  • F (French), conversational skills

Education/Diploma:

  • High school Diploma Collège Sankt Michael
  • Study of psychology, University Bern Switzerland
  • Massage therapy Esalen, California USA
  • Licensed massage therapist
  • Sports massage injury and prevention, Magglingen ESSM Switzerland
  • Dul-x Health trainer, Kerenzerberg Switzerland
  • Windsurfing instructor II ESSM ,  Magglingen Switzerland
  • Polysport instructor II ESSM, Magglingen Switzerland
  • Fitness instructor FISAF, international diploma
  • ACSM + SAFS Health/fitness instructor international
  • BBSH professional study and bachelor of BBSH science
  • Bachelor AA-Liberal Arts, University of Hawaii Maui College
  • NAHAC Healer Medicine woman
  • Animal communicator
  • Artist and photographer
  • AIDA Freedive, 2,3,4 and Instructor

Work Experience:

  • Fitness instructor
  • Working with Bob Greene (Oprah Winfrey’s personal trainer)
  • Principal Massage therapist
  • Personal and Wellness Coach
  • Fitness and sports modeling
  • Horse back riding guide and instructor
  • Manager Mauitouch Ranch on Maui
  • Working in the windsurfing industry including teaching, counseling, selling, repair of gear, and office work.
  • Self employed artist/photographer with exhibitions
  • Employee, Moana Concepts GmbH, Switzerland

Events:

  • Competing World Championship Windsurfing Australia and other races
  • La Bise Noire Surf classic, Murten Switzerland 
  • Sports massage for Swiss Cycling Team, Athletic team Golden league, Beach volley, Slow up, Gigathlon, Aloha Classic, X-Terra and other events.
  • Maui County fair exhibition and livestock presentation 
  • Photo-exhibitions and presentations in Switzerland, Italy and Germany

Volunteering:

  • Horse programs for disabled people
  • Ranch and farm work 
  • Horse carriage driver for Mayor and Senator on Maui, USA.
  • Wolf Sanctuary, Colorado, USA 
  • Turtle Team, Maui, USA
  • Cleanups, Maui, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Mexico, Caribbean, Egypt and wherever I go, Worldwide
  • Cascadia Research contributing photographer, Maui USA
  • HappyWhale advanced submitter – Humpback Whale identification program
  • Community research, kayak based observation and reports of marine life, Maui USA
  • Balyena.org marine research and protection, Philippines
  • Cultural Reserve Olowalu gardening, Maui USA
  • Greeter, whale watch foundation, Maui USA

I have been connected to the ocean since early childhood. First sailing, later windsurfing, then kayaking, snorkeling and now live the passion of freediving. I would like to share my discovery and knowledge of all the aspects of freediving and together with you explore how it can enrich your life.

Date of birth and about:

  • 19. June 1974
  • Location: Living on Maui/Hawaii since 2009, traveling internationally
  • Married to Naia Koole

Languages:

  • Dutch, native language
  • English, German, fluent
  • French, conversational skills
  • Spanish, Good notions 

Education/Diploma:

  • University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium 1995, Master degree in Chemistry with great distinction.
  • University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium 1993, Bachelor degree in Chemistry with great distinction.
  • Bisschoppelijk College, Veurne, Belgium 1991, Higher Education Latin-Mathematics

Experience:

  • Life-guard at the Belgian Coast. (Summer season 1990-1992) 
  • Volunteer work: Managing the Erasmus Student Exchange program for Chemistry students at the University of Ghent. (October 1993 – June 1994)
  • Clerical Technical Employee, Gallery Oscar De Vos, Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium (1995-2009)
  • Volunteer work: Wolf Sanctuary, Colorado, USA (2011)
  • Hanapa’a Commercial Marine LLC, manager and owner of Kalia 50 ft vessel, Maui USA (2009-2012)
  • Manager Mauitouch Ranch LLC – Friesian horse Ranch, Maui USA (2012-2019)
  • Volunteer work: Turtle Rescue Program, HAMER-Hawaii (2020-2021)
  • Volunteer work (2022-2024) for HappyWhale – Polar Collective advanced submitter USA/UK, Cascadia Research USA, Balyena Philippines (2022-2024), Cultural Reserve Olowalu, Maui USA
  • Photo-exhibitions in Switzerland, Italy and Germany (2019-2022)
  • Employee, Moana Concepts GmbH, Switzerland (2022-2024)

Certifications:

  • Freedive AIDA 2, AIDA 3, AIDA 4 and AIDA Freedive instructor