Our Story
Zephyr Freediving was born with the goal of connecting others with the underwater world through Freediving and Mermaiding. In a world with ever-growing distractions and stressors, freediving and mermaiding can be an amazing and rewarding way to rebalance, recenter and restore.
New freedivers are often amazed at the sense of calm and peace they experience underwater. Freediving also offers an inspiring sense of accomplishment as you realize you're capable of much more than you thought possible. For certified freedivers looking to expand their training, we offer sessions designed to increase your breathhold time, improve technique, and find fun, creative ways to enhance training thresholds.
Mermaiding connects you with the magic of the ocean in a whole new way. It embodies a sense of playfulness and personality as you interact with the underwater world. Our mermaiding courses and activities embrace the playful theatricality of mermaiding while enjoying the simplicity of being beneath the water's surface.
We are an inclusive community and all are welcome!
Founder & Instructor
Jillian Blakkan-Strauss
Jillian is passionate instructor of Freediving, Mermaiding, and Scuba Diving. Her heart is in the water and sharing it with others. She is a PADI Freediver Instructor, PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer, PADI Course Director, and DAN DFA Pro Instructor Trainer.
Jillian is a lover of the arts and is a Meisner trained actor with an MFA in Acting as well as Asian Performance from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is also an avid distance runner and RRCA Running Coach, and enjoys running marathons during the cooler months.
When Jillian isn't in the water, you'll find her exploring Florida's hiking trails, paddle boarding, playing with her Cavachon Ollie, and continuing her quest for the best nachos.
Choose Your Next Adventure
PADI Freediver Courses
Take your first breaths into Freediving or continue your Training. We offer group and private PADI Freediver classes, with a focus on students looking to begin their freediving journey or hone their techniques after their first course.
Group classes are kept small to ensure individual attention.
