Empower. Innovate. Protect.
Empowering ocean enthusiasts to innovate, connect, and protect our marine world. Passion for Ocean brings together projects and people to build a sustainable future through knowledge, action, and opportunity.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER!
Our Projects
Passion for Ocean is a non-profit organization based in Norway. Since 2014, we have created festivals, workshops, and projects that bring people closer to the ocean by combining science, adventure, and culture. Our mission is to inspire, connect, and empower people to live with the sea as part of their everyday lives.
HoldFastX Campaign: Passion for Ocean and OCEANhab joined forces to bring the concept to life. Officially endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, HoldFastX brings together some of the world’s most daring ocean adventurers and pioneers: Li Karlsén (world-record freediver), Jill Heinerth (cave diver), Christa Funk (surf photographer), Ella Hibbert (solo-sailor), the MacLean Brothers (ocean rowers), and Seas the Day (currently rowing the Pacific). Through the powerful HFX masterclass, interviews, and live events, they share concrete tools for resilience, courage, and purpose. The campaign inspires young people not only to “hold fast” in moments of challenge, but also to transform big dreams into clear direction.
Each project is part of the same mission: To support people who care about the sea, and make it easier to stay on course.
FROM THE BLOG
Latest News
- Two more ambassadors have joined!
- Samuel Massie is our ambassador!
- Free Pattern: The Hold Fast Mittens . By Une Cecilie Oksvold
- HoldFastX Receives Endorsement from the UN Ocean Decade!
- Students win “Idea of the Year”!
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Two more ambassadors have joined!
READ MORE: Two more ambassadors have joined!We are excited to welcome Nina Jensen and Sven Yrvind as new ambassadors for HoldFastX. Nina Jensen is one of Norway’s strongest voices for the ocean. As CEO of REV Ocean and former head of WWF Norway, she…
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Samuel Massie is our ambassador!
READ MORE: Samuel Massie is our ambassador!We are proud to announce that adventurer, author, and speaker Samuel Massie has joined HoldFastX as an ambassador. Samuel is known for his unique ability to inspire young people to believe in themselves and their dreams. Whether through…
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Free Pattern: The Hold Fast Mittens . By Une Cecilie Oksvold
READ MORE: Free Pattern: The Hold Fast Mittens . By Une Cecilie OksvoldTo mark World Ocean Day, we’re sharing something special: a free pattern for the Hold Fast Mittens, designed by Une Cecilie Oksvold. Inspired by traditional fishermen’s mittens, this design carries forward a symbol of resilience. and the old…
FROM THE PORTFOLIO
Our Impact in Action
From ocean festivals and summer camps to unique events, Passion for Ocean brings together communities to celebrate, learn, and protect our seas. Dive into our past projects to see how we create experiences that connect people with the ocean.
OCEAN People: Following Dreams
Dive into inspiring stories of ocean enthusiasts who turned their passion into a way of life. This playlist highlights individuals who’ve followed their dreams to make a difference in marine worlds – whether through adventure, conservation, or innovation.
“På tur med deigen”
Passion for Ocean sent Joachim ‘Deigen’ Eltvik on an epic summer adventure, to uncover Norwegians “true ‘passion for the ocean”. The journey turned into an 8-episode web series – packed with wild stories, cool insights, and a fresh look at Norway’s ocean people.
STUP #FORHAVET
On March 22, 2019, as a show of support for the youth climate strike, leaders and adults took a plunge into the Oslofjord. This playlist captures the inspiring moments from that day, celebrating collective action for the ocean and the climate.
building real-life resilience
Passion for Ocean is seeking collaborators for HoldFastX. A unique cultural campaign launching Fall 2025.
With our logo on Ella Hibbert’s solo Arctic expedition, iconic seafarer mittens reimagined by Une Cecilie Oksvold, and a masterclass in grit led by record-breaking ocean profiles, HoldFastX blends tradition, pop culture, and mental strength.
We’re looking for partners who believe in courage, community, and action. Let’s make it happen, together.
MEET US
Our Team
Rebekka de Leon
Founder / Board Leader
Rebekka de Leon is the founder of Passion for Ocean. She has inspired countless Norwegians to connect with and care for the ocean. Under her leadership, Passion for Ocean has organized festivals across the country, summer camps for kids, and various projects that promote ocean conservation.
E-mail: rebekka@passionforocean.no
Lena Fagerwing
CEO OCEANhab / Chief Editor
Lena Fagerwing is a marine biologist with multiple degrees, including a master’s in fisheries management and a degree in tourism entrepreneurship. As the visionary leader of OCEANhab, she skillfully blends ocean conservation with innovative ‘edutainment’ projects. Lena’s passion for thinking outside the box fuels our mission
E-mail: lena@passionforocean.no
Catalyst Collective
Our Catalyst Collective is an informal group of newly graduated professionals who provide valuable insights and ideas. These recent graduates represent the next generation of thinkers, bringing their knowledge and unique perspectives to help us stay ahead of the curve. They contribute to refining our strategies, ensuring that our platform resonates with emerging trends and the latest industry developments.
Is this You?
VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER
Are you passionate about the ocean and eager to make a difference? Do you have a knack for writing, creating engaging content, managing social media, or producing podcasts? If you’re a talented individual with a love for marine conservation and storytelling, you might be the perfect fit for our team at Passion for Ocean! Join us as a virtual intern and help drive our platform initiative forward.
Contact us to get started: lena@passionforocean.no