# holdfastx.org


## Posts

- [The Science of Originals](https://holdfastx.org/the-science-of-originals/): Born unique. Built through practice. The Science of Originals We are all born unique, DNA guarantees that. But being an Original in life is not just about having a one-of-a-kind genetic code. Science shows originality is something that is developed. Through copying, practice, failing, and finally breaking the pattern, people become Originals. The kind who row across oceans, dive under Arctic ice, or invent sounds and ideas no one has heard before. Through copying, practice, failing, and finally breaking the pattern, people become Originals. This is about biology, psychology, and behavior. Let’s break it down. Mirror First: Why We Copy
- [Julian Hebenstreit: Exploring the Depths Through Photography](https://holdfastx.org/julian-hebenstreit-exploring-the-depths-through-photography/): Underwater Photographer Julian Hebenstreit Julian has dedicated his life to documenting the ocean through his lens. His work brings us face-to-face with fragile ecosystems and fleeting encounters that most people will never witness firsthand. With patience, precision, and a deep respect for the sea, he reveals both its beauty and its vulnerability.  Underwater photography has a low skill floor but a very high skill ceiling. Almost anyone can take photos underwater, which is great for beginners, but don’t expect to produce award-winning photos on day one. It’s a steep learning curve, but don’t let that throw you off. In this interview,
- [Christa Funk: From Coast Guard to the World’s Leading Extreme Surf Photographer](https://holdfastx.org/christa-funk-from-coast-guard-to-the-worlds-leading-extreme-surf-photographer/): Mental Resilience: Christa Funk Christa Funk went from the Coast Guard to becoming one of the top names in surf photography. Her story is not just about her career, but also about grief, faith, and the mental challenges she has faced along the way.  In this interview, she speaks openly about difficult chapters in her life, the drive that almost pushed her too far, and the mindset that helped her move forward to document some of the most important moments in big-wave surfing. Foundations of Mental Strength When did you first realize that mental resilience was just as crucial –
- [Ella Hibbert: The Solo Sailor Attempting to Circumnavigate the Arctic](https://holdfastx.org/ella-hibbert-the-solo-sailor-attempting-to-circumnavigate-the-arctic/): Driven by Purpose: Ella Hibbert On 7 September 2025, Ella Hibbert became the first British woman to sail the Northwest Passage solo, and one of only 15 people in history to have ever completed the route alone. Although she did not complete her full goal of circumnavigating the Arctic Circle, the voyage stands as a remarkable achievement in her ongoing effort to raise awareness of climate change’s impact on the Arctic and to support Polar Bears International and Ocean Conservancy. At just 26, Hibbert spent months alone aboard her steel yacht Yeva, navigating storms, shifting pack ice, and long stretches
- [Seas the Day: Rowing 8,000 Miles Across the Pacific](https://holdfastx.org/seas-the-day-rowing-8000-miles-across-the-pacific/): Rowing across the Pacific Ocean Seas the Day Saturday 18 October 2025:After 165 days at sea, British adventurers Jess Rowe (28) and Miriam Payne (26) arrived in Cairns, completing their extraordinary non-stop, unsupported 8,000+ mile (15,200 km) Pacific Ocean crossing from Lima, Peru to Cairns, Australia. Throughout the journey, they rowed up to 15 hours a day, often following a relentless two hours on, two hours off routine, which they adapted as conditions changed. Along the way, they navigated shipping lanes, faced 30ft+ waves, battled blisters, salt sores, and sleep deprivation, and even encountered sharks and whales in the vast
- [Li Karlsén: World Record Freedive Under Greenland Ice](https://holdfastx.org/li-karlsen-world-record-freedive-under-greenland-ice/): Mental Resilience: Li Karlsén Li Karlsén knows what it means to keep calm when it counts. A world-record freediver under the Greenland pack ice and a former Air Force servicemember of nearly two decades, she’s tested the edge of fear, cold, and uncertainty and learned that the mind quits long before the body must. In this conversation, Li breaks down the foundations of mental strength she actually uses: breath as an anchor (including the physiological sigh), visualization that prepares rather than fantasizes, and simple resets you can do in sixty seconds. She’s tested the edge of fear, cold, and uncertainty
- [Dwight Hwang: The Gyotaku Master](https://holdfastx.org/dwight-hwang-the-gyotaku-master/): Gyotaku Master Dwight Hwang Dwight Hwang, a master of the ancient art of Gyotaku, has built a remarkable career by blending tradition with modern creativity. Born in Los Angeles, Dwight’s journey into Gyotaku – a Japanese art form that involves making prints from actual fish – is as unique as the works he creates. From initially studying to be an animator, Dwight found his true passion in this age-old practice that combines his love for nature, respect for marine life, and an incredible eye for detail. Perfection isn’t something that comes about with luck. It is produced by years of
- [Roger Munns: Lead Cinematographer for BBC’s Blue Planet II](https://holdfastx.org/roger-munns-lead-cinematographer-for-bbcs-blue-planet-ii/): Cinematographer Roger Munns Roger is a British underwater cameraman with Emmy™ and BAFTA awards to his name. Now based in Sabah, Malaysia, he’s a seasoned Director of Photography (DOP) specializing in underwater filming, with over 30 Natural History Ocean Sequences captured over the past 20 years. My standout memory was filming and freediving with a humpback whale calf in Tonga during the making of ‘Life’ for the BBC. Despite advancements in underwater filming technology, Roger still swears by five simple rules that keep his shots sharp and respectful to marine life, like “Zoom with your feet” and “Keep the sun
- [Meet Francesca Trotman: Founder of "Love the Oceans" in Mozambique](https://holdfastx.org/meet-francesca-trotman-founder-of-love-the-oceans-in-mozambique/): For those on community outreach, the day is spent teaching or working on projects like swimming lessons for children, which take place on Saturdays. Evenings bring the team together for dinner, sharing stories and reflecting on the day. For staff and management, there’s also a fair share of admin and meetings with community leaders, but the passion for conservation makes every moment worth it. What many people don’t realize is how much of our work is about building relationships and trust within the community – it’s just as vital as the research itself. The Big One If you had to
- [How HoldFastX Builds the 5 Skills Behind Long-Term Happiness](https://holdfastx.org/how-holdfastx-builds-the-5-skills-behind-long-term-happiness/): When it's about controlling hundreds of articles, product pages for web shops, or user profiles in social networks, all

## Pages

- [Knit for Wildlife - 1st residency](https://holdfastx.org/knit-for-wildlife-1st-residency/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:
- [Privacy Policy](https://holdfastx.org/privacy-policy-2/): PRIVACY POLICY 1. IntroductionThis Privacy Policy explains how HoldFastX (“we”, “us”) collects, uses, and protects personal data when you use holdfastx.org. We are committed to handling your information responsibly and in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 2. Data We CollectWe may collect: Account information: name, email address, password, and optional profile details. Contact information: if you email us or request downloads. Technical information: IP address, browser type, device data, cookies. Usage information: downloads accessed, pages visited, login activity. 3. How We Use Your DataWe process personal data to: Provide access to your account and downloads. Communicate important
- [Terms of Use](https://holdfastx.org/terms-of-use/): TERMS OF USE 1. AcceptanceBy accessing or using holdfastx.org (“the Website”), you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, do not use the Website. 2. Accounts Accounts must be created for yourself using accurate information. You are responsible for keeping your login secure. Accounts may not be used for spam, bots, viruses, or harmful activity. We may suspend or delete accounts that violate these Terms. 3. Content and Downloads Content and free downloadable materials are for personal, non-commercial use only, unless otherwise stated. All content is owned by HoldFastX or shared with permission. You may not
- [Shop](https://holdfastx.org/shop/)
- [Drømmejakten](https://holdfastx.org/drommejakten/): ØKT LIVSKVALITET DRØMMER Gjør livet større. Det å leve mer. Dette er et hjem for havdrømmere. De som planlegger ekspedisjoner, bygger ville prototyper eller skisserer den neste tare-startupen på en serviett. Vi heier på rå ideer og de første gnistene – og kraften i å leve litt mer. Drømmestøtte Dream Pool åpner i 2026. Her samles drømmer fra havfolk verden over – store og små visjoner som venter på sin sjanse. Når støtte kommer inn, enten som penger, utstyr eller mentorhjelp, trekkes prosjekter direkte fra poolen. Støtte kan komme i mange former: Finansiering, donert utstyr, mentorstøtte eller rett og slett
- [Collab](https://holdfastx.org/collab/): WORLDWIDE CONNECTIONS HFX COLLABS. built on collaboration TEAM UP! Every story, masterclass, and project grows stronger when it’s made together; with explorers, creators, NGOs, and brands who share the will to hold fast. Some collaborations bring knowledge. Others bring creativity, networks, or resources. All of them help us push boundaries and build something that lasts. Sponsorships Sponsorships are the backbone of what we do. They make it possible to create original masterclasses with record-holders, film expeditions in the field, and bring resilience stories to new audiences. For partners, sponsorship means association with world-class content, and part of something built to
- [MAINTENANCE](https://holdfastx.org/maintenance-2/): COMING SOON A lorem in hend rerit nam a et cursus eu conse ctetur adipiscing vesti bulum eu a mollis ut conubia eget parturient cursu interdum duiran. 0 days 00 hr 00 min 00 sc
- [Exhibitions](https://holdfastx.org/exhibitions/): View Large Suspendisse quam at vestibulum View Large Netus eu mollis hac dignis View Large Et vestibulum quis a suspendisse View Large Imperdiet mauris a nontin View Large Venenatis nam phasellus View Large Leo uteu ullamcorper View Large A lacus bibendum pulvinar View Large Rhoncus quisque sollicitudin 1 2
- [Dream Fund](https://holdfastx.org/dream-fund/): HIGHER LIFE QUALITY DREAMS MAKE US LIVE MORE Pitch Your Dream This is a home for ocean dreamers. The ones planning expeditions, building wild prototypes, or drafting the next seaweed startup on a napkin.  Here, your dream gets a stage. One minute is all it takes – pitch your idea in a 60-second video and upload it to join the Dream Pool.  Dream Pool The Dream Pool opens in 2026. It is a growing collection of Ocean Dreams waiting for their chance.   You register your dream once, and when funding comes in; through sponsors, partners, or campaigns – we pick
- [Knitters](https://holdfastx.org/knitters/): Did you know? A single penguin sweater can take as little as 4 hours to knit. But the project in Australia mobilized tens of thousands of knitters worldwide. The extras were sold to fund conservation. Fiber fact: Synthetic yarns can shed microplastics. For wildlife projects, 100% natural fibers are the gold standard. Knitting math: A simple cabled hat can contain over 20,000 individual loops. Each loop depends on the others – a perfect metaphor for ecosystems. CO-FLOURISH INITIATIVE KNIT FOR WILDLIFE Creative action for conservation and community VALUE CREATION Knit for Wildlife is an international initiative that  brings together knitters,
- [HFX Originals](https://holdfastx.org/hfx-originals/): WORLDWIDE MEETINGS HFX ORIGINALS Born unique. Made original. Be an Original Some people live in a way that pulls the rest of us forward. They row across oceans, dive into ice, or simply refuse to quit when everything says stop. We can borrow their vision, strength, and courage until we find our own. That’s not weakness. It’s how we grow.  Image © Christa Funk The Mirror Effect Why we copy first. Your brain comes with mirror neurons: When you see someone act, the same circuits light up in your head as if you were performing it. Babies copy smiles and
- [Masterclass](https://holdfastx.org/masterclass/): TOOLS WORTH SHARING HFX MASTERCLASS Learn from the best MENTAL FITNESS World record holders. Solo sailors. Freedivers. Cave divers. Ocean rowers. Explorers. Athletes. They’ve tested themselves in the toughest environments on the planet, and come back with hard-earned skills that work anywhere. Now they’re sharing them with you; the strategies, habits, and ways of thinking that improve more than performance. They improve life. The Big 5: Core Themes The Masterclass is built around five core skills that science links to improved life quality and high performance. Resilience; Staying steady under stress and resetting quickly after setbacks. Mastery: Learning through failure
- [My account](https://holdfastx.org/my-account/)
- [Checkout](https://holdfastx.org/checkout/)
- [Cart](https://holdfastx.org/cart/)
- [Maintenance + mittens](https://holdfastx.org/maintenance/): HOLD FAST X A new space for mental strength, pop culture & purpose. Download the free Hold Fast mitten pattern: NO or EN. Designed by Une Cecilie Oksvold. 0 days 00 hr 00 min 00 sc
- [Contact us](https://holdfastx.org/contact-us/): About HFX Hi there, this is HFX! HFX is about one thing: Living more. We bring together explorers, athletes, creators, and everyday originals who push boundaries in their own way. Through masterclasses, stories, and collaborations, we build tools and communities that make it easier to chase dreams, and hold fast when things get tough. Norway based – worldwide connection hello@holdfastx.org more info Frequently Asked Questions What is HFX? HFX is a platform for ocean people, dreamers, and doers. We create masterclasses, original stories, and projects that strengthen both mental resilience and ocean culture. HFX is also endorsed by the UN
- [About us](https://holdfastx.org/about-us-3/): SOME WORDS ABOUT US Well-coordinated teamwork speaks About Us We love what we do A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. Read more Our working process She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way. Read more SEEMINGLY ELEGANT DESIGN About our online store Risus suspendisse a orci penatibus a felis suscipit consectetur vestibulum sodales dui cum ultricies lacus interdum. One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin. He lay on
- [Home](https://holdfastx.org/): DREAM BIG Research shows that people who pursue personal dreams report greater life satisfaction and lower stress levels. HFX Mitten Pattern $0.00 Forget tattoos. This generation wears its grit in wool. Hold Fast is knit right into these mittens, designed by Une Cecilie Oksvold, known for her bright knits. A pair of mittens is now onboard with Ella Hibbert as she attempts a world record, sailing solo around the Arctic. It is a story worth wearing. Add to cart HOLD FAST! “Hold Fast” was once inked on sailors’ knuckles before heading into rough seas. Today, it’s our reminder that resilience
- [Wishlist](https://holdfastx.org/wishlist/)
- [Portfolio](https://holdfastx.org/portfolio/)
- [Compare](https://holdfastx.org/compare/)
- [Blog](https://holdfastx.org/blog/)

## Products

- [Knitting Pattern: Humpback Whale Quilt](https://holdfastx.org/product/knitting-pattern-humpback-whale-quilt/): A free knitting pattern for the Humpback Whale Quilt, designed by Eddie Corney. Part of Knit for Wildlife, in collaboration with Love the Oceans in Mozambique.  The project includes a digital community quilt, allowing knitters to contribute swatches to a shared quilt.
- [Knitting Pattern: Net Hope Cowl](https://holdfastx.org/product/knitting-pattern-net-hope-cowl/): Knit for Wildlife uses knitting to bring wildlife stories into everyday culture. Rather than keeping conservation confined to reports, exhibitions, or campaigns, the initiative works through garments that are worn and seen in daily life; in cafés, on public transport, at work, and on campus. The aim is visibility: Keeping wildlife present in places where conservation is not usually discussed. This pattern is part of an open-access series developed in collaboration with Love the Oceans, a marine conservation organisation based in Mozambique. Their work includes coral reef protection, marine megafauna research, and community-led conservation, providing real-world context behind each species
- [Knitting Pattern: Manta Ray Shawl](https://holdfastx.org/product/knitting-pattern-manta-ray-shawl/): A free knitting pattern for a manta ray shawl, designed by Libby Rush. Released as part of Knit for Wildlife in collaboration with Love the Oceans (Mozambique).    Knit for Wildlife brings marine species into everyday culture through knitting. When worn and shared, these pieces carry wildlife stories into public spaces. From cafés to bus stops.
- [A dyslexic venturesome voyage](https://holdfastx.org/product/a-dyslexic-venturesome-voyage/):     Discover the early life and the unusual first sea journey of the swedish sailor Sven Yrvind. His adventures will take him from jail to the most isolated inhabited island in the world, and to the discovery of what can bring happiness.    109 pages with 70 illustrations in ink and color.    
- [Print by Christa Funk](https://holdfastx.org/product/print-by-christa-funk/): Leah Dawson in the moment.Canvas Description | Canvas print with classic texture. Brilliant color inks create stunning reproductions of the images that resist fading and scratching. Print has 3” white borders around image edges. Total size is print size plus 3" border. Ready to wrap or frame.    Metal Description | Metal print on high-quality aluminum, UV protected, and scratch-resistant. Ready to hang with 100% recycled aluminum float mount (floats ¾” off the wall). Includes wire hanger and sawtooth attachments.    
- [Havet, døden og kjærlighetene - på tokt med Nina Jensen](https://holdfastx.org/product/havet-doden-og-kjaerlighetene-pa-tokt-med-nina-jensen/):     Sigri Sandberg følger i denne boka Jensen på tokt: nordover, til havs og på fisketur. Til fyrsten i Monaco, til sommerhytta og på dugnad for å plukke plast. Hun snakker åpent om å miste samboeren til hjernekreft, om å være mor og om ny kjærlighet. Om forholdet til søsteren Siv Jensen og samarbeidet med finansgiganten Kjell Inge Røkke. Men aller mest om det hun har kjempet for hele sitt voksne liv: havet.    Boka finnes som innbundet, e-bok og lydbok.    
- [Hold Fast! (Norwegian only)](https://holdfastx.org/product/hold-fast-norwegian-only/):     En eventyrlig fortelling om en ung manns forvandling fra skoletaper til verdenserobrer. Alle skal med, heter det i Norge. Men i møte med skolen mistet Samuel Massie all glød og selvtillit. Som 16-åring skulket han oftere enn han var på skolen, og han havnet i politiets søkelys. To år senere har Samuel skrevet testamente og står til rors ombord i seilskuta Berserk med kurs mot Antarktis, klar til å ofre livet for det han tror på. Hva har skjedd?    Dette er Samuels egen historie om hvordan han gjenvant troen på seg selv og eget liv. Hold fast! handler om mestring, målbevissthet, vennskap, sorg og menneskets evne til forandring. Den inspirerer til aldri å gi opp menneskene rundt oss.    
- [HFX Dream Lab](https://holdfastx.org/product/hfx-dream-lab/):     HFX Dream Lab: Launching 2026. A faster format to fulfil your dream. Short sessions, proven tools, and a push to take the next step and live more.    
- [Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver](https://holdfastx.org/product/into-the-planet-my-life-as-a-cave-diver/):     From one of the world’s most renowned cave divers, a firsthand account of exploring the earth’s final frontier: the hidden depths of our oceans and the sunken caves inside our planet.    More people have died exploring underwater caves than climbing Mount Everest, and we know more about deep space than we do about the depths of our oceans. From one of the top cave divers working today - and one of the very few women in her field - Into the Planet blends science, adventure, and memoir to bring readers face-to-face with the terror and beauty of earth’s remaining unknowns and the extremes of human capability.    
- [Screen Shelter](https://holdfastx.org/product/screen-shelter/):     Screen Shelter is a free pop drop from HFX. A looping Arctic fireplace made for your phone. It’s simple, steady, and designed as a pocket-sized calm. Use it as a background, lock screen, or just let it flicker when you need a pause.    
- [HFX Poster](https://holdfastx.org/product/hfx-poster/):     Ocean Passion is a free pop drop from HFX. Designed in full movie-poster style: Oversized title, glowing five-star reviews, and a lone surfer riding into legend.    It’s playful, cinematic, and made to bring the big-screen energy of surf culture into your space. Print it, pin it, or keep it digital. The vibe is pure entertainment.    
- [HFX Mitten Pattern](https://holdfastx.org/product/hfx-mitten-pattern/):     Forget tattoos. This generation wears its grit in wool. Hold Fast is knit right into these mittens, designed by Une Cecilie Oksvold, known for her bright knits. A pair of mittens is now onboard with Ella Hibbert as she attempts a world record, sailing solo around the Arctic. It is a story worth wearing.    


[comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)