Meet Chris Kirby

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Kirby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

Freediving taught me that every breath and moment of presence is a gift, whether it’s holding space underwater or sharing knowledge with others. This lesson, deepened by surviving a brain tumor, fuels my generosity. Facing that health challenge showed me life’s fragility, igniting a desire to uplift others through connection. That’s why I’m building Salty Sanctum, a freediving community platform that fosters belonging through buddy matching, events, and shared knowledge. By creating a space where divers can find safety, support, and inspiration, I’m sharing the strength I’ve gained. Generosity, for me, is about cultivating a community where everyone can thrive, just as I’ve learned to through my own challenges.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a freediver, a teacher, a drywall and metal framing estimator, and someone who’s been through the wringer with a brain tumor. Freediving pulled me in years ago, it’s just you, your breath, and the ocean. I’ll never forget the first time I hit 30 meters on a single breath; it was like the world paused, and I felt this deep calm that stuck with me. Surviving a brain tumor flipped my life upside down, showing me how precious every second is. That’s when I knew I had to share what I’ve learned, whether it’s holding space underwater or helping others find their own strength.

Right now, I split my time between teaching freediving, building Salty Sanctum, a platform to connect divers around the world, and working in construction, crunching numbers to make buildings come to life. What fires me up is seeing people light up, whether it’s a student nailing their first deep dive or a construction crew getting the plans just right. Salty Sanctum is my heart project, though. It’s about bringing divers together, newbies and pros alike, through buddy matching, meetups, and sharing tips so everyone feels safe and supported. It’s not just a website; it’s a way to build a family that loves the ocean as much as I do.

We’re rolling out some cool updates for Salty Sanctum, like a better buddy-matching tool and virtual hangouts to swap stories across continents. I’m also stoked for 2026, when we’ll launch freediving retreats that mix diving with ocean cleanups, giving back to the sea that’s given me so much. My construction work keeps me grounded, estimating drywall and framing teaches me precision, which I carry into diving and teaching. I want folks to know that whether I’m underwater, sketching out a building quote, or building Salty Sanctum, it’s all about connection, helping people find their place, their breath, and their community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three things stand out as the backbone of my journey: resilience, connection-building, and mindful focus. Each one’s been a game-changer, shaped by diving into the ocean, surviving a brain tumor, and juggling life as a freediving teacher, Salty Sanctum founder, and construction estimator.

First, resilience. Getting through a brain tumor was like staring down a storm. It wasn’t just the physical recovery, it was learning to push past fear and uncertainty, like when I’m 30 meters underwater, heart pounding, but trusting my body to keep going. That grit carried me into freediving and even my day job estimating drywall projects, where setbacks are just part of the deal. For folks starting out, build resilience by tackling small challenges daily, whether it’s holding your breath a few seconds longer or nailing a tough task at work. Celebrate the wins, but lean into the struggles too; they’re what make you tougher. Journaling helped me process tough days, and I’d say find a way to reflect, whether it’s writing or talking it out.

Second, connection-building. Starting Salty Sanctum, my freediving community platform, showed me the magic of bringing people together. I remember my first group dive, watching strangers become buddies as they shared tips and cheered each other on. That’s what I’m building with Salty Sanctum, matching divers, hosting events, creating a family. Even in construction, I connect with crews to get projects right. If you’re early in your journey, focus on listening and showing up for others. Join a group, share your passion, or just ask someone how they’re doing. Small acts of connection, like reaching out to one new person a week, grow into something bigger than you can imagine.

Third, mindful focus. Freediving taught me to zero in on the moment, every breath, every heartbeat matters when you’re underwater. That focus helped me stay calm during my health scare and keeps me sharp when estimating complex framing jobs. It’s not just concentration; it’s being fully present, whether I’m teaching a student to dive or planning Salty Sanctum’s next retreat. My advice? Start small: try a minute of deep breathing each morning to center yourself. Over time, practice tuning out distractions during tasks, like turning off your phone for 20 minutes to focus. It’s like training a muscle, start light, keep at it, and you’ll find clarity in the chaos.

These three, resilience, connection, and focus, aren’t just skills; they’re how I live. For anyone starting out, my biggest tip is to be patient with yourself. You don’t need to master these overnight. Find what lights you up, whether it’s a sport, a project, or a community, and let these qualities grow through the work you love.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When life feels like it’s piling on, whether it’s juggling my construction estimator job, teaching freediving, or building Salty Sanctum, I go back to what the ocean taught me: breathe and be present. There was a time during my brain tumor recovery when everything felt like too much, doctor visits, fear, the unknown. I’d sit quietly, close my eyes, and focus on slow, deep breaths, letting my body soften. That simple act, learned from freediving, was like hitting reset. Whether I’m underwater holding my breath or crunching numbers for a drywall project, that focus pulls me back to center.

My go-to strategy is to pause and breathe deliberately, inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for six. It’s like a mini-dive, calming my mind and grounding me in the moment. I’ll do this for a minute or two, maybe picturing the ocean’s quiet depths, which I felt so clearly on a 30-meter dive that changed how I see stress. It’s not just about relaxing; it’s about finding clarity to tackle what’s next, whether it’s a tough estimate or planning Salty Sanctum’s next event.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, my advice is to start with your breath, it’s always with you. Try that four-four-six pattern for a minute each day, maybe in the morning before the chaos starts. It’s like training for a dive: small steps build strength. If you can, step outside, feel the air, and let your shoulders drop. Pair it with one small action, like writing down one thing you can handle today. That’s how I keep going, and it’s what I teach my freediving students and share through Salty Sanctum. Life’s waves are big, but your breath can carry you through.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltysanctum
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltysanctum