BOAT International has revealed its second speaker for Ocean Talks 2026, confirming Hanli Prinsloo, an 11-time South African freediving record holder. A filmmaker, passionate ocean adventurer and founder of the I AM WATER Foundation, Prinsloo is a leading voice in ocean conservation.
“I’m delighted to be attending Ocean Talks 2026,” says Prinsloo. “It’s such an important platform for bringing together people who have both the influence and the passion to protect our oceans. Real change happens through connection, and this event creates space for exactly that.”
The ninth edition of the event will return to central London on 11 June 2026, hosted at The Magazine, Serpentine North Gallery in Hyde Park. Held in partnership with Ocean Family Foundation, Ocean Talks is designed to connect the superyacht industry with leading voices in marine conservation through a programme of talks, discussions and networking. The annual event has become a platform for fostering dialogue between yacht owners, industry stakeholders and environmental experts working to protect the world’s oceans.
Hanli Prinsloo is widely regarded as one of the country’s leading figures in freediving. Raised on a horse farm in rural South Africa, she developed a deep connection to nature from an early age. Before focusing on the ocean, Prinsloo worked in social and political documentary filmmaking, travelling the world to tell stories of transformation, hope and resilience. Her freediving career later evolved into coaching, where she has trained elite athletes including the South African Springbok Sevens rugby team, between 2012 and 2013. In recognition of her impact, she was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Today, her work centres around ocean conservation through immersive human experiences through the I AM WATER Foundation, which reconnects underserved coastal communities with the ocean through immersive workshops and a global training programme. She also co-founded Ocean Travel and AGULHAS with her husband, US swimmer Peter Marshall – leading extraordinary freediving expeditions with marine megafauna and designing the first ever fully sustainable ocean gear together.
Prinsloo also leads an online programme exploring the link between nature and mental resilience. It includes guided breathing practices under the theme “Your Breath is Your Superpower,” designed to strengthen lung health and improve breathing techniques.
Prinsloo will be attending Ocean Talks 2026 to share insights from her work in ocean conservation, exploring how connection with the natural world can inspire meaningful change.
Tickets to Ocean Talks are free, but registration is required to secure your place. For more information, please contact the BOAT International events team.
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