Happiness in the depth
First minute underwater, a few meters deep. Curious batfish swam around; you can feel the warm tropical water enveloping your whole body; fizzy bubbles caressing your cheeks; your pupils dilated. You're holding your breath, astonished by what you're seeing. Then you realise. "I can breathe!". You're diving in the great barrier reef.
A mesmerising change
Back in Europe, I wouldn't have never thought I'd be teaching scuba diving at 23 years old in Australia. Who would have, really? This is the perfect example of why you should never think "this is not for me" before considering it.
Because here I am. A few dives and skill training later, and now I couldn't imagine life away from the ocean. A change so significant I never saw coming, but I'm thrilled I dare to start. So you might wonder why I would do such a thing. What's the fuss about?
Well, this brings me to the reason why we love travelling so much. We love exploring new scenarios, right? So it felt like the next step was to try to understand it, to go deeper. Our environment should be our priority. We need to protect it. But first, we need to understand it, learn from it, love and connect better to it.
Experiencing diving is a fantastic opportunity to make this true. This will allow you to encounter from a lot closer why our underwater world, extended to our environment, needs our full attention. To make a change, you have to feel, create a link and be attached emotionally to your goal. This is the reason why I actually decided to go from Dive Master up to Instructor.
Passing on the love for the ocean
So, what's changed since those days back in Europe? Well, a lot. I'll start with the simple fact that I started listening to my passion. I realised that nothing pleases me more than witnessing my students overcoming themselves and their fears, getting more confident throughout the certification course.
And I feel like there's no better teacher than the ocean. Experiencing it, its wildlife, its strength and power will guide each one of us to want to care more. Even though it is little, we are already stepping up for the cause by appreciating the experience and communicating about it.
From being more conscious about what is happening in our seas to being more responsible in our way of life, it is essential to open our eyes. If we can do it underwater, the better. It matters and will make a difference.
Luckily, nowadays, we have choices. We are creating alternatives for better food options, local products issued from non-intensive exploitations, reducing plastic use, buying and booking through eco-responsible businesses.
COVID is helping promote local tourism
Due to the Coronavirus events this past year, the environment issue has been a lot quieter; nonetheless, it is still current. It hasn't affected Australia as much as most countries around the world. I consider myself very privileged to still be able to teach, learn, and dive as you read.
It is crucial for me to help the industry grow through this crisis while still prioritising eco-responsible practises. The coronavirus outbreak has played a significant role in people's mindset, increasing their nature awareness and highlighting the importance of our interactions on a global scale.
How many times do you read per day on social media people craving for adventure and new destinations to explore? Even though the current situation is challenging, it is, I guess, still promising. It is giving us the occasion to encourage and develop healthier local tourism.
I currently work for Adrenalin Dive, on Australia's pristine East coast (Townsville, QLD), right in the heart of the Great Barrier reef in 29 degrees Celsius tropical turquoise water. We explore its secrets and underwater treasures, the Museum of Underwater Art and the outstanding Yongala Shipwreck.
I am grateful to give Australian residents the service of (re)discovering the Reef. Most of them never had the chance to dive or snorkel here before or have neglected these activities. The pandemic has shown them the importance to focus on those opportunities available right on their doorstep.
If you have the chance to have a local dive centre operating, or if you are already planning your next trip. Have a look at all the diving spots around. You will learn a lot more about the local culture and history from underwater.
By doing so, you will also encourage the development, restoration and protection of these areas and help the local community bounce forward after the COVID-19 impact by promoting regional tourism. Plus, you will discover a lot about yourself in the journey, a lot more than you may think.
Nothing to be afraid of
I am confident diving is far from being extinct. I truly encourage everyone to try. All of you wondering what it's like, take this opportunity to jump in!
I encounter daily a lot of fear and misjudgement about scuba diving. Limiting thoughts created in people's minds stops them from accomplishing what will most likely be the most incredible time of their lives.
From the equipment maybe being too much, or not enough (air?), to the wildlife being perhaps too wild? There's nothing you should never be afraid of, more than your own apprehensions. Trust your body and your mind, listen to your desires, open your eyes and your heart to create a change. Hop into the depths; it will be a breath of happiness. I promise.
