We Are Water People: Joining the Hervey Bay Free diving Community with Mark Davies and Karma Dives

Welcome to another captivating instalment of "We Are Water People." In this edition, we have the privilege of delving into the depths with Mark Davies, a Dive and Free dive Instructor whose passion for the underwater world knows no bounds.

Can you tell us about your first unforgettable experience with the ocean and how it sparked your passion for diving and freediving?

I grew up going to Edithvale beach pretty much every weekend as a kid, always loved the water. Surfing came first. I didn't start Scuba until I was 30 and freediving came about 6 years later. I gave scuba a go as I needed a change. Loved it and moved through the courses fairly quickly. Then someone showed me Gulliaum Nery's video of him at the Blue hole. That freefall all the way down in a beautiful swan dive. That was my freediving spark, sooo many more unforgettable experiences including a 4m Great white last month.

Lady Elliot Island holds a special place in your heart. What makes this location so remarkable for divers and freedivers and how has it influenced your connection to the marine world?

I feel, for most people the draw to the island is the easy access you have to the reef. Whether it be a short boat ride, max 10 mins or simply walk off the beach and within 50m you are surrounded by fish and beautiful healthy coral. Then you add the Manta, Whale, and Turtle season for an all year-round experience. That's why, 2 years on and I still get excited for every dive. A feeling of connection is always present with the ocean but also the marine animals. Watching the animals in their own environment, learning their behavior. They all see you, feel you, hear you but when you have a close encounter it changes you. Mantas, whales, turtles, a Hammer Head, Whale Shark, and dolphins have come close enough to feel them, not touch them, water people know what I mean. Just recently I had my most amazing experience ever. It was to dive freely, with no cage, 15m from a 4m+ Great White Shark, sitting level with it was mesmerizing. I've seen the Tiger shark also, still hoping for a close encounter. These connections make you care and respect for the ocean more and more. Pick up your 3 pieces of rubbish, watch what you consume and choose safer products.

As a Scuba and Freedive instructor, how does it feel to introduce people to the underwater realm and witness their excitement and wonder during their first diving experiences?

Amazing. Especially seeing the nervous ones. The fear is real and the enjoyment after is even better. Still receive pics from ex-students, some also become divemasters or instructors themselves.

Safety is a crucial aspect of diving and freediving. How do you ensure that your students are well-prepared for potential challenges and emergencies in the water?

Safety is high on my agenda. I like to emphasize the importance of safety skills in the course. When running a course I will often get already certified students to join in to practice and keep the skills fresh. Whenever boat dives are planned I ask all divers to come to training the Friday before for a skill refresh and technique tweak.

Your company, Karma Dives, offers scuba diving and freediving courses. What inspired you to start this venture, and what do you hope participants gain from your training?

I guess, originally I became an instructor so I could work in beautiful places and do something I love as a job. My love of the ocean has always been there and I feel best in the ocean, so I wanted to share that with others. Scuba is a great way to get people over their fears of the ocean. Then there's Freediving. The connection between Freediver and the ocean and her inhabitants is hard to explain unless you've tried it. The mental challenge is real, and so is the reward.

With concerns about safety in the diving community, what advice do you have for fellow Freedivers to stay safe while pushing the boundaries of their abilities?

Never dive alone. Know your limits, know your buddies' limits, communicate with your buddy before and after each dive, TRAIN often, in the pool or dry. Know the dive site, recovery breaths, surface intervals.

Throughout your diving journey, have you encountered any marine life or underwater landscapes that have left an indelible mark on you? If so, could you describe the experience?

All of them. Thresher Shark and Mandarin fish in Malapascua, Mola Mola on Nusa Lembongan, Liberty Shipwreck Tulumben, Whale Shark, whales, Manta, Great White on Lady Elliot.

Diving and freediving can be both exhilarating and peaceful. How do these experiences influence your mindset and overall well-being?

Scuba came from the fascination of the sea creatures, Freediving is the fascination of the underwater world and how it affected me and changed my vibration. To me, it's way deeper than a physical connection. It embraces my soul and vice versa. I will often just lay there in the water and feel her energy. Sitting or floating below 10m is where it really kicks in for me.

Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for the future? How do you envision Karma Dives growing and providing more opportunities for people to experience the wonders of the underwater world as we do?

Ideally live in Bali teaching freediving and going spearfishing, breathwork, and yoga. As a business here in the Bay, I'd like to run more line dives and fun dives, more courses. I would love to get the leftover Sentinels from MOUA placed here in HB, get more structure for all divers to enjoy and spearfishing charters.

As we conclude our underwater journey with Mark Davies, we can't help but feel the same enthusiasm he has for the ocean and its incredible inhabitants. His passion for teaching and inspiring others is evident, and the connections he has formed with marine life are truly remarkable.

How to Book with Karma Dives and Join the Local Freediving Community:

Are you ready to embark on your own aquatic adventure? Dive into the wonders of the underwater world with Karma Dives. To book your scuba diving or freediving experience, visit KARMA DIVES. Mark's expertise and dedication to safety ensure you're in good hands to explore the ocean.

If you're eager to join the local free diving community in Hervey Bay, connect with Mark and the team at Karma Dives. Their vision includes expanding the diving opportunities in the area and fostering a community of ocean enthusiasts. Your underwater exploration awaits!

Stay tuned for more thrilling stories and captivating underwater captures in the world of "We Are Water People." The ocean's mysteries are endless, and we can't wait to continue this incredible journey with you.

We Are Water People: Anika

Welcome to the ‘We Are Water People’ Blog, where we celebrate individuals who have built their lives around the magic of the water. For quite some time now, we have been captivated by the awe-inspiring underwater adventures of Anika, an ocean lover who has been traveling up and down Fraser Island's west coast on her jet ski. Through her Instagram page, "irie_vibes_high_on_life," Anika has shared her exhilarating experiences diving the local reef systems and exploring the hidden treasures of coffee rocks. Her encounters with marine creatures that call these ecosystems home have been nothing short of extraordinary. As avid followers of Anika's underwater journey, we have witnessed encounters with loggerhead turtles, guitar sharks, and leopard rays, thanks to her invaluable tips on where to find these magnificent creatures. Whether she is diving off the coast of Fraser Island or venturing out to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, Anika's passion for the ocean shines through in every breathtaking moment she shares with her audience. When it came time to launch the ‘We Are Water People’ Blog, we knew that featuring Anika as our first interviewee was a no-brainer. As a local water enthusiast, she embodies the spirit of our blog, celebrating the profound beauty of the water and our deep-rooted connection to it. Anika's insights into the wonders of her local marine ecosystems and her dedication to their preservation make her the perfect ambassador for our inaugural blog. So let’s not waist any time and dive straight in.

So Anika can you share a bit about yourself and how you’re deep passion for the ocean developed? What experiences or moments sparked your love for the water?

Okay, so I guess I've always loved the ocean. 'The Little Mermaid' would probably be one of my favourite cartoons from my childhood. But it's mainly because of my parents. They grew up in Jamaica, which is pretty much an island, so my mum was a beach babe. Wherever we lived, we were always close to the ocean, except for the Northern Territory, but that's a different story. I find peace in the ocean and I think that's the main thing. The oceans a mystery, there's always something different and exciting going on. I'm also a mad shell collector, so I collect shells from everywhere.

We're fascinated by your underwater adventures on your Instagram page, "irie_vibes_high_on_life." What inspired you to start this page and share your aquatic explorations with others?

Through Instagram I could share my photos and videos without all the clutter and excessive advertising. I found a community of like-minded individuals who shared my passion for nature and the ocean. Instagram became a platform for me to express my creativity and showcase my love for photography. If others enjoy what I do, they can hit 'like' and follow along. There's no pressure for anyone to do so, but it's a way to connect with people who appreciate my content. Through other people's posts, I discover new places and hidden gems. I'll see a stunning picture, dive into the hashtags, do my research, and then plan my own travels or dives to those locations. It's a constant source of inspiration and a way to find incredible spots to explore.

Living in Hervey Bay with your own jet ski must offer incredible opportunities for water-based adventures. Can you tell us more about your experiences in the local waterways and what makes them special to you?

When I first got the jet ski it opened up a whole new world of exploration for me. I would venture out to places like Kingfisher and Big Woody, free diving and discovering the diverse marine life that inhabits these waters. What struck me the most was the hidden gems that are not widely advertised. There is an abundance of eagle rays up near Wathumba creek, various shark species, and countless turtles. One of the highlights for me was encountering a hammerhead shark on the western side of K’gari. The protected reef in front of Woody Island is also amazing, with its vibrant hard and soft corals. These experiences have made the local waterways truly special to me.

We noticed your affinity for Sommerso fins. What do you love most about using them, and how do they enhance your free diving experiences?

Yeah, absolutely! I'm a huge fan of Sommerso fins. Firstly, they're locally made on the Sunny Coast, which is fantastic. The fact that they're Australian-made gives me a sense of supporting local craftsmanship and the passion behind it. The person behind Sommerso fins, located in the Glasshouse Mountains, is a fellow free diver and ocean enthusiast. He started this independent venture driven by his love for the ocean and wildlife conservation. What I love most about Sommerso fins is their composite blades. I personally prefer the super soft ones. When I wear them, it feels like I'm weightless in the water. The design and construction of these fins make my free diving experiences much more enjoyable and effortless. Compared to other plastic fins, which can be heavy and cause friction, Sommerso fins provide a seamless and comfortable movement. This is crucial for me, especially during long diving sessions. Another aspect that sets Sommerso fins apart is the option for customisation. You can choose different foot pockets and even get your own custom prints. It adds a personal touch to my gear. To sum it up, the combination of local Australian craftsmanship, the lightweight and comfortable design, and the option for customisation make Sommerso fins my top choice.

Can you share some of your favourite spots to dive and what makes them special to you?

Lady Elliot is definitely my top favourite spot to dive. The crystal-clear water and the abundance of marine life make it truly special. Every time I dive there, there's always something fascinating to discover around every corner. One of my most memorable experiences was swimming with mantas for the first time. It was absolutely mind-blowing. I had a whole train of mantas swimming towards me, and the leader of the group came up close. I remember freezing in awe as he gracefully lifted the tip of one of his wings over me. I could feel the water from his wing gently cascading over me, and it was a surreal moment. Lady Elliot is a place that never fails to amaze me and leave me in awe of the wonders of the underwater world.

Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations as a water enthusiast and community advocate? Are there any upcoming projects or goals you'd like to pursue to further your impact and connection with the water?

I have some exciting plans on the horizon. I'm collaborating with a group called Girls Who Roam and I recently went on one of their retreats to Keppel Island. Now, I'm not just joining the trip as a participant, but I'll be joining as their chef and also creating content during the retreat. It's an incredible opportunity for me to connect with like-minded individuals and introduce more people to the joys of the water. One of the main focuses of this collaboration is to introduce non-free divers to the world of free diving. Many of the girls who will be joining the retreat are curious about free diving but may have some reservations or uncertainties about the water. It's about empowering them and helping them build their confidence in the water along with making good friends in the process.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers, such as a message to fellow ocean lovers or a call to action for protecting our precious marine ecosystems?

My message is to be more aware and mindful of the impact we have on marine ecosystems, especially when engaging in water activities like boating or jet skiing. It's essential to remember that beneath the surface lies a fragile and diverse world of marine life. When we speed through the waters or engage in harmful practices like drag netting, we unknowingly disturb and damage their habitats. It's important to slow down and be considerate, giving marine creatures the space and respect they deserve. Whales, turtles, and other marine species visit these coastal areas, and it's crucial to protect their natural environment. Be aware of what is beneath the water because its someones home.

Readers can find and follow Anika's captivating underwater journey on her Instagram page, irie_vibes_high_on_life. These photographs where taken by val_oz_onebreath and you can find Girls Who Rome at https://www.girlswhorome.com. If you want your own local customized fins head over to Sommerso - Freediving Fin Australia, Carbon and Custom Designs.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey with Anika, and may your own connection with the water be filled with joy, curiosity, and a deep sense of appreciation. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and stories from the ‘We Are Water People’ Blog. Until next time, keep exploring, keep protecting, and keep embracing the magic the ocean has to offer.