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.