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: Exploring Shipwrecks with Captain Black Beard

Welcome to the latest installment of our "We Are Water People" blog series, where we have the privilege of interviewing individuals from near and far who have built their lives around their deep connection to the water. From diving enthusiasts to underwater photographers/videographers, we aim to explore the diverse and profound relationships people have with the aquatic world. Today, we are thrilled to introduce our second guest, none other than the enigmatic Black Beard, also known as Brendon Harris.

As we set sail on Black Beard's boat towards the mesmerizing depths of the HMAS Tobruk, a renowned shipwreck off the coast of Bundaberg, we couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of anticipation. Brandon's pseudonym, Black Beard, carries an air of intrigue and adventure that perfectly complements his captivating personality and unparalleled skills. We have long been avid followers of his work on Instagram, marveling at his macro shots from Barolin Rocks and being spellbound by his breathtaking captures of the shipwreck.

With each passing image, Black Beard has transported us to a world of wonder beneath the waves, where time seems to stand still and nature reveals its hidden treasures. It is with great excitement that we now have the opportunity to sit down with Brandon and delve into his extraordinary journey as an underwater explorer and photographer.

During our interview aboard the boat, surrounded by the vast expanse of the ocean and the echoes of history emanating from the sunken vessel, we aim to uncover the stories behind his love for the water, diving, and photography.

Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your love for the ocean started and how you started diving?

Answer: Yeah righto, so my name is Brendon Harris. I basically grew up on a boat, traveling around Australia. So I've always been around water. I started out free diving and spearfishing, and then moved on to scuba diving and then onto underwater photography.

Question: When did you discover your passion for underwater photography, and what motivated you to combine it with your diving experiences?

Answer: It was pretty much hand in hand. Once I started scuba diving, I almost started taking up photography straight away, initially with a basic GoPro. From there, I slowly gained more experience, built up my underwater camera system, and started practicing photography while diving.

Question: How has photography enhanced your connection with the ocean, and what inspired you to share it through your work?

Answer: I've always loved both, especially diving in places like Wolf Rock with the Grey Nurse Sharks. Seeing a hundred or so sharks cruising around, along with other stunning sights like manta rays, solidified my love for the ocean. Photography allows me to relive those experiences and share them with others.

Question: Are there any standout moments or encounters you've captured underwater that are particularly special to you?

Answer: I love them all, really. Every dive is different, and that's what I love about it. From encounters with Grey Nurse Sharks and Manta Rays to exploring shipwrecks, each subject has its own allure. I enjoy both capturing megafauna and diving into the intricate world of macro photography.

Question: Have there been any photographers or artists who significantly influenced your approach to photography?

Answer: So probably Nigel Marsh. I've done a photography course under him and he basically taught me to start simple without too much kit so I've been shooting with a single strobe, getting use to that first, before expanding my kit with a second strobe, without all the gear and no idea. I enjoy the work of many photographers and appreciate their unique styles.

Question: Could you share some of your favourite dive locations in Bundaberg or beyond and what makes them remarkable for underwater photography?

Answer: So my three favourites would have to be Wolf Rock, HMAS Tobruk and Lady Elliot Island. With Wolf Rock you have all the mega fauna there and the massive grey nurse sharks, manta rays, gropers as well as all the macro, leaf fish and nudibranchs. With the Tobruk the amount of turtles, as we've experienced on our dive today and with Lady Elliot Island you can’t beat those crystal clear waters and beautiful corals, plus all the manta rays that come through.

Question: Out of all the marine creatures are there any inparticular that you love to photograph and why?

Answer: I enjoy them all. They all have there ups and downs. Turtles are admittedly one of my favourites. Just their character and how easy they are to photograph. However, I’d have to say I love to photograph a lot of the mega fauna, macro as well, but I love it all really.

Question: You also shoot macro. What draws you to capturing the intricate details of marine life up close, and what are some of your favorite macro subjects?

Answer: Macro photography initially appealed to me as a cheaper way to get started, especially given the bad visibility we often have around the Bundy area. It allows me to get nice and close to subjects like nudibranchs, leaf fish, scorpion fish, and other fascinating fish. I adapt to the location and its unique offerings, whether it's exploring shipwrecks or diving in macro-rich environments.

Question: What are some challenges you face as an underwater photographer and diver, and how do you overcome them?

Answer: In our region, poor visibility and particles in the water are significant challenges. Overcoming these obstacles involves learning techniques to shoot with strobes and strategically positioning them to decrease backscatter. Persistence and adapting to the conditions play a crucial role.

Question: What do you find most rewarding about diving and capturing underwater scenes? Any particular moments that stand out?

Answer: As a photographer, it's about reliving and sharing those experiences. I enjoy capturing new creatures and witnessing their unique behaviors. One standout moment was photographing and naming the first Manta Ray I encountered. It was a special experience, and I named it after my sister's newborn child.

Question: What are your future goals and aspirations as an underwater photographer and diver?

Answer: My main aspiration is to travel more and experience different locations and marine life. I have a strong desire to go diving with Great White Sharks off the coast of South Australia and get up close. And yes, I plan to go with Rodney Fox.

Question: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers? Any message to fellow ocean lovers or inspiring underwater photographers?

Answer: You don't need the biggest or best kit to start. Just get out there and experience it. Once you take that first dive, you'll wonder why you didn't start earlier. The ocean has so much to offer, and it's a journey worth embarking on.

Sweet, so to find Black Beard's captivating work and follow his adventures, you can visit his Instagram page at BlackBeardDiving. Additionally, he has a YouTube channel where he shares videos, though it has slowed down as he focuses primarily on photography at Black Beard Diving. Also if you would like to check out Nigel Marsh you will find him on instagram at Nigel Marsh or head over to his website at https://www.nigelmarshphotography.com and to go on your own sharky dive with mega fauna book in with the guys at Wolf Rock Dive Centre located at Rainbow Beach at Wolf Rock Dive Centre.

As we ventured on our second successful dive onto the HMAS Tobruk, little did we know that an unexpected twist awaited us. In the midst of exploring the depths of the shipwreck, our engine suddenly failed, leaving us stranded 41 kilometers from shore. The situation was undoubtedly challenging, but it gave us ample time to engage in captivating conversations about diving and photography with Black Beard.

Amidst the stunning backdrop of the sun setting and the vast ocean surrounding us we had time to talk and reflect before being towed back in to land, I discovered Black Beard's unwavering passion for the underwater world. His love for diving and photography. And as we awaited rescue after our exhilarating 30-meter double dive, the experience added an extra layer of adventure and drama to our journey exploring ship wreck with black beard.

As we reflect on this remarkable day, filled with both excitement and unforeseen challenges, we eagerly anticipate future dives alongside Black Beard. Our time spent exploring the depths with him was nothing short of extraordinary, and we cannot wait to embark on new underwater adventures in the future.

Despite the engine failure and the unexpected turn of events, this journey was undeniably worth the adventure. It served as a powerful reminder to cherish every moment, to find beauty no matter where your feet are, and to embrace the vast wonders that the water has to offer.

With hearts full of gratitude and a profound appreciation for the sea, we bid farewell to this unforgettable experience. As we return to land, may we carry the spirit of exploration, the love for the ocean, and the thrill of capturing its essence through photography.

Until we dive again, may your own journeys be filled with the same sense of awe, discovery, and a deep connection to the water that unites us all.

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.