The end of November brought a lot of firsts for me. First time in Australia, first time seeing a frog fish (or angler fish), first time diving in a place that has shark nets (although apparently these are a “load of bollocks” and aren’t all that effective) and first time learning about the vicious drop […]

After returning to Southern California, I was finally able to meet up with the crew of Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) who graciously offered to take me out to Catalina Island to learn how to use the Guardian Full Face Mask. OTS began in 1984 with a dream to design the best underwater communication system available […]

After returning from the Bahamas, I began my journey south to San Diego. I was invited to come and stay with Sara Shoemaker Lind, the 1997 North American Rolex Scholar, and her family in San Francisco. Sara is an award-winning photographer and has worked on projects for many distinguished clients including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, […]

Grand Bahama, the northernmost island in the Bahamas, affords several unique diving experiences. The 2013 European scholar, Chloe Marechal, and I met up with Cristina Zenato, head of dive operations at the Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO) in Freeport. Cristina is best known for her work with sharks, providing experiences for visitors and locals alike to […]

Recently, I finished my NSS-CDS full cave certification in the incredible caves on Abaco island as part of my year of adventure as the 2013 North American Rolex Scholar. I met up with cave instructor Brian Kakuk who runs a company called Bahamas Underground. I had signed up for a 10 day course to go […]