Facing My Fears and Protecting Sharks

Memorable Maldives

A memorable Maldives moment with my Saskia becoming a certified diver.

Early 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Maldives as a PADI Ambassador and dive with tiger sharks. This trip opened my eyes to the importance of protecting our global shark population and taught me the power of facing your fears head on.

Facing my fears head on swimming with sharks.

Over the last few years, I’ve been honoured to represent PADI as an ambassador diver. This role has allowed me to share my passion for the ocean with my community and also encourage my young daughter to take her first steps into the underwater world.

She recently earned her Junior Open Water PADI certification, which means she can now join me on my diving adventures. Watching her discover the ocean has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

When Dive with Mare Maldives invited me to join them for a dive with tiger sharks, I was both thrilled and terrified. Sharks have always been a fear of mine. Growing up in Australia, the thought of sharks was always in the back of my mind whenever I entered the ocean. Even as an experienced diver, I’ve had a few close encounters that heightened my apprehension.

Getting up close and personal with tiger sharks swimming in their natural habitat in the Maldives.

The invitation to dive with sharks in the Maldives gave me a chance to confront my fears. More than that, it allowed me to learn about the critical issues facing sharks today. Shark populations have declined by around 70%, and the ripple effects on ocean ecosystems are devastating. 

This experience had major personal impact, as it allowed me to overcome my fear of sharks. It also inspired my daughter to confront her own fears about diving and learning about the equipment and how to use.

Showing her my photos and videos from the trip, I wanted to demonstrate the importance of facing your fears. Her excitement grew and so did her interest in ocean conservation. Now at just 11 years old, she’s developed a beautiful understanding of sustainability and is passionate about spreading the message of protecting our oceans.

Sassy getting ready for a dive.

Being a PADI ambassador has strengthened my bond with my daughter and also increased our appreciation for the underwater world. It’s taught us both that confronting challenges can lead to unexpected growth and new perspectives.

For anyone considering it, I wholeheartedly recommend becoming a PADI certified diver. It’s an experience that can open up a whole new world and it’s a great way to bring your family closer together. There are so many PADI clubs worldwide making it accessible no matter where you are.

My dive group getting exceptionally close to the tiger sharks.

Diving isn’t just a hobby... it’s an adventurous journey of learning and conservation. I can’t wait to see what underwater discoveries lie ahead for me, my daughter and hopefully you too.