Ocean Odyssey, Vol 1.
In 2024, I've embarked on a journey that embodies my desire for real adventure, self-challenge and overcoming fears. In this blog, I aim to share my experience of confronting one of my greatest fears, the ocean. While it's perfectly rational to harbor such fear, I'm drawn to the stories that lie within the depths of the sea. The ocean, one of the most exploited and threatened ecosystems on our planet, holds countless tales waiting to be told. Inspired by the work of those striving to preserve it, I aspire to join their ranks. Here's to facing fear head-on and diving into the depths of the unknown.
I joined one of my best mates' diving trips; he needed a test dummy for his new free diving business, and I couldn't have signed up faster. After arriving up north on the coast, I set up my swag as it started to rain. The laughter of my mates seemed to make the fact that my pillow was soaked not seem too bad. Surrounded by grand coastal vistas, we explored, surfed and made the most of our time in and out of the water. We cooked on rickety stoves and guzzled coffee in the cold winds. I got burnt to a crisp when the clouds cleared and laughed through the pain, that was how this adventure started and continued.
Bad weather forced us all to slow down. We seized the opportunity to surf the wild swell that the nasty weather brought, though I'm not much of a surfer, I gave it my best shot. After being defeated by the ocean's giant waves, I sat on the beach watching the simplicity of life around me unfold like clockwork. Small ghost crabs scuttled across the wet sand, disappearing into their little holes. The wind swept sand across the beach, eventually finding its way into my eyes. Despite the discomfort, I felt a sense of calm as I watched the sky mimic the ocean's tumultuous ferocity. Waves of thunderous rain washed over the landscape, the ocean, and me. In that moment, I knew that this adventure was the beginning of something new for me.
Like all good adventures, there's always an element of danger, and with me and my mates, it's usually the first thing we find (Sorry Mum). We sat swaying in the boat with our lines taut over the edge, hoping to catch ourselves dinner. It was a warm day with blue skies and a subtle sea breeze, but on the horizon, an ominous dark haze began to swirl and threaten the warmth of the day. Almost poetically, the sentence "that's definitely not gonna get us" seemed to draw the dark brooding sky straight towards us. Within moments, we were flying over the white-capping waves, the boat leaping out of the water as lightning struck around us. We laughed devilishly as the thrill of running from the snarling monster storm took over. For a moment, the landscape turned monochrome as flashes of lightning washed away the colors, and the thunder sent shivers down my spine. The water turned black, illuminated by a glowing white haze of heavy rain. I've come to live for moments like this—they bring out the best and worst in us all, they become the stories we tell people, and the memories that I'll cherish forever.
Eventually, a break in the gloomy weather granted us clear water visibility. With anticipation building, we launched the boat and set course for a sea stack several kilometers off the coast. Donning our wetsuits and flippers, we prepared to enter the swirling deep blue water. As I took the plunge, a small pang of fear gripped my chest, intensified by Pat's warning about the presence of enormous bull sharks in the area. Yet, as I descended, I was greeted by the mesmerizing sight of giant schools of Butter Bream and Bonito swirling around me. In awe of the underwater spectacle, I instinctively fired my shutter like Rambo on the back of a turret in Rambo 4—rapid fire, capturing every moment in an attempt not to miss a single detail.
credit: Google images.
Despite our diligent search and tireless swimming, the elusive presence of big fish or sharks remained a mere dream. Instead, we encountered a multitude of "bait fish," teasing us with their fleeting movements. Undeterred, we explored the depths around the rocky formations, where I observed Pat and Steve gracefully gliding across the seafloor with their spears in hand. In that moment, it was evident that they were in their element, seamlessly navigating the underwater world with expertise and determination.
The next few days continued much the same, and the hope of truly facing my fears felt like a distant dream. I yearned to share a patch of the ocean with a shark, I wanted to witness the power and beauty up close. As we navigated the rough waters, venturing nearly 15 kilometers out to sea, anticipation grew. Finally, we plunged into the water. I was taken aback; I had never beheld water so clear and blue before. The cobalt hue was mesmerizing, and the deep blue sea provided a fitting backdrop for capturing some awe-inspiring photos of my mates as they did their thing.
Spearfishing embodies a sustainable approach to harvesting fish, as it targets only specific species, leaving zero bycatch. While challenging and demanding, it fosters a profound connection & respect to the ocean, humbling and rewarding hunters in equal measure. All fishing poses its own level risk when done carelessly, this is demonstrated by a poignant image of Steve (an expert diver) attempting to save a juvenile kingfish. The fish, with a hook lodged down its throat and a three-meter-long line still attached, serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unsustainable & careless fishing practices. Despite efforts to intervene, the fish couldn't be saved, highlighting the urgency of promoting responsible fishing methods and conservation efforts.
As the days rolled by, our mission yielded no luck. Fortunately, this marks the beginning of an ongoing photographic journey and blog series. Through this experience, I've gleaned more about photography than I have in years, reigniting the excited curiosity that envelops me when facing a new challenge. Moreover, I've gained insights into my own limits and capabilities. Reflecting on these lessons, I'm reminded of the words of the famous climber Alex Honnold: "It's not about removing fear, it's about expanding how much fear you can handle."
If you've made it through this blog and found it enjoyable, I am deeply grateful. This marks the first installment of what promises to be an exciting ocean blog series. As this journey unfolds, I am thrilled at the prospect of growing alongside you all.
Whether you're a seasoned diver or simply an ocean enthusiast, I invite you to reach out and share your own ocean stories with me. Additionally, I welcome suggestions for breathtaking underwater photography locations.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and I hope you also enjoyed the accompanying photos. If you'd like to support me in my next endeavor, please consider visiting my Fine Art print store, sharing my work with your friends, or following the link below to donate. Your continued support means the world to me. Thank you for reading.
