Dive with Purpose

Ten years ago, when I turned my passion for photography into a career, I realized I needed a new hobby. But how did I end up choosing diving?

Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by nature, especially wildlife. Growing up on the Swabian Alb, I spent every spare minute in the beech forests. I marveled at the adventures of Sielmann and Grzimek in Africa or Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s underwater documentaries on TV. Africa felt distant, and I had my reservations about water—calling myself „water-shy.“

But, as they say, midlife often brings a unique burst of motivation. The haunting question of missed opportunities becomes more pressing. Some get a Porsche; I joined the local dive club. A mistake, as I realized after my first training session. Snorkeling without a mask triggered all my fears of drowning. Yet, daily „training“ in the bathtub and the promise of experiencing 70% more of this planet kept me going. I learned to overcome fears, turn discomfort into routine, and ultimately enjoy the very element I had avoided my entire life.

Fast forward four years: I’m now a Dive Master, seizing every chance to explore the underwater world. But it didn’t take long to notice the stark contrast between the vibrant marine life of my childhood and the reality today. The oceans are overfished, polluted, and suffering. How could I reconcile my desire to explore the underwater world with a commitment to its protection? Becoming part of the problem as a dive tourist wasn’t my vision.

For over 30 years, I haven’t eaten fish or meat, sourcing my food mostly from local organic farmers. I buy second-hand clothes and pick up trash while snorkeling or diving. But I wanted to do more than that.