That is the primary in a collection of visitor posts by Andi Cross, whose unimaginable expedition is telling dive tales from across the globe. Be a part of us as she takes us to the Edges of Earth!
Most excessive sports activities are male dominated. That’s to not say ladies don’t partake and excel, as they absolutely do. However, the statistics are staggering between males’s and ladies’s participation—particularly in relation to scuba diving. In line with PADI, 35% of all newly licensed leisure scuba divers had been ladies, with the proportion dropping to 23% for greater certification ranges in 2021. When trying on the statistics from SSI, one out three licensed leisure divers are ladies. Moreover, just one out of 5 grow to be licensed skilled divers.
What do these statistics present us? We have to get extra ladies within the water diving. We want extra ladies breaking boundaries in relation to exploration! Scuba has made such a constructive influence on my life. I wished to discover a approach to introduce the game to extra ladies and spotlight those that’ve made important influence.
The beginning of the expedition
In 2020, I began planning the Edges of Earth expedition—a 24-month voyage to a few of the most excessive and distant dive websites globally. From the beginning, the goal has been to inform untold tales of those that have devoted their lives to our blue planet. A big element of the expedition is highlighting distinctive ladies on the frontlines of ocean conservation and stewardship. Most of the time, their tales are left untold.
In the course of the planning levels of the expedition, I used to be wanting to onboard ladies as a part of the core group when it got here to content material creation and storytelling. This was so necessary to me as a result of it was an opportunity for exploration to be portrayed through fashionable, feminine views. Nonetheless, as a way to do that, there have been a couple of issues that wanted to occur…
Discover ladies who’re captivated with ocean exploration
My technique of trying to find proficient ladies who love the ocean began on-line. I met Marla Tomorug at a digital ocean occasion and we hit it off instantly. She grew to become an integral a part of my consulting enterprise known as WILDPALM, serving to to construct manufacturers and companies that gas the long run.
After a 12 months of working collectively remotely, I flew to her home-base in Hawaii. There, we cemented our “eternally dive buddy” standing. She is our Artistic Director, bringing the visible side of our expedition to life throughout our channels.
We even have Matilda Bishop on the group. Rising up with restricted entry to the ocean, the one factor that introduced me shut was illustrations in books. After I noticed Matilda’s work on Instagram, my nostalgia kicked in. She captures the essence of marine life by way of her detailed and sensible illustrations flawlessly. At this time, she’s our expedition illustrator, drawing the species we see on our travels.
Discover ladies on the frontlines of ocean conservation
With the expedition group set, it was time to determine ladies on the frontlines of ocean conservation who wished their tales shared. Via my analysis, I used to be connecting with like-minded ladies. From these working dive operations and ecotourism choices all over to ladies pursuing a lifetime of academia and science. These ladies are within the subject, finishing up work that may pave the best way for future generations, so that they have the prospect to expertise the ocean effectively after we’re gone.
I used to be studying about inspiring and empowering ladies who had been behind ocean success tales and important conservation wins. For instance, Gemma Sharp with Whale Watch Western Australia is learning one of many healthiest orca populations on the planet. Rachel Thompson, with Scuba Junkie, is working the SEAs program that’s tackling crucial conservation challenges in Malaysia. Sarah Castine, with Resilient Reefs, is constructing strategic packages to revive and defend reef techniques in Belize, New Caledonia and Palau.
Then there’s Jaimeen Kenni from the Vanuatu Tourism Workplace, a budding diver with an innate bond to the ocean. She exudes infectious ardour that’s unrivalled.
And we will’t neglect about Meral Hafeez, Mission Supervisor at Manta Belief in Raa Atoll, Maldives, who’s juggling a full-time position and education, transitioning from legislation to science. Her dedication is a testomony to the achievement derived from pursuing one’s targets. These are solely a handful of the wonderful ladies we’re assembly within the subject.
Discover ladies who’re contemplating diving, however haven’t taken the plunge
Via my skilled work as a progress strategist, I performed a examine with considered one of my shoppers to grasp how a lot folks care concerning the well being of the ocean and the way they’re getting concerned. Of the 200 contributors interviewed (18-35 12 months olds), 99% wished to discover a approach to get nearer to the ocean; 54% by no means thought scuba diving was an possibility for them and; 100% of girls contributors wished to discover a approach to get extra concerned with the ocean each professionally and personally, however didn’t know the place to begin.
For those who wished to get entangled however didn’t know the way—my response was to “make the leap” as a primary step. That means, get within the water and expertise it first hand. Our expedition is designed to supply steerage for these actively seeking to get entangled and for these excited about studying scuba. We are going to spotlight skilled and private choices each above and under the waterline in hopes to encourage the subsequent technology of girls ocean explorers and divers.
Discover a neighborhood of girls who rally collectively to have fun a shared ardour
Lastly, I wished to discover a neighborhood that brings ladies collectively by way of diving. A secure house the place ladies assist each other and have fun one another’s wins and progress. I got here throughout Women that Scuba and it was as if I discovered my dwelling. I knew there needed to be a neighborhood like this someplace, it simply was a matter of time earlier than I discovered it.
Collectively, Women that Scuba and our expedition group will share experiences and tales from the perimeters of earth. Possibly we can have the prospect to satisfy alongside the best way and go diving collectively. Or perhaps we are going to assist you to really feel extra comfy getting the water for the primary time.
Both manner, we hope that you simply’ll comply with alongside and understand there’s a spot for girls in relation to restoring and conserving our blue planet. And there are a variety of ladies on the market able to assist your diving journey.
Concerning the Writer
Andi Cross is a progress strategist, skilled scuba diver and lead of the Edges of Earth expedition, highlighting tales of constructive ocean progress and the way to discover the world extra consciously. To maintain up with the expedition, comply with the group on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube and their web site.
