Meet the Record-Breaking Young Diver Protecting the Oceans
October 8, 2024
Welcome to our special feature on Ethan Evans, a remarkable young diver who made a big splash in the diving community at just 11 years old. Ethan is passionate about diving and ocean conservation and recently broke the scuba diving world record for the most scuba dives completed before age 12. He is an inspiring reminder that age is no barrier to becoming a scuba diver.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Ethan to learn more about his journey as a young diver, his love for the ocean, and his future aspirations in diving. Join us as we delve into his incredible story.
Where did you start diving?
"I started diving at Rashdoo Dive Center on Kuramathi Island in the Maldives. It is such a beautiful place with so much marine life. The dive center was amazing, and it is where I first fell in love with diving."
Why did you start diving?
"My dad took me snorkeling when I was about six years old. I fell in love with the sea and all the creatures I saw. As soon as I was old enough to try diving, I jumped at the chance. There is just something magical about being underwater and seeing all the different species."
Where have you dived so far?
"So far, I have only been diving in the Maldives. I have explored all the sites around Kuramathi and even went to the famous tiger shark island, Fuvahmulah. Every dive site in the Maldives has something unique and exciting to offer."
What has been your favorite dive so far and why?
"My favorite dive was at a manta block where we had around six mantas with us for nearly an hour. At the end of the dive, one of the mantas came over with fishing line wrapped around its body. I helped the dive guide remove it, and the manta stayed with us for at least 45 minutes afterward.
It felt like he was thanking us for helping him. That moment was really special for me as a young diver and for our group. Also, swimming with massive tiger sharks is incredible and something I will never forget."
What do you like most about diving?
"I love the marine life and watching how different species interact with each other. It is like a whole other world down there that only a few people ever get to see. I feel very special knowing I have seen more underwater life than any other 11-year-old I know."
What is your dream dive destination?
"My dream destination is the Galapagos Islands. My dad says it is an unreal place with massive whale sharks and loads of hammerheads. My dream is to dive with massive hammerheads everywhere. It sounds amazing!"
What are your goals with diving?
"When I finish college, I want to travel around the world for a few years as a dive instructor. Eventually, I would like to borrow some money from my dad and open my own dive center."
"I want to inspire other kids to take up diving and to raise awareness about protecting sharks and our oceans."
What are some of your significant milestones in diving?
"I passed my Junior Open Water Diver certification on August 4, 2023, at the SSI Rashdoo Dive Centre on Kuramathi Island. I was 10 years old then, and during the month we spent there, I did around 50 dives.
By April of this year, I had nearly 80 dives. Now, I am continuing to dive as often as possible and learning new dive specialties."
What message do you hope to convey as a young diver?
"I want to inspire other kids to get into diving and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting sharks and our oceans. I have already taken hundreds of meters of fishing wire from reefs and participated in ocean clean-ups.
Currently, I am working on my SSI Nitrox course and SSI Shark Ecology specialty. I plan to achieve many more certifications before my 12th birthday."
What is your favorite thing about diving?
"I really love the larger animals like tiger sharks and swimming with manta rays It is so exciting to see these incredible creatures up close! I am also very keen on ocean clean-ups and have removed a lot of fishing wire from reefs. It feels good to help protect the marine environment."
Ethan’s story is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to making a significant impact! His dedication to diving and ocean conservation is inspiring, and his journey serves as an example for young divers everywhere.
Join us in celebrating Ethan’s achievements and supporting his mission to protect our oceans for future generations.