Women Divers Taking the Sea By Storm
We’re all about equality under the sea, but today, we’re celebrating women who scuba. This July 20th marks the fifth annual PADI National Women’s Dive Day. For the diving community and for women everywhere, it’s a pretty big deal. What’s considered the largest day of organized diving (over 1,000 events in more than 100 countries) is also a tribute to the female divers taking the scuba world by storm.
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS
Thanks to PADI’s recurring event and mission to promote inclusivity, the past decade has seen a surge in female scuba participants. While originally perceived as a male-dominated sport, more and more women have suited up to seek adventure, spread marine awareness, and grown their squad.
EXPLORATION, STEWARDSHIP, AND THE STATUS QUO
How are women divers raising the bar? Other than demonstrating a passion for exploration and documentation, they’re swimming alongside the largest fish in the sea (hello, whale sharks), helping protect underwater ecosystems, and breaking down societal barriers (read: Saudi Arabian women driving themselves, for the first time ever, to a dive destination).
Female divers are also using their waterlogged experiences and creative talents to educate others and address misperceptions of the sea and its many creatures. And of course, they’re empowering other women to mask up and join the movement by instituting communities like Girls that Scuba and Pink Bubbles .
FOLLOW THE LEADERS
Who are some of the deep sea community’s female pioneers? Check out the latest from a handful of women making waves. #nofilterneeded
SARAH RICHARD
Scuba and travel blogger extraordinaire and founder of Girls that Scuba™ , “the largest female-only scuba dive community in the world.”
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NOUF ALOSAIMI
PADI master scuba diver trainer, founder of Pink Bubbles , and sharks advocate, Nouf lives to encourage youth to really see the sea.
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AMANDA COTTON
Underwater photographer and dive expedition leader known for fearlessly shooting creature closeups.
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CAITLIN MCCALL
Scientific diver and coral conservationist who keeps the sea slugs at bay and over 11k followers hooked on her beautiful and informative feed.
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FRANCESCA PAGE
Professional diver and painter/photographer that uses art to inspire change.
LAURA TYRRELL
Scuba mom and business owner (diving and adventure snorkelling tour company, Cabo Private Guide) that balances super parenting and expert diving.
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CHRISTINE GROSART
Record-breaking cave diver and leader in the tech diving industry that doesn’t let the glory overpower her good. Christine lends her photography skills to capture lost fishing gear endangering sea life.
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