Real vs. Reel: How Influencers Shape the Dive World

A Round Table Rhetoric with Stratis Kas.

Featuring; Devina Wijaya, Joanna Wyrebek, Melodie Trevino, and Nick Derutter

In a world where social media is all about epic, picture-perfect moments, the influencers participating in the round table below are here to show us the reality—good, bad, and sometimes questionable—of sharing life from the underwater world. It’s not only about eye-catching shots or jaw-dropping videos; it’s also about the mix of technical skill, creativity, and authenticity that brings the magic of the underwater world to a large audience… or is it?

Today, we’re sitting down with four well-recognized diving influencers, each with their own spin on balancing passion and pressure in an industry that’s thrilling, demanding, and not without its controversies. Are they inspiring a new generation of divers, or risking harm to the very ecosystems they love? We’ll dive into the creative liberties, the unfiltered realities, and that thin line between inspiring others and potentially exploiting the ocean.

So, is diving just a passion for these influencers, or has it become something bigger—a lifestyle, a career, maybe even a movement? And how do they handle the responsibility of broadcasting their adventures from such a fragile part of our planet? Are they pushing boundaries in the right direction?

We’re excited to find out. 

Stratis: Welcome, everyone, to THE TALKS! Today we’re diving deep—literally and figuratively—into what it means to be an influencer in the world of diving. Joining us today are four seasoned divers and content creators whose work brings the underwater world to life for viewers around the globe. So, Nick, here’s a question to start us off: What’s one post or dive moment that you “fudged” a little? Maybe the photo wasn’t quite what it seemed, or you crafted a narrative around the shot that didn’t exactly match reality. Ever feel guilty for a little creative editing? Personally, I’m not against it; as a professional photographer, I believe there’s an artistic side to photography that sometimes requires a little creative storytelling. Still, social media often gets criticized for this—even though everyone does it to some degree. What’s your opinion on that?

Nick: That’s a great question! I mostly do video, and honestly, video is always a bit fudged. My episodes are around 10 minutes long, but sometimes they take three to five dives to capture what I want to show. For narrative purposes, I present it as if it all happened in one dive, which is already a form of fudging. If I tried to make it truly realistic, showing five one-hour dives, no one would watch! But I think you’re asking if I ever really “faked” a shot. Another layer of fudging comes in when things don’t look quite right on camera. The pressures of Instagram and YouTube—especially for women divers—mean that people are quick to call out anything that looks off, often in pretty harsh ways. So, yes, I’ll cut or replace shots if something looks off or unpolished. Of course, it makes the dive look more seamless and by-the-book than it always was in reality, because I’m showing the best moments. For photos—especially YouTube thumbnails—there’s definitely some Photoshop involved to make them more clickable. So, in response to your question about fudging posts—yes, I’d say every edited video or photo post is a bit fudged. But do I feel guilty? Not really. I aim to make my content look safe, accurate, and professional. I’m not the best diver in the world, but I do want to present my dives as correctly as possible. So while I might cut out less-than-perfect moments, I don’t feel guilty about it.

My next question is for you, Melodie. How do you handle FOMO: the fear of missing out in the diving world? The travel, the exotic dive spots, the vibrant lifestyles—it all looks so glamorous. But do you ever feel pressured to keep up with other influencers in the community? Have you ever felt a twinge of envy over a dive someone else experienced or a location you haven’t visited yet?

Melodie: That’s a really interesting question because, honestly, my goal as a diver is to experience every dive site around the world. There are still so many places I haven’t been to and marine animals I want to encounter up close. But for me, it’s not about keeping up with the diving community; I don’t feel pressured to match what others are doing. The goals I set for myself early on, I’ve pretty much achieved. Everything beyond that now feels like a bonus—a personal quest. For example, the other day I saw a friend of mine who dived the Britannic, which is definitely on my list to do at least once. When I saw the photos and heard about the experience, I didn’t feel jealous; I felt inspired. I think that’s the beauty of our community—we’re in a position to inspire each other.

When I first started sharing on social media, I was just beginning my tech diving journey, moving into cave diving and other specialties. Back then there weren’t many women in these areas, especially ones sharing their experiences [online]. It was groundbreaking. Now, seeing others post about their adventures—whether it’s underwater or travel-related—reminds me how far we’ve come. It’s no longer unimaginable. Seeing a friend do it makes me think, “That’s something I can achieve, too.” That’s the feeling it brings.

So, we’re all about inspiration here—no jealousy, just motivation! Devina, let’s talk about “Real vs. Reel.” Social media tends to showcase the highlights, but what’s one reality of diving that doesn’t usually make it to your followers? Do you ever share a fail or less-than-perfect moment to keep things real?

Devina: A lot of the time, especially on Instagram, posts are highly curated—usually just the best shots where everything looks perfect. But when it comes to reels, sometimes things don’t look so polished; you might have gear dangling or, after taking off your hood, your hair’s a mess and there’s no fixing it—you just go with it. That’s what brings authenticity to those moments—where everything isn’t perfectly curated. I’ve got plenty of posts on TikTok, for instance, where I’m dealing with a runny nose, my hair is all over the place, or I’m exhausted and slumped over after a dive. It just keeps things real.

Nick: Yeah, the “real vs. reel” balance is interesting because there’s so much that doesn’t make it onto social media. It’s funny that some people don’t realize this, especially when it comes to complex dives. I often get comments on episodes of more advanced dives, with people saying, “Where’s the prep?” or wondering how we pulled it off in a single dive, which relates back to what I mentioned earlier. Not everyone realizes, especially for things like cave diving, that divers spend years training just to be able to do those dives and hours, if not days, preparing to get to that key moment.

It’s something we’re not always able to show or, even if we do, it’s hard to convey that a single impressive dive might involve many less exciting, even tedious, hours leading up to it. But that’s life, right? Instagram and TikTok are not showing the whole picture.

So, building on what’s just been said, I have a quick question for everyone. Do you feel different needs when posting to TikTok versus Instagram? We’ve all seen that meme showing the same person in different “versions”—how I look on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, et cetera. Personally, I don’t use TikTok, but I’ve heard it’s more “real” than Instagram with less focus on perfection and polish; maybe that’s because it’s more video-driven. When you’re on a trip or sharing something that feels post-worthy, do you use the same content across platforms, or do you customize it? I’m not talking about just adjusting formats—I mean in terms of content and style. Johanna, would you like to start?

Joanna: Definitely. I don’t use TikTok myself—I don’t even have an account. I’ve thought about it, but I’m still unsure. As for changing content across platforms, I’d say yes, sometimes. Facebook—no offense—tends to have an older audience; whereas Instagram attracts a younger generation. For Facebook, I usually focus more on photos and maybe some videos, but not Reels since that audience doesn’t seem as interested in them. Instagram, on the other hand, is very video-heavy. And then there’s LinkedIn, which is an entirely different, more professional platform. So, in short, yes I do adapt my content depending on the platform.

Devina: On TikTok, I definitely go for more humorous content, since the audience there is much younger, and trends move fast. I adapt trending content to my niche, even if it’s a bit silly. On Instagram, though, I keep it photography-focused and rarely post videos since all the more casual, less serious stuff goes [on]to TikTok.

Let’s be honest—any influencer gets their fair share of criticism. For diving influencers, I imagine this can touch on safety practices or even environmental impact. How do you respond to backlash in general? And do you think there are aspects of diving content that could benefit from more transparency to help avoid these criticisms? What’s your take on that, Nick?

Nick: Like I mentioned, I post a lot on YouTube, so I get critical comments daily—there’s always someone who disagrees. But I think that’s okay. A lot of people come from different backgrounds or training agencies, each with its own approach. Not everyone is trained to recognize these different perspectives, so criticism isn’t always coming from a bad place. Sometimes people just have a limited view and may not realize there are alternative methods.

Now, when critiques get personal, it can be tougher. Some assume that just because you create content, you must be self-centered or seeking attention. I used to ignore those comments entirely, but these days it depends on my mood. If I’m not up for it, I won’t respond. But sometimes, if I’m having a rough day and someone’s pushing my buttons, I might clap back. There’s no rule that says you have to absorb every bit of negativity just because you’re out there creating.

Criticism can also lead to great conversations. Of course, I’ve made mistakes and posted things that turned out to be incorrect. When people correct me, I try to take it in stride, acknowledge the feedback, and understand why I put it out there in the first place. Overall, the constructive tips and genuine feedback I receive far outweigh the nonsense from people whose opinions don’t really matter.

Melodie: I totally agree with Nick, and I’d add that many of us in the community joke about the “scuba police.” When we post something, we know we’re reaching a wide audience: recreational divers, technical divers, CCR divers, explorers, and even equipment manufacturers—all with their own views on how things should be done. You can’t please everyone, but you can try to set a good example for what a responsible diver looks like.

As content creators or influencers, we do try to follow basic guidelines, knowing we’re putting a reference point out there. It’s tough to cater to everyone, but I find it fascinating to get feedback from a variety of perspectives. Sometimes the comments are harsh, sometimes informative, and other times just plain fun. It’s all part of the experience, and I think it’s worth engaging with.

I completely agree with that. When I started sidemount diving, I got a flood of unsolicited comments—sometimes from people I didn’t even know on Facebook—asking why my cylinder was positioned a certain way, why I set up my gear a particular way, or why my long hose was on one side, and so on. It wasn’t genuine curiosity; it felt more like they were gearing up to critique every detail. The sidemount community used to be particularly tough on this. Thankfully, things have softened a bit; but, in the early days, the backlash was intense—it was personal, with strangers diving into my posts to criticize. So I can only imagine how much more intense it must be for you, being so publicly exposed all the time. It takes a lot of resilience and strength to handle that, so kudos to you for managing it so well. 

Nick: Yeah, I think it’s like a beast we feed and fear at the same time. We all want to put out content that shows us at our best, looking as “correct” as possible. But as I often tell my students, a whole dive can’t look like an Instagram picture—you’re not going to be perfect every moment. You can and should strive for that but, especially when you’re learning something new or handling a challenging situation, it’s just not realistic.

Take sidemount, for example. I don’t know many people whose sidemount cylinders stay perfectly level all the time, especially when conditions get tough or require intense focus. On one hand, by posting polished photos or 10-second reels, we create this ideal of flawless diving. But in reality, there are so many moments in a dive where things don’t look that perfect.

My point is, we should be able to show a bit of imperfection without fear. But it’s easy for someone to glance at a photo or reel, take it out of context, and criticize what looks “off.” Unless you’re faking everything, you can’t escape that kind of scrutiny entirely.

Honestly, most of the people who leave these kinds of comments are the ones who dive very little but talk a lot. They have plenty of time to notice and nitpick which, in their own way, is how they engage with the community. Personally, I’d encourage them to spend more time diving than typing! Anyway, Nick, thanks for your thoughts. Now, moving on, my next question is for Devina. Let’s talk about the potential downsides of social media’s impact on diving. It’s not always positive, and this connects with what Nick was saying. Do you ever worry that, by sharing these beautiful scenes, we—meaning all of us, not just you specifically—might unintentionally encourage risky behavior or attract too many people to fragile ecosystems? Is there a line between inspiring others, like we talked about earlier, and exploiting these environments?

Devina: I’ll do my best to answer this. Yes, I think about it, especially because we have followers who look up to what we post. For example, when I first started diving with doubles, someone asked me, “What’s it like diving doubles?” I explained it, and then they asked if they could just borrow a friend’s doubles and start diving it right away. I encouraged them to get the proper training first, as it’s really important. But about a week later, I saw a post where they had tried out doubles without training, saying everything went fine. That’s when I realized that while we can inspire others, sometimes people may take shortcuts and dive into something risky without following proper guidelines.

Joanna: In terms of protecting our environment, I do worry. I mostly dive in mines or on wrecks, but seeing what happens in delicate ecosystems really concerns me. Just yesterday, I saw a post from Girls That Scuba about photographers and videographers handling octopuses—some were even throwing them to get a shot for Instagram or TikTok. It’s disturbing to think that, for the sake of views, some are willing to exploit marine life.

That’s really upsetting but, unfortunately, it’s all too common. I had a student who was a true friend of nature—a vegan who loves all animals. He’s also an underwater videographer who’s passionate about getting great shots, not even for social media. While he’d never throw an octopus, he would sometimes disturb it in its little hole to get a better angle, and it’s frustrating because there’s absolutely no need for that. We’re fortunate to be in the water often, so if we don’t catch a shot today, we’ll have plenty of chances. When it happens naturally, it’s not only better content but a richer experience. I think that’s what we should be promoting: capturing the beauty and editing out anything dull without artificially staging interactions with marine life.

Nick: You asked if social media or influencers might encourage people to take risks or act irresponsibly and, like Joanna mentioned, there’s no question that people sometimes do reckless things. There’s a meme I think of often: two middle-aged people holding guns, with the caption, “Fox News did to our parents what they feared rap music would do to us.” It’s funny but makes a point. People have always worried that media—whether it’s rap music or video games—will lead to harmful behavior or make people copycat what they see. Honestly, unless you’re going to ban or heavily curate all media, that’s just part of the landscape. For instance, I once posted a video with a decompression schedule, and someone commented that I should never post decompression schedules because people might try to copy them. But if someone wants that information, they’ll find it elsewhere. Sure, there are things in diving that shouldn’t be imitated by everyone, but that’s true for any specialized activity.

Actually, I think scuba diving on social media is one of the few areas where credibility tends to float to the top. The influencers with the most respect and following are generally those doing things responsibly rather than just chasing clicks. So, I’d respectfully say I disagree with the concern in your question.

Just for the record, that was a question, not a statement.

Melodie: Right, and I agree with my peers here in this video chat. In my experience, I feel a strong sense of responsibility for the content I put out, and I often avoid sharing too much of the behind-the-scenes. Here’s a quick example: a few years ago, I was planning a dive to 115 m/377 ft, and I posted some pre- and post-dive content on social media. Then, someone who was excited about getting into technical diving started asking very detailed questions—like specifics on gas mixtures and configurations. I had to tell him, “You really need formal training for this.” What I’m doing isn’t something to just mimic; it requires proper preparation and planning.

So, I feel responsible for managing the impact of what I share. These days, I focus on showing what I do without necessarily explaining every technical detail behind it. For example, Nick’s approach involves more in-depth instruction, which makes sense because that’s central to his content and audience. But in my case, I feel it’s a continuous effort to be mindful of what I put out there.

Nick: That’s what makes this so interesting—are we creating education or entertainment? Ideally, we want to encourage people to learn, and I think content is always more valuable when there’s something to be learned. But this isn’t a substitute for real training. In almost every episode where I do something technical or cave-related, I start with a disclaimer, like white text on a black screen saying, “Do not attempt to replicate; seek proper training.” At the end of the day, like Melodie said, we want to improve people’s understanding without giving them the impression they’re ready to try it themselves.

Social media has connected the diving world like never before. How do you use your platform to build a real community? Do you have any memorable interactions with followers or fans that made you realize the impact of what you’re sharing?

Joanna: I think the best example I can give is that I’m one of the co-founders of The Cavettes—a group of three female overhead divers. Our goal is to encourage more women, and really anyone interested, to explore technical diving, even in challenging conditions like cold, green, low-visibility water. We’re trying to show that while it’s not always “fun” in the traditional sense, it can still be incredibly rewarding.

Our content isn’t always “sexy”—no sun, no blue water—so it can be harder to engage people who only dive in warm, clear waters or who haven’t considered overhead diving. But we focus on showing the real, sometimes gritty side of technical diving, making it more relatable and accessible. Many women reach out to us, saying they’ve felt this area of diving is male-dominated, which can be discouraging. We aim to break that stereotype by sharing videos, photos, and stories that highlight both the struggles and the rewards.

One memorable moment for me was a couple of years ago. The Cavettes organized a trip to Belgium to dive in caves and mines, and we decided to host a small event with talks, a BBQ, and diving. We had such an incredible turnout with so many women coming just to meet us, chat, and dive together. Their positive feedback, telling us that they look up to us as role models, was really touching. That event made me realize that what we do truly matters, and it was beautiful.

Nick, let’s keep the positivity going. In your opinion, what’s the most epic dive spot out there? And on the flip side, is there a location you think is a bit overhyped? You’ve explored some stunning places, so I’d love to hear which one truly lives up to the hype and which one you feel might be overrated.

Nick: Staying positive while calling out an overrated dive site is tricky—it all depends on what you’re looking for! Personally, I’d say the Silfra continental divide in Iceland might be a bit overrated. The visibility is fantastic, but visibility alone feels like an odd reason to dive somewhere. The idea of “touching two continents” is also a bit misleading, as it’s more like diving between two mountain ranges separated by a lava field. The dive is relatively short, ending in a shallow sandbank lake, and then it’s over. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it—do it for your own reasons!

For places that live up to the hype, it really depends on what that “hype” means to you. For example, anyone who’s dived in cenotes would probably agree they’re magical—even better in person than in photos or video. But they’re also popular to the point of overcrowding, and sometimes the environment isn’t treated with the respect it deserves. So, cenotes are worth it, but they’re maybe a bit “over-loved.” 

A dive that truly blew me away, though, was in Italy’s Baia Marina Park near Naples, where you can dive to a 2,000-year-old Roman city. It’s literally my “Roman Empire” dive—I think about it daily! You’re diving over original Roman mosaic floors at just 3 m/10 ft deep with structures, roads, and walls preserved from an ancient village. It’s mind-blowing to see history like that underwater. But guys, I want to hear about everyone’s overhyped places!

Devina: I’d have to say Thailand was overhyped for me, though maybe it’s because I was a newer diver and nervous about everything. Looking back, I don’t understand the big deal—it felt just okay.

Joanna: Totally agree, Devina! I dived in Thailand, and I don’t ever want to go back. The visibility was terrible, and I actually found the wreck by bumping my head into it. Definitely not my cup of tea!

Melodie: This is a hard question for me because I genuinely enjoy every dive, anywhere. I’m the type of person who can spend an hour in one square meter, just observing corals! I don’t think I’d call any dive site overrated. My view is to encourage diving wherever you can, as long as you do it safely.

Let’s talk about the future of diving content. Social media is constantly evolving—what’s your vision for where diving content is headed? Do you think platforms like virtual reality or live-streaming underwater will change how people experience diving from afar?

Devina: I was actually thinking about this the other day! There’s already some VR content for diving, but I think we’re going to see even more immersive options, especially for technical diving sites. Imagine being able to virtually dive into actual locations that people have explored—it could make diving so much more accessible to those who might never get into technical diving themselves. As technology keeps advancing, there’s going to be more and more out there, and honestly, it’s exciting to imagine what’s coming next!

Nick: One thing I find pretty terrifying about the future of diving content is AI. I don’t want to sound like that person saying, “AI is ruining everything,” but honestly, it can be a bit unsettling. Sometimes I’ll see something incredible on social media, wonder where it was taken, and then realize a few seconds later [that] it’s not even real. For what we do, creating high-quality imagery underwater, especially in challenging environments, takes real effort. Now people can generate something similar in seconds with a quick prompt—that’s a bit scary. It’s not just a worry for diving content, but I think for us specifically, it’s tough to compete with AI when it can make things look so realistic. Sometimes I even wonder, “Are we going out of business? 

The one silver lining is that, so far, AI can’t seem to accurately recreate scuba divers. It can do underwater environments, but as soon as it tries to render a diver, the hoses and regulators end up a total mess. So maybe we’re safe for now, but if AI ever masters that, I’ll admit, I’d be a bit worried.

Diving can be an intensely solitary experience. Do you ever feel lonely in those isolated moments? Or is there something about diving alone that gives you a thrill?

Joanna: When it comes to being independent or self-reliant underwater, I believe that changes depending on the type of diving you’re doing. For recreational divers, relying on your buddy is the norm. But the moment you step into technical diving, you essentially become a solo diver—no question about it. In that realm, one dead diver is always better than two in cases involving multiple tanks or CCR setups; you have to be entirely self-sufficient underwater.

As for solo travel to dive destinations or projects, I’ve never been invited to a project where I had to be completely alone. I usually travel solo to get there, but there’s always a team of people on-site. I actually enjoy solo travel—it’s inspiring, relaxing, and a great way to meet new people along the way. When it comes to the dives themselves, though, technical diving really is solo diving. You’re focused on the project and, sure, you can hum to yourself underwater with no one to hear it! But, yes, in technical diving, you’re truly on your own. I hope that answers the question—I think the team here set it up better than I did!

Final question for everyone: Gear. As influencers, you get access to all kinds of equipment, sometimes sponsored, sometimes not. But what’s your absolute favorite piece of dive tech right now? 

Nick: This is a tough one to answer, mostly because I think everyone here probably has different brand affiliations and, to be honest, most well-known manufacturers today are producing quality gear if you take good care of it. For me, what I’m most excited about isn’t a specific brand but rather the advancements in action cameras. The low-light capabilities of action cameras have become phenomenal. I’ve been shooting with a particular one over the past year, and it’s amazing how much it can capture without bulky setups. It’s a game-changer for travel and dives where you want great content without lugging heavy equipment around, especially for social media.

Devina: This is definitely a hard one because there’s so much great gear out there. But for me, I recently started using heated undergarments and, let me tell you, it’s been life-changing. I dive in cold water, and I’m kicking myself for not trying it sooner! I’ve only been using it for about three months, but it’s made a massive difference in my comfort and focus during dives.

I totally get that! Anyone who dives in cold water can relate to how much of a difference heated gear makes. Let’s hear from Melodie. What piece of equipment do you admire most?

Melodie: For me, it really depends on the type of dive because different setups bring different favorites. I don’t have one specific item because, honestly, I appreciate everything I use and try to give equal love to my gear! But if I had to pick, I’d say my mask is something I’m incredibly loyal to. I’ve had the same one for years, and it’s the one piece I always take special care of. I can swap other gear, but my mask is my constant companion. It’s reliable, comfortable, and I can’t imagine diving without it.

That’s a great point, Melodie! People probably don’t expect to hear “mask” as a favorite, but it’s essential. 

Joanna: Great picks, everyone! I’d agree that heated gear is a game-changer but, for me, the real life-changers have been my drysuit and my CCR. These two pieces of gear have completely transformed my diving experience. With the drysuit, I can stay warm (well, mostly warm!) and dive comfortably, and the CCR allows me to dive longer and go deeper. Both have taken my diving to the next level.

And that’s a wrap! Today, we’ve uncovered the real story behind the “perfect” posts. From fudged timelines to the unglamorous grit of cold-water dives, and even the “scuba police” lurking in the comments, our guests have shown that being a dive influencer isn’t just picture-perfect reefs and effortless dives. It’s a game of passion and skill, and demands dealing with backlash, self-doubt, and the pressure to keep things “real.”

As tech advances with AI, VR, and immersive tools, this group isn’t just creating content—they’re crafting the future of how we experience the ocean from afar. Yet, they’re the first to remind us: no image can replace the authenticity of a dive, or the thrill and challenge that go along with it.

So, to Devina, Joanna, Melodie, and Nick—thank you for sharing the gritty realities and bold dreams that make up life underwater. Here’s to more dives, less Photoshop, and keeping the thrill of exploration alive, responsibly.

DIVE DEEPER

InDEPTH: THE TALKS #1: Cave Diving Nomads

InDEPTH: The TALKS #2: Leaders of the Pod

InDEPTH: The TALKS #3:  Diving Deep into Science

InDEPTH: The TALKS #4: The Art & Practice of Cave Photography

Devina Wijaya, M.A., PMP

GUE Diver, Halcyon Brand Ambassador & Community Builder

Devina Wijaya, known as @scubadev on social media, is a passionate GUE diver, Halcyon brand ambassador, and engaging content creator dedicated to inspiring the next generation of divers. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, Devina now calls the Pacific Northwest home, where she combines her love for the ocean with her professional expertise.

As an Operations Manager for the City of Seattle and a part-time contributor to Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) headquarters, Devina brings a unique blend of organizational skills and ocean advocacy to her work. A University of Washington graduate with a master’s degree in Communications, she excels in community building and storytelling, using humor and authenticity to make scuba diving accessible and fun.

Devina’s diving adventures span some of the world’s most breathtaking sites, where she has cultivated a vibrant network of ocean enthusiasts. With aspirations of cave diving, she continuously challenges herself while inspiring others to explore the underwater world. Through her content and personal connections, she fosters a welcoming and inclusive diving community.

Highlights:

GUE Diver: Actively promotes Global Underwater Explorers’ principles of safety, education, and conservation.

Halcyon Brand Ambassador: Represents excellence in diving equipment and inspires confidence in divers worldwide.

Content Creator: Shares humorous and accessible diving content on Instagram and TikTok, building a dynamic online community.

Professional & Educator: Combines her operations expertise with a passion for community engagement through her work with GUE and the City of Seattle.

Ocean Advocate: Dedicated to sharing the beauty and importance of the underwater world while fostering global connections among divers.

Links:

·Instagram: @scubadev

·TikTok: @scuba.dev

·Facebook: Scuba Devina

·LinkedIn: Devina Wijaya

·InDEPTH: Dive Into TikTok by Devina Wijaya

Joanna Wyrebek “Jojo”

Technical Diver, Ocean Advocate & Storyteller

Joanna Wyrebek, fondly known as “Jojo,” is a passionate technical diver and ocean advocate, renowned for her exploration of the chilly depths of the UK and beyond. Born in Poland and now based in the UK, Joanna began her diving journey in 2014 and has since specialized as a CCR Cave and Full Trimix Diver. Her primary focus lies in wreck and overhead diving, including the exploration of old, flooded mines scattered across the UK.

Joanna is a co-founder of The Cavettes, a pioneering women’s diving group dedicated to inspiring more women to experience the beauty and challenges of cold-water and overhead diving. Her commitment to marine conservation is evident in her active participation in initiatives like the Ghost Nets Malta project in 2023, which focused on removing abandoned fishing gear to protect marine life.

As a Brand Ambassador for Seacraft, Santi, DAN Europe, and Ammonite, JoJo represents excellence in diving gear and safety, using her platform to inspire and educate. She is also a gifted storyteller, sharing her diving adventures and showcasing the fun and accessible side of technical diving through social media and other outlets.

Highlights:

Technical Diving Expert: Specializing in CCR Cave and Full Trimix diving, with a focus on wrecks and overhead environments.

Women’s Diving Advocate: Co-founder of The Cavettes, promoting women’s participation in cold-water and technical diving.

Marine Conservationist: Actively involved in projects like Ghost Nets Malta, advocating for healthier oceans.

Brand Ambassador: Representing Seacraft, Santi, DAN Europe, and Ammonite.

Storyteller: Enthusiastically shares diving experiences to inspire a love for underwater exploration.

Links:

Facebook: Joanna Wyrebek

Instagram: @joannawyrebek

LinkedIn: Joanna Wyrebek

Linktree: Joanna Wyrebek Links

Melodie Treviño

Diver, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker & Marine Conservation Advocate

Melodie Treviño is a pioneering Mexican diver, entrepreneur, and ocean advocate who combines technical expertise with a passion for marine conservation. Based on the Caribbean Coast, she is a highly accomplished Trimix diver (450ft/137m), Cave, and Wreck diver with a remarkable track record in underwater exploration, including expeditions to Taam Ja, the world’s deepest Blue Hole, and the Xunaan Ha Expedition, supported by Rolex as part of The Planet Perpetual Initiative.

An MBA graduate and dive instructor, Melodie seamlessly merges her business acumen with her commitment to the ocean. She co-founded a company in Mexico that promotes regenerative tourism, emphasizing sustainable diving practices and the protection of marine protected areas.

As a key member of Saving Our Sharks, a foundation dedicated to shark and ray conservation in the Mexican Caribbean, Melodie is deeply involved in initiatives that address shark fishing, support ecosystem regeneration, and promote eco-conscious tourism that benefits local communities. A naturalist and adventurous athlete, she inspires others to push boundaries and discover the beauty of the underwater world.

Highlights:

·Underwater Explorer: Expertise in technical, cave, and wreck diving, with significant achievements such as the Taam Ja and Xunaan Ha expeditions.

·Entrepreneur & Educator: Co-founder of a regenerative tourism company in Mexico and advocate for sustainable diving practices.

·Marine Conservationist: Active member of Saving Our Sharks, addressing critical marine conservation challenges in the Mexican Caribbean.

·Ambassador Roles: Represents leading diving organizations and initiatives, including PADI, Divesoft, and Huish Outdoors.

Links:

PADI Ambassador: Melodie Treviño – PADI Ambassadiver

Divesoft Ambassador: Divesoft Gallery – DiveTalks

Huish Outdoors Ambassador: Huish Outdoors Ambassador

Rolex Expedition: Rolex – Perpetual Planet Initiative

Podcast: Apple Podcast – Diving into the Unknown in Mexico

Nick Derutter

Underwater Filmmaker, Educator, and Marine Conservation Advocate

Nick Derutter is a highly respected underwater filmmaker, educator, and marine conservation advocate with a passion for sharing the wonders of the underwater world. As a PADI Course Director (#282240), Tec Trimix Instructor Trainer, and DIVEHEART Adaptive SCUBA Instructor Trainer, Nick brings unparalleled expertise to the diving community.

He currently serves as Director of Training at the Bay Islands College of Diving in Utila, Honduras, where he shapes the next generation of diving professionals. His dedication to education and marine exploration extends to DiveSAGA, a platform he founded to deliver exceptional diving adventures and educational content through the DiveSAGA YouTube channel.

Nick is also the author of Career in SCUBA, a practical guide for aspiring dive professionals, empowering readers to navigate the diving industry with confidence. Through DiveSAGA, Nick aims to inspire a global community of divers to explore responsibly and protect marine ecosystems for future generations.

Highlights:

Founder of DiveSAGA: A YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing extraordinary diving adventures and promoting marine education.

Author: Career in SCUBA – A no-nonsense manual for dive professionals.

Director of Training: Bay Islands College of Diving, Utila, Honduras.

Conservation Advocate: Committed to fostering sustainable diving practices and marine conservation.

Links:

Website: www.divesaga.com

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@divesaga

Instagram: www.instagram.com/divesaga

Book: Career in SCUBA

Stratis Kas, a Greek-Italian professional diving instructor, photographer, film director, and author, has spent over a decade as an esteemed Advanced Cave instructor, leading expeditions to extreme locations worldwide. His impressive diving achievements have solidified his expertise in the field. In 2020, Kas published the influential book Close Calls, followed by his highly acclaimed second book, CAVE DIVING: Everything You Always Wanted to Know, released in 2023. Accessible on stratiskas.com, this comprehensive guide has become a go-to resource for cave diving enthusiasts. Kas’s directorial ventures include the documentary “Amphitrite” (2017), shortlisted for the Short to the Point Film Festival, and “Infinite Liquid” (2019), which explores Greece’s uncharted cave diving destinations and was selected for presentation at Tekdive USA. Kas’s expertise has led to invitations as a speaker at prestigious conferences including Eurotek UK, Tekdive Europe and USA, Tec Expo, and Euditek.  For more information about his work and publications, visit stratiskas.com.