Ounass Talents - Diving

Diving has always held a deep fascination for me since childhood, yet it wasn't until I relocated to Dubai that I finally seized the opportunity to explore this passion. In this new environment, access to top-notch training and a thriving diving community made all the difference. The very first time I descended a few meters underwater, I was utterly captivated, and there was no turning back from that point onward.

Much like countless other divers, Captain Jacques Cousteau emerged as a true idol in my diving journey. He is revered as the progenitor of the SCUBA diving we know today, and his early expeditions continue to inspire underwater explorers worldwide. In addition to Cousteau, Sheck Exley, a trailblazer in cave diving, left an indelible impression on me, primarily due to his unwavering commitment to diving safety. The pioneering concepts he introduced to diving have not only enriched cave diving but have also become integral to open water diving practices.

The sheer sensation of weightlessness remains the most exhilarating aspect of diving. The feeling of effortlessly gliding through the water column without any vertical movement is an absolute delight, motivating me to train rigorously to achieve complete mastery of my underwater position.

A few years ago, during an expedition to explore a deep reef with a team of three divers, a momentous encounter took place. Despite less-than-ideal visibility and a subtle current, our attention was drawn to a shark inspecting us from a mere couple of meters away, just beyond the reef. In an instant, we pivoted to savor this remarkable sight. I will forever cherish the memory of that gentle creature drawing near to us, only to execute a graceful turn before disappearing into the boundless blue expanse.

I firmly believe that instilling good habits from the outset is far easier than rectifying bad ones later on. This mindset not only enhances safety beneath the waves but also adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the entire diving experience.