Say hello to Eveline Verdier-Bollhalder, PADI Course Director, Rebreather Diver and member of the “Women Divers Hall of Fame”. Originally from Switzerland, Eveline is now co-owner of ScubaTech Grenada.
Full Name: Eveline VERDIER-BOLLHALDER
Age: 48
Live In: Grenada, W.I.
Working For: Co-owner of ScubaTech Grenada
Diver Qualifications: Instructor Trainer CO and CCR TDI, Course Director PADI
When and where did you start diving?
I started scuba diving in 1984 in the lakes of Switzerland (Lake of Zurich and Walensee), my home country.
Why did you start diving?
As an active swimmer and born next to a lake, I spent since my youngest childhood a lot of time in the water. One of my swim trainers was also an active scuba diver and he brought one day a tank with him. Once I tried it out I got addicted to it and didn’t stop my scuba diving training until I got my Divemaster certification.
What made you choose to become a dive professional? (if applicable)
The opportunity to work as a Divemaster in the Maldive Island was the first step toward becoming a dive professional. After six months there I decided to go for the Instructor certification and to stay in the diving business. The livestyle and the underwater nature got hold of me….
Which is your favorite dive site and why?
Let’s say one of my favorite places is the Cenotes in Mexico. It’s just so beautiful and a really special environment. There you can still do dives and you think you are the only person existing (with your dive buddy).
What has been the most memorable dive of your life and why?
The dive on a Submarine called Protee in South of France. We were the first divers to dive and to explore it. It was in the year 2000, the dive depth was 130m and we dove already on closed circuit rebreathers (Expedition Triade). A real challenge at the time and since then I am a member of the “Women Divers Hall of Fame” (deepest rebreather dive on a shipwreck).
If you would come back as a marine life form in your next life, what would that be?
An Eagle ray ! It majestic and for me it means freedom.
Who is your dream dive buddy?
Nobody special…. Just a dive buddy I can trust and feel comfortable with.
What dive locations are on your dream “bucket list” and why?
Micronesia and French Polynesia, especially for the marine life you can discover.
What is on your bedside table right now?
The thriller of John Grisham, “L’affaire Pelican”.
What is your favorite piece of diving equipment and why?
Still my rebreather, as I feel better integrated in the underwater world. No bubbles, more silent and I get closer to the marine life.
If you were to launch a campaign to raise awareness on a specific issue that affects divers, the oceans or marine life, what issue would you target and why?
The pollution of the oceans (plastic bags, chemicals, garbage). The people have to be aware that we are destroying it with the litter and our ‘civilized’ living.
Where will you be in 10 years and what will you be doing?
As I just got installed in Grenada, I think and hope that I will be still here managing the Divecenter and enjoying diving with the guests.
Learn more about Eveline and the services provided by ScubaTech Grenada at: http://www.scubatech-grenada.com/en/
