Say hello to today’s featured diver, Indigo Bolandrini who in addition to being one of the worlds youngest Junior Master Scuba Divers is also passionate about ocean conservation and is really hoping her parents take the hint and get her a Suunto D6i for her birthday!
Full Name: Indigo Sky Harken Bolandrini
Age: 12
Live In: London , moving to Egypt
Working For: Helps in Orca Dive Club
Diver Qualifications: Junior master scuba diver, junior advanced open water diver, junior rescue diver, junior open water diver, EFR responder, navigation speciality , peak preformance buoyancy speciality, nitrox , night diver, dry suit diver
When and where did you start diving?
I started diving in Agust 2013 with a good friend of mine, we started with Orca dive club El Gouna, Egypt. My first ever dive was at Dolphin House, Red Sea Egypt.
Why did you start diving?
Since I was young I ways wanted to do scuba diving. I also am a kitesurfer since 2008, but I never really got round to starting my open water course so when my friend recommended it, I was on the hook. I love sports which are unusual , adventurous, dangerous and fun.
What made you choose to become a dive professional?
I am not a scuba professional yet.
Which is your favourite dive site and why?
Ooh hard one, but it has to be the wrecks of Abu Nuhas as I love feeling ‘pro’ in confined and over head environments. I also love the wrecks because they are so magnificent and to think they once sailed the sea is amazing. My favourite wreck is the Chrishoula K
What has been the most memorable dive of your life and why?
Has to be the dive at Siyul Kebir, which was back in January, we went for a rather normal dive which then turned into the most awesome one yet. A pack of dolphins around 5 greeted us on our way back to the boat, and it was my first time ever I had seen dolphins so close and near to me. I absolutely love dolphins, so this must be my one for now.
If you would come back as a marine life form in your next life, what would that be?
Right now I am obsessed with sharks ( I don’t know why ) so I would come back as either a Silver Tip shark, or Hammerhead.
Who is your dream dive buddy?
I don’t actually have one in my mind, I’m not over any celebs right now.
What dive locations are on your dream “bucket list” and why?
One I know is the Silfra Crack in Iceland, I would love to dive the frigid waters of it. It is said to have the clearest water on earth with over 80 metres of visibility. Not only that but the geographical reasoning is pretty cool as it is the gap between 2 continental plates! How cool would it be to dive that one eh?
What is on your bedside table right now?
My divelog, my encyclopedia of recreational diving, PADI folder, a few dive magazines and my certification cards, oh and a glass of water.
What is your favourite piece of diving equipment and why?
Well I don’t have it now, but I wil be my Suunto d6i if I manage to convince my parents for my birthday soon… I love all my equipment however the most important to complete my gear is the dive watch and im so in love with this dive watch, it’s just perfect!! The dive watch is also a crucial bit of equipment without it you can’t really dive. However I do also have a soft spot for my Neptune full face mask , it’s awesome!
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?
I am a huge animal lover, so therefore I would raise awareness for the endangerment of marine animals in peril, such as sharks being captured for shark fin soup. I would also raise awareness for stone debris, pretty much like Project AWARE. I would want to do this because it’s not right what we are doing to this planet, and animals also have a life and a beating heart, so to see and hear about this just makes me so angry. I want to help marine life and their homes.
Where will you be in 10 years and what will you be doing?
I’ve Always wanted to do something with animals, and now I’m a scuba frantic, a marine biologist does not seem like A bad idea? I also like biology so for a few years this job would include both of my pleasures
Perefctttttt!
