Sophia Keating

The best way to describe me is as a child of the ocean. Since I was born, the ocean has played a very present role in my life, perhaps initially because of my parents. My father’s whole life has been lived at sea or beside the ocean, and my mum (although more city-based) has spent many years beneath the waves, working her way up to becoming a PADI-qualified Divemaster. In turn, I suppose it is only natural that I was a competitive swimmer for 6 years, and now at 17, the only place I feel truly at peace is in the water, whether that is surfing, which is now my biggest passion, or freediving, which I expect my love for to only grow. Since 10 years old, I have gained experience with marine mammals and seabirds out in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand, being put to work on boat trips with my dad’s tourism company. Now, with this Level 2 Marine Guide Qualification, I can finally say that I am officially a marine guide (not just a young boat hand who knows a few handy facts)!