Underwater photography isn't a common hobby among people with disabilities. Javier (paraplegic, Valencia), our sales rep for the Levante area who suffered a spinal injury many years ago, has enjoyed this type of photography for many years now while doing diving adapted for people with disabilities. He takes advantage of being underwater to capture the perfect shot in the ocean. Twice the challenge, leaving his wheelchair on land to dive in and discover the secrets hidden under the sea.
Diving with reduced mobility: an experience that leaves disability on land.
"My passion for diving started when I found a diving mask half buried in the sand when I was little. I was very curious and wanted to discover what was hidden under the seabed, so I spent every summer of my childhood in the water," he tells us. Since then, diving became his way of life. When he left the hospital after the accident that left him paraplegic, Javier didn't hesitate to sign up for a diving course to learn how to dive with a disability. Later on, he got his photo equipment: a Nikonos V analogical camera. Ever since, weather permitting, he dons his wetsuit, grabbed his camera and flashes, and dives into the sea in search of the perfect shot.
The technique he has to use is difficult for a person with functional diversity. "I either swim or take photos, I can't do both things at the same time."
The technique he has to use is difficult for a person with functional diversity. "I either swim or take photos, I can't do both things at the same time." First, Javier looks for what he wants to shoot. When he finds it, he adjusts the buoyancy on his dive jacket, where he also stores his camera in a watertight case. Once he has finished his adjustments, he puts out the flashes and shoots, creating these amazing photos. "Your time underwater is limited, so you have to know what you want to capture before you start your dive and have your lenses ready."
In 2009, Javier became the first person in a wheelchair to win the Underwater Photography Championship in the Valencian Community.
Adapted diving is becoming increasingly popular, as there are more specialised courses and teachers, as well as new equipment to make it easier, such as boat lifts. Javier encourages everyone to try diving for the peaceful silence and feeling of weightlessness. However, he stresses that someone who is just starting out should be careful and not take a camera. "It's better to have done some dives before, know the basics and be familiar with the equipment. That way you'll have fun and get good results."
«It's better to have done some dives before, know the basics and be familiar with the equipment. That way you'll have fun and get good results.»
He normally dives in the Mediterranean Sea: along the Costa Brava, in the Levante area and in Murcia. But he has also had the opportunity to dive and capture the beauty of incredible spots in the Caribbean (Cozumel and Cuba), Indo-Pacific, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Maldives. Plus, he's also been to Sodwana Bay and Aliwal Shoal (South Africa), where "The reefs are perfect, and great places to take photos of sharks." More than a hobby, it's a way of life. "Travelling and meeting so many people are two very important things that underwater photography has given me."
Once you try it, you'll want to immortalise everything you see and share it with your friends. And, now that they're all the rage, you can even take a selfie!