Kendi Brewley (17 yrs old) takes a giant stride into 60 feet of water.
Kendi Brewley, a very mild mannered 16 year old, looks out from the bow of the dive boat geared up and ready to make a giant stride into the water below. Kendi began in 2018 as a first time swimmer fearful of going beyond where his height would allow. Like many others due to his slender physique, athletic build and bone density he was required to exert more effort to master the skills of floating and treading in deep waters. “Those were by far my greatest challenges when learning to control my buoyancy”, he recalls.
During the summer of 2019 as recipients of a grant from UNITEBVI, Kendi along with a group of 12 teens were certified as PADI OPEN Water scuba divers. Kendi and others were able to overcome the anxiety of breathing underwater which is one faced by many new divers, but despite that young Mr Brewley pushed on to enjoy exploring the vibrant waters of the Virgin Islands.
Now certified and equipped to dive to depths of 60 feet, Kendi has been able to learn more about the marine environment it’s preservation and conservation. “It’s remarkable down there, SHARKS, turtles, sting rays, fish life, and they are right there among us!. We are able to collect trash that we find. The impact of our bad habits of throwing garbage into our seas can be seen at the depths of our oceans. We must do better to care for our sea life.”
Kendi is now a member of the Groupers Scuba Club which allows these new divers to explore sites like the Wreck of the RMS Rhone, Painted Walls, Craval Rock, Ginger Steps and others. Kendi is now this summer preparing to complete his PADI Advanced Open Water certifications which will allow him to dive up to 90 feet below. He will gain new skills in underwater navigation, wreck diving, fish identification, deep diving and peak performance buoyancy that will allow him to explore more dive sites in the BVi and around the world. By conquering his fears of the ocean, he is now able to share his experiences that can fascinate his family and friends.
Sea Turtle Aquatics, partners with Sail Caribbean Divers to offer PADI certification to youth and adults in the Virgin Islands. Please check out our scuba diving options.
